Experience
Sunny, born in New Delhi and raised in New York, discovered his passion for policy and advocacy early in life, which led him to Washington, DC in pursuit of his undergraduate degree in Business, Economics, and Public Policy at George Washington University. That reverence evolved into practice while Sunny studied law in Boston, MA at Suffolk University. Following the convocation of his Juris Doctorate in 2008, Sunny served as a judicial clerk in the High Court of Gujarat, as well as the Supreme Court of India. Keeping a close eye on the impending housing crisis at home, Sunny returned to the States to advocate for families during the economic recovery. He focused his practice on statutory and precedent-based policy, which led to the imposition of good-faith requirements on financial institutions.
In a decisive pivot to his legal career, Sunny joined a business-focused law firm, where he excelled in procuring and managing clients with real property transactions, syndication, and private lending. He also led the tax lien investment team through his due diligence and legal strategies via foreclosure and quiet-title litigation. Sunny elevated his experience by joining the Manhattan offices of Morici & Morici LLP, where he represented several sophisticated clientele, including the Rockefeller Group, Carlyle Group, and Ralph Lauren, among others at various economic levels. He managed and closed multi-million dollar residential and commercial transactions for developers and high-net-worth venture capitalists, in addition to advising on mergers and leveraged buyouts and executing commercial leasing and other business ventures.
With a lifelong appreciation for the beauty of the West and a desire to prioritize a higher quality of life, Sunny and his wife decided to move to her hometown of Portland in 2018. He thereafter joined one of Oregon’s first law firms, McEwen Gisvold LLP, working in the Real Estate, Transactional, and Corporate Groups. He advised individual and institutional clients on a broad scope of matters including complex commercial financing, due diligence, leasing, corporate governance, and strategic counsel. Sunny possesses a deep enthusiasm for individuals, cultural diversity, and fostering a sense of community.
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Your Business Partner + Legal Counselor
Founder
Sunny S. Kakwani, Esq.
I come from a powerful bicoastal and international entrepreneurial and institutional background. I am a fully attentive leader that builds upon empathic collaboration to effectively solve problems and interact with functional stakeholders. My reputation as a successful business implementer has been seasoned through my various roles at law practices, nonprofits, and other corporate ventures. I am someone that brings diversity, both in background and thinking, to any organization and I am focused on collaborating with a team that values same. My passion for culture and inclusion has led me to become a founding member and to currently serve as Treasurer on the non-profit board of the South Asian Bar Association (SABA) - Oregon chapter.
I have advised individual and institutional clients in a broad scope of matters including risk management, due diligence, public policy, ethics, dispute resolution, complex commercial financing, leasing, corporate governance, and strategic counsel. I have extensive background in social entrepreneurship, corporate transactions, policies, training, intellectual property, as well as transactional contracts, investments, syndication, financing, and litigation. My specific responsibilities as the department head of hard money loans, 1031 like-kind exchanges, and municipal tax lien investments and enforcement has offered me significant exposure to alternative financing and risk mitigation. I recently represented national corporations, lenders, and life companies in documenting, negotiating, and managing transactions including construction, bridge, and term loans, secured by industrial, retail, agriculture, hospitality, and multifamily properties and ground leases.
Practicing in progressive areas requires passion and a pioneering spirit. Living, studying, and working in a variety of cities and countries has helped to foster my genuine passion for community. My various professional experiences contribute to thoroughly understanding dynamic interests. I am admitted to practice in Oregon, New York, and New Jersey state and federal courts. I earned a Juris Doctor degree with a concentration in Intellectual Property from Suffolk University Law School, Boston, MA, and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Business, Economics, and Public Policy, in addition to a minor in Psychology, from The George Washington University, Washington, DC.
Education
Suffolk University Law School: Boston, MA
Juris Doctorate, 2008
The George Washington University: Washington, DC
BBA: Business, Economics & Public Policy, 2004
Bar Admissions
Oregon State Courts
New York State Appellate Division, 2nd Dept.
U.S. Federal District Court, Eastern & Southern Districts of New York
New Jersey State Supreme Court
U.S. Federal District Court of New Jersey
District of Columbia, Court of Appeals (inactive status)
LAW ClERK
JC Stiassni, JD, MBA
JC also discovered his passion for policy and advocacy early in life. In High School, JC worked on political campaigns and learned the importance of community engagement and empowerment. JC studied History at George Washington University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with Departmental Honors. Additionally, during his time in DC JC had the good fortune to learn more about public policy through internships on Capitol Hill, management consulting for government agencies and in the White House (Obama administration). So, JC uses this background to seek to understand today’s regulatory environment.
Inspired by his time in DC, JC sought to apply his learnings in public service. JC had the great privilege of being a 4th Grade Teacher with the Teach for America program. In this role, JC designed rigorous and engaging curriculum, thoughtfully instructed and evaluated student work, maintained relationships with families, and ensured that 60 students received the highest quality experience every day. Additionally, JC planned, secured funds and led a field trip for 60 students to visit The Ohio State University, tour the Ohio Capitol and meet state representatives. To this day, JC strives to serve and help others navigate the challenges of life.
After 10 years working in the public sector, JC gained experience in business. As a Commercial Real Estate Agent, JC led marketing efforts, prospect showings, contract negotiations and leasing on behalf of commercial real estate owners and developers. Also, JC represented retailers on a national level, helping them to open new stores in different markets. Additionally, JC built a portfolio of rental properties, single family, multi-family and short-term rental properties. So, JC knows the challenges and opportunities in the Real Estate field and can provide advice that seeks to integrate real estate with broader legal goals.Seeing the opportunity to unite his backgrounds in public policy and business, JC pursued a JD/MBA dual degree. Through this program, JC has had the opportunity to learn from leading minds in both the legal and business fields. He demonstrated his continued efforts of achievement by obtaining Dean’s List honors in both Business and Law Schools. Additionally, JC gained further exposure to different business sectors by completing internships in the logistics, corporate accounting, and financial advisory fields. Finally, JC began working as a Law Clerk for As Your Counsel. JC has enjoyed supporting clients and helping the firm to continuously improve its operations.Taken together, JC’s goal is to use the above experiences to add value for As Your Counsel’s clients. As a Law Clerk, JC aims to work with clients and serve as their teammate. When you work with JC, you have access to a unique set of skills and experiences. Most importantly JC is here to serve you.
Education
Case Western Reserve University School of Law: Cleveland, OH
Juris Doctorate, 2024
Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management: Cleveland, OH
Masters of Business Administration, 2024
The George Washington University: Washington, DC
BA: History, 2013
Experience + Certifications
Worked for multiple Fortune 500 Companies, (Management Consulting with Booz Allen Hamilton and Corporate Accounting with Danaher)
Worked for the White House (President Obama)
Worked as a 4th Grade Teacher (Teach for America)
Worked as a Commercial Real Estate Agent (Office and Retail properties)
Built a portfolio of rental units (Single Family, Duplex and AirBnB)
Worked as a Financial Advisor (Fiduciary, Series 65)
Obtained certificate in Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (Weatherhead School of Management)