Biography
Shayan Gaziani is an attorney in the Corporate & Securities section of Jackson Walker’s Dallas office. His practice centers on fund formation and investment management, with a focus on private offerings, securities law compliance, startup counseling, and mergers and acquisitions. Shayan represents a wide range of private fund sponsors—including private equity, venture capital, and real estate funds—on fund structuring, capital raising, investor negotiations, and regulatory compliance under the Securities Act, Investment Company Act, and Investment Advisers Act.
Shayan routinely counsels investment managers, regional centers, and family offices on navigating complex regulatory environments and structuring bespoke investment vehicles, including cross-border and EB-5 offerings. His work includes reviewing and drafting fund documents, negotiating side letters, evaluating economic forecasts, and advising on governance and operational matters throughout the fund lifecycle.
He also works closely with Jackson Walker’s Entertainment, Digital & Sports Group, advising influencers, creative entrepreneurs, and fashion designers on talent agreements, brand deals, and intellectual property issues.
Shayan began his legal career at Jackson Walker as a summer associate, gaining experience across the Corporate & Securities, Finance & Banking, and Real Estate sections. His early work included assisting in a $40 million securities transaction and conducting statutory analysis in a novel Texas tax matter for a commercial aerospace client.
In addition to his corporate practice, Shayan is deeply committed to community service and pro bono work. He serves as outside counsel to Thaakat Foundation, a global nonprofit focused on education and healthcare access in underserved communities and sits on the Board of Directors as Secretary for the Islamic Association of North Texas, one of the largest mosques and interfaith organizations in Texas. He also recently served on the City of Richardson’s Charter Review Commission, contributing to the evaluation and recommendation of updates to the city’s foundational governing document.
Additional Languages
Urdu
Education
B.A., cum laude, Southern Methodist University
- Phi Beta Kappa honor society
- Cultural Intelligence Taskforce Member
J.D., magna cum laude, SMU Dedman School of Law
- Georgetown Law Iron Tech Lawyer Invitational Selectee, Team Member
- SMU Muslim Legal Students Association
Bar Admissions
Texas
