“I’ve learned not to take things personally and not to stay too deep in the weeds. You have to be nearsighted and farsighted at once. There’s no substitute for hard work, and that’s what I model for those I mentor.”
Shari Heyen’s career is defined by a rare blend of rigorous financial acumen, legal mastery and a dedicated servant leadership model. Before launching her distinguished legal career, Heyen worked as a certified public accountant (CPA). This strong financial foundation, combined with a subsequent clerkship for the chief bankruptcy judge for the Southern District of Texas, made specialty finance a natural home.
Today, as senior vice president, co-chair of the global restructuring and special situations practice and Texas co-regional operating shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, she helps oversee a high-performing team of hundreds of attorneys globally.
What sets Heyen apart is her holistic approach to restructuring. While her CPA background equips her with technical precision regarding the numbers, she recognizes that successful restructuring also requires immense emotional intelligence. To Heyen, the profession is about understanding both the human element and how the diverse financial pieces fit together.
Her ability to remain nimble, anticipate complex angles and drive commercial resolutions has consistently secured positive recoveries for her clients, including rare full repayments. This strategic prowess was on full display when she led the representation of Brazos Sandy Creek Electric Cooperative noteholders in the complex $1.2 billion Brazos Electric Power Cooperative restructuring case, successfully navigating litigated claims on an accelerated schedule to deliver a substantial commercial recovery.
Throughout her journey, Heyen has been a tireless champion for elevating others. Having frequently been one of the few women at the table early in her career, she actively uses her platform to open doors for the next generation of leaders, showing them how to lead with intention, authenticity and a servant’s heart.
