Today we’d like to introduce you to Nazaneen Iravani.
Hi Nazaneen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a first-generation Iranian-American, and my story is rooted in culture, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream. My parents immigrated from Iran and worked tirelessly to build a life here. At one point, we were thriving — But as life often does, mine took several unexpected turns.
Still, even when life changed, I held onto a strong sense of identity and direction. I knew early on that education would be my anchor — my way of creating stability and building a future on my own terms. That belief carried me from childhood all the way to law school, where I sought out every opportunity to push myself and grow.
My journey hasn’t always been linear, but it’s been driven by purpose. I knew from the third grade that I wanted to become a lawyer — and every twist, challenge, and hard-earned lesson has finally led me here.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth — but, some of the best roads aren’t.
I once had a teacher tell me that I was only good enough to work at McDonald’s. Me? The AP student, the Academic Decathlon Competitor — the girl who, even at a young age, already knew exactly who she wanted to be and where she was going. I know, crazy, right? Like I said before, I always knew that education would be my golden ticket out, and some would say, my eyes were always on the prize.
But life does have a way of testing your focus, and it sure has tested mine. After my parents’ separation, my sister and I were raised apart, which created a deep sense of distance and emotional disconnection during my formative years. Because of this, I leaned on my chosen family — including one of my closest friends, who truly became like family to me.
Until the night of my 18th birthday, when she was tragically killed in a drunk driving accident. It was the kind of loss that changes you at your core. I had just started college, and the week I took off to process what had just happened to me ended up doing more harm than good. My professor had withdrawn me from the class and echoed that old message: that I wasn’t going to make it. But I always knew better because nothing was going to stop me from my manifest destiny of becoming a lawyer.
That moment was my defining point. I used it as fuel. I retook the same class the following semester — and not only did I excel, but I was invited to become a student instructor, teaching the very subject that had once felt like a setback. And the best part? I was assigned to teach under the same professor who had once written me off.
That experience taught me something I’ve carried with me ever since, which is that resilience isn’t about avoiding pain — it’s about choosing what to do to get through it. You always have two choices. You can walk with your head down and let adversity define you, or you can choose to attack the situation head strong. I choose head strong.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m currently working as an attorney at Cooper & Iravani, LLP — a firm my sister founded and one I joined not only to help build a shared vision, but to honor a promise I made to myself and my family. My father passed before he could see me officially become a lawyer, but being here — helping bring this firm to life with my sister — feels like I’m living out a dream he always had for me. I know he’s watching, and rooting for us from above.
Ultimately, my passion lies in litigation. I love the strategy, the advocacy, the storytelling — and most of all, the opportunity to help people navigate some of the most difficult and high-stakes moments of their lives. I gained hands-on experience in this area through mock trial competitions and my time working at the Public Defender’s office, which was easily one of the most formative chapters in my career. It was there that I truly felt how powerful and gratifying it is to help someone when they need it most.
What sets me apart is how meticulous I am with my craft. I’m always learning — always refining. I don’t just want to be a good lawyer; I want to be a creative problem solver. Someone clients trust to not only understand the law but to approach their challenges with precision, empathy, and relentless effort. That’s the standard I hold myself to every single day.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The best advice I can give is simple: get out there. Show up. Mingle.
You’ll be amazed by how connected the world really is — and how disconnected you can become if you’re not actively in the mix. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, showing up to networking events, mixers, or panel talks can open doors you didn’t even know existed. It’s not just about finding people in your exact field either — surrounding yourself with driven, passionate people of any kind is powerful. That energy is contagious, and it gives you the boost you need to stay hungry.
For me, working in the legal world means attending events in my practice areas, joining bar associations, and staying involved in professional communities like local chambers or even rotary clubs. Mentorship doesn’t always come from a single person — sometimes it’s a whole room that teaches you something, sharpens your focus, or inspires your next step.
The key is putting yourself in the room. That’s where the momentum starts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ci-lawgroup.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazaneen-iravani
