Women in Law 2025

2025

PAYAL KESHVANI PARTNER Taft

P ayal is a distinguished business lawyer who guides clients through every stage of their corporate journey, from inception to exit. Her practice spans corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, minority investments, secured financing, and debt and equity issuances. Known for her ability to navigate highly complex transactions, Payal has built lasting relationships with clients who trust her to deliver clarity and confidence in challenging deals. Her experience includes representing sellers in the sale of an HVAC repair business to a strategic purchaser, leading a leveraged buyout of a U.S. vacuum manufacturer and its global subsidiaries, and negotiating financing for acquisitions. She has also advised on private equity recapitalizations and add-on acquisitions, including a cupcake manufacturer featured on Shark Tank. Payal’s commitment extends beyond closing deals. She remains a trusted advisor, providing counsel on post-acquisition integration, supply chain management, commercial contracting, employment, and staffing changes. Within her firm, she plays a pivotal role in hiring

decisions, policy development, and supporting senior leadership. A champion of female leadership in law, Payal mentors associates to take ownership of complex tasks and provides consistent feedback to help them grow professionally. She co-chairs Taft’s firmwide Gender Advancement Committee, spearheading initiatives such as a 16-week gender-neutral parental leave, CorporateCARE Solutions for backup care, and MilkStork for breast milk shipping. She also founded and co-chaired the Chicago Women of Taft group. Payal is a sought-after speaker, having recently presented at the Association of Corporate Counsel Chicago Summit and the Chicago Dealmakers M&A Conference. She has earned her numerous accolades, including Law Bulletin’s “40 Under 40 to Watch,” Crain’s Chicago Business “Notable Women in Law,” Illinois Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” for M&A, and Best Lawyers in America for Corporate Law. Beyond her legal practice, Payal contributed to the formation of the Chicago Architecture Biennial and continues to serve as its outside counsel and secretary.

WOMEN IN LAW 2025