Forging Success and Community in Law with Shefali Lakhani

This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Shefali Lakhani. The two talk about the challenges and rewards of starting a law firm from scratch, the importance of building genuine relationships in business, and how Shefali is growing Lakhani Legal, a Brooklyn-based practice focused on business and IP law, by offering a comprehensive suite of services for small businesses and startups. In this episode, we discuss: How Shefali's path into firm ownership started with a traditional law firm career, but shifted after time in fintech and legal tech made it clear she wanted entrepreneurship, flexibility, and ownership of her work. What it looked like to start from scratch in New York with no clients, rebuild a network, and grow a firm by putting herself out there and talking to as many people as possible. Why adding IP to her business law practice felt like a natural fit, especially for the small businesses and startups she serves that eventually need help protecting their brand assets and intellectual property. How relationship-based business has fueled her growth—meeting attorneys, service providers, women founders, and clients without expecting anything in return, just building trust and value over time. Why Women Owned Law stands out to her because the events are more than just coffee or drinks—they include art galleries, volunteer work, and shared experiences that make networking feel genuinely fun and meaningful. Shefali Lakhani is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Lakhani Legal PLLC, a boutique business and intellectual property law firm dedicated to helping small and mid-sized businesses grow, scale, and prepare for successful exits. With a strong background in corporate, transactional, and IP law, Shefali partners with her clients to build and strengthen the legal foundation they need to thrive in competitive industries. At Lakhani Legal, Shefali advises businesses through key phases of growth and transition. As companies evolve, she provides guidance on contract drafting and negotiation, protecting intellectual property through trademark and copyright registration, and ensuring compliance in day-to-day operations. She also counsels business owners through critical milestones such as strategic partnerships, operational scaling, corporate structuring, and preparing for investment or expansion. When the time comes to transition, Shefali has experience guiding clients through mergers, acquisitions, and business sales, ensuring that their hard work translates into successful outcomes. Shefali brings not only legal expertise but also an entrepreneurial mindset. Coming from a family of business owners herself, she understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities entrepreneurs face. Her approach is practical, strategic, and tailored to each client's goals, whether they are growing a brand, scaling a company, or positioning for exit. Website: https://lakhanilegal.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shefali-lakhani/