Harris Beach PLLC, ranked as one of the country’s largest law firms by The National Law Journal, has elected Rajat R. Shah as partner. Rajat is an accomplished general counsel and corporate executive with experience in corporate development, business development and governmental and public affairs.
Rajat most recently served as CEO and founder of a multi-state corporation that helped manage celebrity-branded restaurants and retail operations and advised the gaming industry on operational improvements and acquisitions. Prior to that, Rajat served in the Office of the CEO at Delaware North Companies, an international gaming and hospitality conglomerate operating on four continents. During his tenure, Rajat helped materially increase Delaware North revenue through both organic and inorganic growth.
Prior to Delaware North, Rajat served as general counsel and senior vice president of corporate development at Seneca Gaming Corporation, which has grown from a single temporary casino to three resort casinos in New York, located in Niagara Falls, Buffalo and Salamanca.
“Rajat’s background and experience are a perfect fit for Harris Beach as we continue our growth in New York state and nationwide,” said Christopher Jagel, chief executive officer, Harris Beach PLLC. “He comes with extensive experience not just as an attorney, but in corporate strategy and development, mergers and acquisitions, governmental and public affairs, and many other aspects of operating a large-scale organization. His broad-based background will be invaluable for clients, especially those in the corporate world.”
“We are so pleased to welcome Rajat as our new partner,” said Robert Murray, managing partner, Buffalo office. “Through his knowledge, background and broad-based connections, he will help guide our clients toward success.”
At Harris Beach, Rajat will be part of the firm’s public finance and economic development, commercial real estate, corporate law and racing and gaming teams. Rajat will serve clients across New York and the nation from the firm’s Buffalo office.
About Harris Beach
Founded in 1856, Harris Beach and its subsidiaries provide a full range of legal and professional services for clients across New York state, as well as nationally and internationally. Harris Beach is among the country’s top law firms as ranked by The National Law Journal and ranked as a BTI Elite law firm based on in-depth interviews of more than 600 corporate counsel at the world’s largest and most influential companies. Clients include Fortune 100 corporations, privately-held companies, emerging businesses, public sector entities, not-for-profit organizations and individuals. Principal industries Harris Beach represents include education, energy, financial, food and beverage, health care, insurance, manufacturing, medical and life sciences, real estate developers, science and technology, veterinary medicine, and state and local governments and authorities. The firm’s more than 200 lawyers practice among offices throughout New York state in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, New York City, Rochester, Saratoga Springs, Syracuse, Melville, Uniondale and White Plains, as well as in New Haven, Connecticut and Newark, New Jersey.