Coats Rose, P.C., a transactional and litigation law firm focused on development, is pleased to share the news of three additional Associates with the Affordable Housing & Community Development and the Public Finance practice groups.
Ahmed Ishwait
Ahmed B. Ishwait is an Associate in the Affordable Housing and Community Development practice group at a law firm based in Houston. His legal work primarily involves representing public housing authorities, developers, and nonprofit organizations in the construction and rehabilitation of multifamily affordable housing projects across Texas. He utilizes a variety of financing mechanisms, including 4% and 9% low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans, FHA-insured loans, and other funding sources such as local government grants, loans, and property tax exemptions.
Before entering law, Ahmed worked as a banking analyst, which provided him with a strong foundation in financial and analytical skills that he later applied to his legal practice. While in law school, he gained valuable experience working with the legal team of a major oil and gas company. He also served as the financial officer for the Muslim Legal Society, a student-run organization. Ahmed initially joined the firm as a law clerk before transitioning to an associate role.
His expertise combines legal insight with a strong background in finance, making him a valuable asset in affordable housing and community development projects.
Rachael Crawford
Rachael Crawford is an Associate in the Affordable Housing and Community Development practice group at a law firm based in Austin, Texas. She graduated from the University of Houston Law Center, where she demonstrated leadership and commitment to both legal scholarship and community service. Notably, she served as the Chief Articles Editor for the Houston Journal of Health Law and Policy, which reflects her strong editorial and legal writing skills.
Before becoming an associate, Rachael clerked at the firm and gained valuable hands-on experience. She also worked as a Student Attorney in the Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic at the University of Houston Law Center. In that role, she provided pro bono transactional legal services to small business owners, demonstrating her dedication to supporting local communities and entrepreneurs.
Rachael’s practice focuses on representing public housing authorities, developers, and nonprofit organizations in the construction and rehabilitation of multifamily affordable housing projects across multiple states. She also assists clients with navigating complex state and federal regulations within the housing industry, ensuring compliance and fostering the successful development of affordable housing initiatives.
Aaron Bradshaw
Aaron is an Associate in the Public Finance practice group at a law firm in Dallas, where he focuses on Public Finance and Real Estate law, with a particular emphasis on special purpose districts across Texas. His practice includes representing clients before a variety of governmental entities, such as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, local cities and counties, and regional service providers. Aaron’s experience in public finance is particularly strong in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, where he has worked extensively.
Before joining the firm as an Associate, Aaron gained valuable experience as a law clerk during his internship. During law school, he also participated in the SMU Corporate Council Externship Program, working at CBRE, where he contributed to legal research and analysis in real estate transactions, including sales, leases, and licensing matters nationwide. Additionally, Aaron has been an active volunteer with the Professional Wellness Institute, a non-profit organization focused on improving attorney mental health and well-being.
Aaron’s career in real estate began in 2019, when he earned his Real Estate License while studying at the University of Texas at Austin. He used his connections and expertise to build a strong network of clients in need of residential real estate services, particularly in the competitive Austin market. His unique blend of legal and real estate experience positions him as a valuable asset to his clients in both sectors.
About Coats Rose, P.C.
Coats Rose is a transactional and litigation law firm focused on development: the development of real estate, special purpose districts, affordable housing, business and private wealth. We provide legal counsel to businesses, governmental entities, corporate and high-net worth clients across the U.S. and internationally. For over 30 years, the firm has leveraged its vast legal experience to fulfill clients’ needs spanning real estate law, public finance, affordable housing and community development, construction/surety law, commercial litigation, government relations, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, securities law and tax. In addition to its headquarters in Houston, Coats Rose has offices in Dallas, Austin, and Cincinnati.