Taft is proud to announce that partners Elizabeth Babbitt, Payal Keshvani, and Kate Tragesser have been named to Crain’s Chicago Business’ 2022 list of Notable Women in Law. The honorees are recognized for showing the ability or power to effect change in their role and/or area of practice, serving as role models or mentors to other female attorneys, and holding leadership positions in professional organizations and community service initiatives. Read Babbitt, Keshvani, and Tragesser’s profiles here (subscription required).

Babbitt represents municipalities, corporations, and public utilities in complex litigation. She regularly advises clients in matters prior to the filing of a lawsuit and manages cases through trial and appeals. Babbitt also advises businesses regarding employment discrimination, unfair business practices, trade secrets, restrictive employment covenants, and civil rights violations. In addition, she is a member of Taft’s Executive Committee and Associate Advancement and Recruitment Committee and leads Taft Chicago’s women’s affinity group. 

Keshvani represents business clients in a wide variety of areas, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, regulatory matters, and debt and equity issuances. In addition to these matters, she provides pro bono services to the Chicago Architecture Biennial and acts as its Secretary and Outside Counsel. Keshvani serves on the board for Alternatives, Inc., an inclusive, multi-cultural youth development organization that provides a safe space through restorative justice and behavioral health services for thousands of Chicago’s young people and their families.

Tragesser concentrates her practice on government procurement, government relations, land use and tax increment financing. She handles all aspects of the MBE/WBE/DBE/VBE certification. Tragesser helps her clients assess certification eligibility and provides strategic advice regarding best corporate practices. She also works on behalf of developers and corporations on land use and zoning matters before the Chicago City Council, the Chicago Plan Commission, and the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals. Tragesser leads Taft’s Women, Minority and Veteran-Owned Businesses practice.