Shayonna Cato represents individual and corporate clients in a wide range of pre-litigation and litigation matters. Her practice includes complex civil litigation, labor and employment disputes, and government and internal investigations. She has experience responding to Civil Investigative Demands on behalf of a genetic testing company, conducting investigations for a public university related to research misconduct allegations, and leading sensitive internal investigations involving employee complaints of discrimination.
Shayonna is also deeply committed to pro bono work and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. She currently represents a Louisiana incarcerated individual challenging a conviction based on a non-unanimous jury verdict.
Her honors include recognition in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Commercial Litigation (2026). While attending Fordham Law School, she served as Managing Editor of The Dispute Resolution Society from 2021 to 2022.
Shayonna also serves as Co-Chair of the Foley Hoag Women Associates Affinity Group.
