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Q: Describe what you do at Moore & Van Allen
A: I am a former prosecutor for the Manhattan DA’s office and currently represent individuals and corporations under investigation by or facing charges from criminal and other governmental enforcement authorities, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and State Attorney General Offices. I have represented clients in a wide range of criminal and enforcement matters, including tax fraud, False Claims Act violations, healthcare fraud, public corruption, environmental matters, and more.
I also conduct internal investigations for various organizations, including banks, private and public universities and schools, and medical providers, for example. I have investigated a variety of sensitive issues, including Title IX, financial fraud, and labor and employment concerns.
Q: Can you share any memorable experiences or cases that have shaped your career path?
A: I spent my final days as a prosecutor trying a violent assault case. The victim was repeatedly stomped in the face with steel toed boots while her 8-year-old son watched; she was left blind in one eye. The entire trial (motions, jury selection, and all) was supposed to take 3 days. This trial went on for 3 weeks, due to unexpectedly complicated motions, as well as a trying judge who refused to address me—the first chair prosecutor—and instead spoke only to my junior male second chair. I was simultaneously trying to navigate new motherhood at the time, as my oldest daughter was 1 year old. Between trial, preparing for the next day, and taking care of my daughter, I probably slept a total of 15 hours during those three weeks. But despite the adversities, I
loved it. I realized I thrived on the pressure, and the defendant was ultimately convicted by the jury of the assault. Although I left the DA’s Office the day after that trial ended, I knew I had to continue my passion in court advocacy. Now, as a criminal defense attorney, I continue to apply those skills in representation of individuals and corporations facing criminal charges. I also handle court appointed federal criminal matters through the Criminal Justice Act Panel, representing individuals who cannot afford their own attorneys. Through this work, I am in court regularly. In fact, I will be going to trial in September. Wish me luck!
Q: How does collaboration play a role at your work you do at the law firm?
A: We work almost every matter as a team, and every team member is just as valuable as the next. We are better together.
Q: Balancing a demanding legal career with personal life can be challenging. How do you manage to maintain a healthy work-life balance?
A: It’s hard to find time to prioritize yourself, but nothing is more important than your health, both physical and mental. I do my best to exercise 3-4 times per week before work and before the kids awake. Yoga, running outside, and Orange Theory are my favorites. I also strive to block my calendar between 5pm-8pm, as those are precious hours I spend with my two daughters, Jiya (6) and Kaavya (2), when they come home from school. This means I frequently work several hours once they are asleep, but I’m happy I get to be present with them every day.
Q: Can you share with us a family tradition that is near and dear to your heart?
A: My oldest daughter and I do “thorn, bud, rose” every night before bed. We tell each other one “thorn” (something we wish had gone differently), one “bud” (something we hope will happen tomorrow), and one “rose” (something from the day we loved). It doesn’t take long, but it helps us learn about and talk to each other, and the “rose” puts her to sleep with a smile on her face.
Q: What motivates you to get up in the morning?
A: Breakfast.
Q: What’s your favorite movie or tv show and why?
A: Back to the Future. I am a time travel geek. The other day, I styled my youngest daughter’s hair in the shape of the flux capacitor. #IYKYK
Q: Why is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion important to you?
A: Feeling excluded is such a lonely feeling. It’s like everyone is in on a secret that no one will share with you. And to feel excluded for who you are and where you come from, that’s heartbreaking. Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and recognized. Everyone deserves to be treated equitably. I joined MVA last year because I saw the concrete steps the firm was taking to increase diversity, and I wanted to be a part of that. I’ve been excluded many times in my past, but I’m happy to feel fully supported and heard by MVA, and I’ll continue to support DEI efforts across the board.
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