Whether it’s advocating for her clients, giving back to the community, or staying connected to her close-knit family, for Keani A. Christian it’s always been about being there for others.

“As attorneys we don’t have a lot of free time, but in the free time that we do have, we can be useful and valuable for other people,” said Keani, an attorney in Goldberg Segalla’s Employment and Toxic Tort practice groups. “When I was doing a lot of community service work, I recognized that I liked giving back. I enjoy the human-connection aspect.”

That human-connection aspect, in fact, lies at the heart of the collaborative approach Keani brings to everything she does, including her work.

“My approach is to make sure that the client is on the same page and that they’re comfortable with the approach we want to take,” Keani said. “To build trust, I want to make sure I stay in contact with them, keeping them involved in the process and updated along the way as the matter progresses. Having a clear understanding of their options and being aligned with their goals is important for our mutual success. I want my clients to know that we are in this together, and that they can reach out to me at any time.”

Keani is determined to make a difference for her clients, meet them where they are, and help move them forward through the process.

“For me, it’s really important for my clients to know that I’m here to advocate for you, to take a strong position, and defend these cases on your behalf.”

Human connection has also fueled Keani’s commitment to community service.

“Giving back is something that has always been important to me,” said Keani, who while in law school served as the director of community service for the University of San Francisco’s Black Law Students Association and Student Bar Association.

“In law school, it’s really easy to get consumed with the work that you have to do and the tests you have to take,” she said. “But I also think it’s important to be a well-rounded whole person outside of that. It was really nice to be a part of student groups where you get to meet and connect with other people, participate in other activities, and pursue other passions outside of the classroom.”

Keani continues to give back today, serving as a mentor to current law students, one of whom she is helping network and guide on a future career path. In fact, mentorship, Keani said, is something that played an integral role in her own success.

“I had a great experience at the University of San Francisco. I made a lot of great friends and met many great mentors who have contributed to me being where I am today,” said Keani, who is based in Manhattan where she grew up. “But I’m very close with my family and I wanted to move back to New York to be closer to them. It was nice to come home to be closer to my family and my friends.”

The support Keani provides to her clients, those just starting out in the legal profession, and to her family is mirrored in the support she both gives and receives from her colleagues at Goldberg Segalla.

“I feel very supported by the teams that I work with, and I work with two different teams, so I think that that speaks volumes. It feels great to be at a place and a part of a team where the people are authentic. People can say they believe in your potential, right? But it’s another thing to actually see that put into action,” Keani said. “When you have a team who lets you know that you are valued, and who trusts you to take on more responsibility, that makes you feel comfortable and makes you feel like you’re on a team that believes in you.”

“I am so grateful to be a part of two wonderful teams with great leadership, and to also work with other associates that I’ve been able to connect with, reach out to, and collaborate with,” Keani added. “It feels really great to be in a place that is invested in my growth. It’s not something that’s just said; I feel it.”