Meet Shahrina Ankhi-Krol | Attorney and Counselor at Law

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shahrina Ankhi-Krol and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shahrina, how do you think about risk?

Sometimes, risk is more necessary than safety.

I believe there are two types of risk in the world – uncalculated and calculated. Both types of risk are similar with respect to failure being a palpable possibility. A person can take an uncalculated risk by ignoring the possible factors and outcomes of a situation. Whereas, a person can take a calculated risk by carefully evaluating the factors and outcomes of a situation.

My career is the result of a series of calculated risks. I started my law firm at the age of twenty-seven, which was quite risky. There have been many obstacles along the way which could have easily derailed my goals, if I was not prepared to tackle them. While I am adverse to taking uncalculated risks, I do know that sometimes, uncalculated risks can also result in great success.

What should our readers know about your business?

Ankhi-Krol Law is a boutique law firm in New York City that works exclusively with small business owners in business, contract, trademark, and copyright, throughout the country. Although the firm works with clients from all industries, it has niche practices in the following industries: fashion, beauty, creative, pet.

My firm was created with one goal in mind: to provide the most sought-after legal services for small business owners under one roof so they could build a long-term relationship with their lawyer. The most exciting aspect of my work is to see my clients’ businesses start, grow, and thrive. It’s always flattering to realize that I play a big role in my clients’ entrepreneurial journey by starting their businesses, drafting or reviewing their contracts, and/or protecting their brands.

Starting a business in any industry is scary. It was no different for me. I started with zero clients and not knowing if I would be able to pay my bills. The competitive landscape of the New York City legal industry created some unique obstacles, as well. There were many people who told me that I was too young to start a law practice and that maybe it would be best to work for other firms to get guaranteed paycheck at the end of the week. While those may have been valid points, they were not my own thoughts or goals. I had different plans for myself. I wanted to build a law firm that is inviting, personable, and reliable. And, of course, like all other small business owners, I also wanted to make my own schedule and have a good work-life-balance. 

Every year, I set a goal that is a little harder to achieve than the previous year. I believe that taking small steps make a huge difference over time.

I learned early in my career that any doubtful comments I received from people were solely the reflection of their limiting beliefs and not a reflection of my abilities.

By ignoring the “noise” and following the beat of my own music, I have been fortunate to receive numerous awards and recognitions for my dedication to the legal field. Notably, I have been selected Rising Star Super Lawyer, a recognition given to no more than 2.5% of attorneys in each state, each year – for six (6) consecutive years. I have given countless talks and presentations at business conferences, expositions, and world-renowned educational institutions, such as New York University, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and the City University of New York. I have also been featured on FOX, CBS, NBC, radio shows, and various podcasts.

The one thing I want people to know about my “story” is that it IS possible to achieve your goals if you have patience, determination, and faith.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

There is so much to see and do in New York City! Due to the COVID19 pandemic, many of my favorite places have closed but there is still a lot to enjoy.

Day 1 – Midtown, Manhattan – Begin the trip at my firm, which is located in Midtown, in the heart of New York City. We would visit the landmark New York City Public Library which is located right next to my firm, people-watch in Bryant Park, walk to the Grand Central Terminal, see the Chrysler Building, and walk over to Times Square to see the new year’s eve ball drop location. There are countless restaurants and cafes to check out along the way.

Day 2 – Midtown Manhattan – Rockefeller Center to see the famous Christmas Tree and ice skating rink (if it’s in the winter), Top of the Rock for a jaw-dropping view of New York City, shopping on Fifth avenue, walk over to the Empire State Building. There is an option for another spectacular view of New York City from the observation deck. For food, we would check out Korea Town, which is tucked away in the street next to the Empire State Building.

Day 3 – China Town and Little Italy – There is a lot to explore in this area. The foods and cultures will shock the senses of those who are not familiar with such settings. Although I do have a couple of favorite restaurants this area, I simply cannot remember their names. This is possibly because many of the restaurants do not have easily distinguishable English writing, which adds to the authenticity of the experience.

Day 4 – Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – The ferry ride to these two locations provide unforgettable views of New York City. The history and artifacts of these two places would fascinate anyone. On our way back to the “mainland,” we would check out a restaurant right next to the ferry dock that is great for food and drinks with a spectacular view of the Statue of Liberty. While in that area, we would also visit Fraunces Tavern, a restaurant with a very interesting past.

Day 5 – Downtown – No trip to New York City would be complete without a visit to the World Trade Center site. While there, we would check out the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, to truly understand the impact 9/11/2001 had on the city. After that, we would visit St. Paul’s Chapel, Trinity Church and grab pizza from any of the hole-in-the wall pizzerias as they are all amazing.

Day 6 – Downtown – Check out the grandeur of the New York County Courts en route to the Brooklyn Bridge. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge by foot while enjoying the various views of the city and end up at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. Enjoy a meal at the Osprey while taking in yet another amazing view of the city.

Day 7 – Queens – A must-see destination for those who love to see different cultures and taste foods from all over the world. Queens is the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world. It is also the place where I grew up. We would check out Astoria, Queens so I could show off some of the places I enjoyed throughout my years.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would like to give a shoutout to my biggest supporter – my husband – who I met as a freshman in college. We were merely teenagers when we first met. He was a pre-med student looking forward to becoming a doctor and I was an Anthropology student dead-set on becoming an Archaeologist. Eventually, I pursued law and he pursued engineering and then law. He has been my number one fan through it all, even through a few years of long-distance relationship during our law school years.

One of the most memorable instances of his role in my success was during the last semester of law school when I was studying abroad in New Zealand. It was the last day to register to take the New Jersey Bar Exam when I told him over a phone call that, “I don’t have time to register so I’m just going to take the New York Bar.” He responded, “are you too busy partying to register for the Bar Exam?” Well, it may sound funny now but that was exactly what I needed to hear to submit my application in time to meet the deadline. And, yes, I passed both Bar Exams in my first try.

In addition to my husband, my parents also deserve recognition for all the sacrifices and support they have provided throughout my lifetime. They have given me more than I could express in a shoutout. I am dedicating this shoutout to my father, who passed away earlier this year.

Website: https://www.ankhikrollaw.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ankhikrollaw/

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/shahrinaankhikrol

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ankhikrollaw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnkhiKrolLaw/