Shreya Patel - MW photo(1) - Shreya Patel

Shreya Patel, Esq.

Associate at McGuireWoods LLP

Alma Mater: American University, Washington College of Law

Shreya is an associate in the Government Investigations and White Collar Litigation Group at McGuireWoods LLP. Shreya focuses her practice on representing corporate and individual clients in connection with government and congressional investigations, internal investigations, civil and criminal litigation, and white-collar criminal defense. Prior to joining McGuireWoods, Shreya clerked at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County. She also worked at a boutique criminal defense firm in Washington, D.C. Shreya received her J.D. from American University Washington College of Law, where she was the student commencement speaker for her graduating class. She received her B.S., cum laude, in political science with a minor in Spanish from Georgia State University.

Get to Know Shreya

My phone always eats first. Follow me on Instagram @oui.hangry!

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your 21-year old self? You are exceptional. It wasn’t too long ago that I was able let go of the imposter syndrome and believe that I belong and I am exceptional. From college to very recently, I always thought I was just lucky to have been given opportunities and get to where I am today. I never thought it was because I was capable or worthy even though I put in hard work. I constantly self-doubted myself and questioned whether I was really deserving of the opportunities and accolades. I have a wonderful mentor that has helped me realize that I belong, that I am capable, and that I am exceptional.

One of my most magical moments with my favorite animal.

Excluding legal/academic accomplishments, what is your proudest achievement? I was on America’s Got Talent in 2010. Prior to law school, I was part of Kruti Dance Academy, a premier Indian dance academy in Atlanta, GA. There was a team of us and we decided to try out for the show for fun. We ended up going to the Orlando and Las Vegas audition but didn’t make it past that. Then, a few months later, once the season started airing, Pierce Morgan wanted to bring us back for the Wild Card show. So, we flew to Los Angeles and performed on live TV.

I interned in Cameroon during my 1L summer and spent my weekends with these beautiful faces.

List one show you “binge-watched” recently and what was it about the show that captivated your attention? The Man in the High Castle. This show is a dystopian alternate history series that depicts a parallel universe where the Axis powers of Nazi Germany and the Empire of Japan rule the world after their victory in World War II. The United States is divided between Germany and Japan. It is an interesting take on what could have happened.

If you weren’t in your current position, what would be your “dream job”? My dream job would be an astronaut. I love all things space. It amazes me how much unknown there is and how small we are compared to what’s out there. If you have seen the movie Interstellar, I would have no hesitation in taking that one-way ticket into space to discover new worlds!