Shahrzad Kojouri is an experienced legal and compliance professional and tech founder whose various roles have given her experience across financial services, insurtech, and the non-profit world. An ambitious and multifaceted attorney who thrives in environments that require keeping multiple balls in the air at one time, Shaz has been an active Lawtrader for four years.

Tell us a bit about your professional background.

‍I've been in-house or providing some kind of legal advisory for over 15 years. I entered law during the financial crisis in 2009 and cut my teeth in regulatory and compliance in financial services at an early stage company (trial by fire if you will). In the following years I've used those skills to work at a variety of companies and industries, including almost 2 years pro-bono in Cambodia putting my skills to use towards systemic change in the fight against trafficking. All these experiences have made me a solid generalist with a penchant for jumping in the deep end to help solve real problems and build things.

Why did you decide to pivot away from a more traditional legal practice?

‍I was head of legal at an early stage start-up and I left to build my own start-up. It was an app called Villy to help parents get childcare using their networks. Finding Lawtrades gave me the ability to leave my full-time job and fund both my life and Villy as I built it. Villy 1.0 didn't work, but I'm tinkering with Villy 2.0. And Lawtrades helps me continue my founder journey, by doing the thing I love as a lawyer supporting other companies.

When did you first learn about Lawtrades and what prompted you to join the platform?

‍A fellow lawyer friend told me about Lawtrades and connected me with Ashish when I told her I was thinking of leaving FT work. I messaged him and he was super helpful explaining the process and offerings. I was still working, but I still remember the comfort it gave me to leave the security of my job when he said "just let me know when you're ready, we've got work when you're ready." I joined shortly after that first intro and haven't looked back since May 2021. Fun moment was a few years into working through Lawtrades and I ended up actually working with that very same lawyer friend who'd recommended Lawtrades to me. I was able to support her and her company for over a year and work with a friend. Such a full circle moment.

What's your favorite aspect of Lawtrades?

The platform makes everything SO easy. It's easy to find and apply to opportunities. The whole process is transparent. I can track when applications are being reviewed, if I was selected for an interview, scheduling the interviews. Inputting my hours and tracking when I'm getting paid is super easy too.

What advice would you have for others that are looking to utilize Lawtrades successfully?

‍Throw your hat in the ring for any opportunity you find interesting. The process is too easy not to. And when you're working an engagement be a partner. You're not really outside counsel. Act like and think like you're part of the team, it'll show in the work.

How do you establish strong, long-term relationships with clients?

‍When I join I try to observe the rhythm of the team and join that flow. I'm not helpful if I need folks to break what their flow to work with me. I also don't treat the role passively. I touch base with the GC, or whoever I'm supporting, to see how they're doing and if I can help on anything in particular. If I see an area for improvement or concern I bring it up (as a partner) with whoever I'm supporting along with solutions I can provide. The clients chose to engage Lawtrades and chose to work with me, so that means they're aware they need some kind of help. I've always gone in with the mindset to help and partner with whoever brought me in. You can ask anyone I've supported and they can confirm hearing me say "put me in the game, coach" at least once. That has built a lot of strong long-term relationships. Some turned into clients, having me come back for repeat engagements. And some have even turned into friendships that have lasted after our work engagements have ended.