Rajat R. Shah, Business Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and M&A
ShareholderatGreenberg Traurig Llp
Washington, DC
Practicing business in Washington since 1997.
- 29+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
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Quick answer
Rajat R. Shah is a shareholder based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. Rajat has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig Llp.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 29 years
- Known for
- Business · General · M&A
- Handles Business, General, and M&A matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Rajat R. Shah: Rajat R. Shah is a shareholder based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. Rajat has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig Llp.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Rajat takes on
Rajat concentrates on business, general, and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Rajat handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Rajat takes business matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Rajat agrees to represent you.
General cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Rajat takes general matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Rajat agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Rajat takes m&a matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Rajat agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Rajat R. Shah — business lawyer in Washington
Rajat R. Shah is a shareholder based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. Rajat has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig Llp.
Rajat Shah brings more than 25 years of broad legal and business leadership experience, providing strategic counsel to clients across industries with particular emphasis on gaming and hospitality matters. He advises on a variety of corporate matters including bond offerings, mergers & acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and securities compliance, helping clients navigate critical financial and legal challenges in regulated environments.
Rajat has also founded and led a multistate hospitality startup, raising $20 million in equity through a Series A round and other contributions. As CEO of his own company, he managed celebrity-branded restaurant and retail operations in the Southeast and on tribal-owned properties, while also advising clients on operational improvements and acquisitions in the gaming and hospitality industries.
Rajat has held key executive roles, including executive vice president, general counsel, chief compliance officer, and head of corporate development at Delaware North Companies, a global gaming and hospitality conglomerate operating on four continents. He also served as senior vice president of corporate development and general counsel at Seneca Gaming Corporation. In these roles, Rajat played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth through acquisitions, operational improvements, and development projects.
Rajat has negotiated terms for billions in domestic and international bond offerings and credit facilities, negotiated domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, advised public companies pre- and post-Chapter 11, counseled public companies on corporate governance and legal and regulatory compliance. His corporate practice also often extends into governmental affairs and real estate.
Concentrations
• Gaming hospitality
• M&A finance focused on the gaming and hospitality industries
Experience
Representative Matters
• Counseled an online sports betting company with global operations in its $625 million initial public offering (through a de-SPAC) and listing on NASDAQ to facilitate its expansion into U.S. markets.°
• Represented renewable battery company in a $100 million C round equity raise.°
• Advised a technology provider in the mining industry in a $3 million Series A round equity raise.°
• Represented national commercial real estate developer in buy-out of co-founder, including multilayered financing with traditional and non-traditional debt financing.°
• Advised national commercial real estate developer in acquiring a portfolio of multifamily and commercial properties in the state of New York, including preferred and New York Green Bank equity and sale of investment tax and historic tax credits.°
• Advised global private equity firm on numerous private and public company acquisition matters.°
• Counseled municipal solid waste recycling facility developer and operator for a development project on tribal land.°
• Represented Belgium based international grocer in acquisition of a grocery store chain in Thailand.°
Advised Suffolk Regional Off Track Betting Corporation in the acquisition of Jakes 58 Casino Hotel and $342.6 million tax-exempt muni-bond offering.°
• Advised Western Regional Off Track Betting Corporation in its hotel acquisition and $30 million tax-exempt muni-bond offering.°
• Negotiated slot placement agreements for global slot manufacturer throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Argentina.°
• Advised Native American casino resort operator in $80 million credit facility and $200 million bond offering.°
• Represented Native American Nation in $160 million tax exempt-bond offering.°
• Represented international casino operator and developer in casino development opportunities in Panama City, Panama; Biloxi, Mississippi; Catskills, New York; and with the First Nations in Canada.°
• Advised national special servicer in CMBS assets in multibillion Chapter 11 restructuring.°
• Represented joint venture partners in submitting their (i) response to the New York Gaming Facility Board’s Request for Applications to solicit a proposal for a downstate casino license in the state of New York and (ii) licensing applications to the New York State Gaming Commission in connection therewith.°
°The above representations were handled by Mr. Shah Name prior to his joining Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
In-House Experience
• Delaware North Companies, 2011-2016
- EVP, member of the Office of CEO
- SVP, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Corporate Secretary and External Affairs
- VP, Corporate Development and External Affairs
• The Seneca Gaming Corporation, 2005-2009
- SVP, Corporate Development and General Counsel
- SVP, Corporate Development and Deputy General Counsel
Previous Experience
• CEO, Phoenix Hospitality + Entertainment, 2016-2019
• CEO & President, SMS Advisory Services, LLC, 2009-2011
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
• Listed, City & State, “Who’s Who,” Casinos & Sports Betting, 2024
• Listed, Buffalo Business First, Legal Elite of Western New York, 2020
• Listed, Buffalo Business First, 40 Under 40
Professional & Community Involvement
• Mentor to Startup Companies, 43North
• Board Member, Endeavor.org
• Eagle Scout of America
How Rajat handles business matters
Rajat Shah brings more than 25 years of broad legal and business leadership experience, providing strategic counsel to clients across industries with particular emphasis on gaming and hospitality matters. He advises on a variety of corporate matters including bond offerings, mergers & acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and securities compliance, helping clients navigate critical financial and…
Who Rajat represents
Rajat reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and m&a matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Vanderbilt University School of Law
J.D. Member · 1996
Gettysburg College
B.A. · 1993
Jurisdictions
Rajat's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1998 · ACTIVE
New York
1997 · ACTIVE
Rajat studied at J.D. Member in Vanderbilt University School of Law and B.A. in Gettysburg College.
Law school and academic background
Rajat completed J.D. Member in Vanderbilt University School of Law and B.A. in Gettysburg College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Rajat runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Rajat R. Shah's office in Washington
Rajat's primary office is at 2101 L Street, N.W., Suite 1000, Washington, DC, 20037. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Greenberg Traurig Llp
2101 L Street, N.W., Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20037
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Client reviews of Rajat R. Shah
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Rajat R. Shah — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Rajat usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Rajat charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Rajat's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Rajat will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Rajat
Rajat discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Rajat confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Rajat's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Rajat R. Shah
How much does it cost to hire Rajat for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Rajat walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Rajat offer a free consultation?
Rajat charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Rajat's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Rajat's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Rajat gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Rajat take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Rajat is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Rajat will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Rajat?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Rajat will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Rajat accepting new business clients right now?
Rajat's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Rajat handles business matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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