Today we’d like to introduce you to Padideh Jafari, Esq.
Hi Padideh, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
For me, my dream of becoming a lawyer began at the young age of five years old. As the youngest of four children and the daughter of Iranian immigrants, it was a big dream and many people in my family and community doubted this dream could become my reality.
I wanted to be the most-educated woman in my family, and I was able to bring that dream into fruition when in June 2003 I received my law degree from Southwestern University School of Law. Soon after graduation, I started my own private practice and have since worked with thousands of families through Family Law and Divorce cases.
This is not just a profession for me, it’s my calling. Family or divorce matters are some of the most painful periods in one’s life. Being able to support my clients in these dark days, advocate for them, and provide them with some measure of stability, is an incredible privilege that I don’t take lightly. I am proud to be that figurehead for the people who are in the throes of a storm, providing legal know-how but also kindness and empathy to help them rebuild and live with hope.
I’ve also contributed my knowledge as an Adjunct Professor teaching classes in Community Property, Family Law, and Real Estate at NYU and Southern California Institute of Law. These teaching experiences have enabled me with a chance to serve the next generation of lawyers.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There is never really a “smooth road” in life or in business – each has a series of bumps in the road, which make us who we are. As a CEO and Founder at Jafari Law & Mediation Office, APC, I wear many hats. I’m a business owner and a lawyer, and sometimes in the practice of this type of law, I can be a therapist!
Family law and divorce cases are usually chaotic. I’m often approached by clients who are inundated, confused, and don’t know where to turn. This can make the human part of my work challenging. It’s not always easy to juggle the stress of running a law practice, spearheading cases, and giving my clients the care and attention they need, but it’s also fulfilling knowing I am able to help guide them through those critical moments.
More than that, being a minority woman and first-generation American in a highly competitive profession hasn’t been easy. I had to fight stereotypes and prove myself very early on, but these kinds of challenges made me stronger and more committed to being an advocate for the unheard. So, no, it has not been a “smooth road,” but each bump underscored my ability to be compassionate and never give up on my clients.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is grounded in compassion and a love for people who need a strong voice at one of the most difficult times in their lives. Because I have a psychology background and always understand how emotionally charged my clients can be, I take great care when selecting the clients that my firm represents.
This passion for representing the “underdog” side in family law and divorce cases is what makes Jafari Law & Mediation Office truly unique. We do not accept toxic, narcissistic, or revenge-hungry clients. Rather, we focus on individuals who want closure, reconciliation and justice. That means carefully screening potential clients to make sure we are fighting for a client’s cause that we believe in.
We are familiar not only with all the legal complexities of a divorce case but also the importance of being empathetic and compassionate towards our clients.
A recent accomplishment that I’m very proud of is the launch of my firm’s podcast, ‘The Narcissist Abuse Recovery Channel’ on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. On the show, my co-host and I educate listeners on abuse in high-conflict situations, especially abuse by narcissists, empowering people by decoding these difficult situations and providing actionable recovery tools.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My legal career began when I was 16 working at various prominent law firms in Los Angeles County. I knew then that I was going to be a lawyer. Those first experiences were priceless – they not only gave me confidence in the field, but they also allowed me to see things firsthand and begin understanding the law.
My piece of advice for new graduates is to work for a well-known law firm after law school before starting a private practice. When you’re working with some of the best lawyers out there, you get to see, hear, and practice in a way that textbooks and lecture rooms just can’t and don’t give you. From understanding case strategy to managing clients, these early experiences will be the key to developing trust and expertise.
Also, there is importance to the relationships formed early in your career. Your relationships — with mentors, co-workers, referral partners — can lead you into doors and help to define your career. So, be proactive when it comes to networking, look for mentors that will motivate you, and never stop taking advice from other successful lawyers.
Pricing:
- Our retainer agreement for divorce cases starts at $10,000-$15,000.
- Our hourly rate is $650-$750 per hour.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jafarilegal.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jafarilegal/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jafarilegal
