Kate Payerle & Amanda Pickens Recognized at Charlotte Chamber Young Professional Awards

The Charlotte Chamber Young Professionals (CCYPs) recognized two Robinson Bradshaw attorneys, Kate Payerle and Amanda Pickens, during its third annual Young Professional Awards this month. Payerle was named chair of the Charlotte Chamber Young Professionals, and Pickens was selected as the Young Professional Newcomer of the Year.

Payerle has served on the board of the CCYPs for three years. At Robinson Bradshaw, she represents national and Charlotte-based corporate clients through all stages of litigation, with a focus on complex contract disputes and government agency investigations. Payerle also serves as the vice chair of the Privatization and Competition Advisory Committee, as an appointee of the Charlotte City Council.

The CCYPs selected Pickens for the Newcomer award from a competitive pool of nominees, ages 21 – 39 years old. At Robinson Bradshaw, she represents Charlotte-area Fortune 500 companies, corporations and family-owned businesses in corporate litigation matters, focusing on complex business disputes, class actions, and employment and labor law. Pickens provides significant pro bono legal support to the underserved Charlotte population through her cases with Legal Aid of North Carolina, Inc. and Legal Services of Southern Piedmont. She also serves on the board of the Charlotte Bilingual Preschool, which prepares Spanish-speaking children for success in school through dual-language learning, and she volunteers for Junior League of Charlotte and the Mint Museum.

The CCYPs develop informational programs and networking events for young professionals and connect them to volunteer opportunities within the Chamber and broader Charlotte community. Its board of directors consists of Chamber members, who are committed to cultivating a young and diverse workforce as a competitive advantage for Charlotte's growing economy. As a leading voice for Charlotte’s young professionals, CCYPs collaborates with local groups that share its commitment to attracting and retaining young talent in the business community.