Today we’d like to introduce you to Afshin Beyzaee.
Afshin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always enjoyed finding creative solutions to problems. From the time I was a child, I would look at rules–whether it was something from my parents, at school, or in playing a game–and try to think of what I could do reach my goal with the least amount of effort. I can’t count the number of times that I would complete a chore or a project in a way that literally met the requirements and conditions I was given but that was really not what my parents or teachers were looking for. They found that they had no choice but to shake their head or roll their eyes and acknowledge that I did what they had asked me to do.
When I graduated from San Dimas High School, I went away to the University of Michigan, where I studied political science. The part of my studies that I found most interesting was looking at the ways countries interacted with each other in the international arena, where “rules” have a very different meaning. It is a game where the players make up their own rules and only follow them when they find that it suits them.
As fascinating as the realm of international relations was, I wanted to work in a more practical field. So, I decided that law school was for me. But, unlike many others, I did not go into law with dreams of engaging in Perry Mason courtroom drama. Rather, I aspired to be a trusted advisor that would help guide businesses as they navigate the complex rules they face.
After I completed my studies at Harvard Law school, I started my legal career in Washington D.C. as a tax lawyer. This was a perfect fit for my love of puzzles. As a tax attorney, you are challenged to look at the complex maze of tax laws and find a way to get your clients to their goal without paying any more taxes than they are legally required to. Though it may seem very mundane and dry, it is a practice that demands a certain level of creativity to be truly effective. You often need to find unique ways of looking at a situation to help clients structure a transaction that is tax efficient. Devising a solution helps a client reach that goal is very rewarding.
A few years after I started in D.C., I returned to Los Angeles to continue my practice. In 2012, I joined Liner LLP, which just recently merged into DLA Piper, where I am now. Since that move, I have had the opportunity to broaden my practice to where I now advise clients not only on their tax issues, but also on their broader business legal issues. I regularly provide advice on a variety of business matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance issues, raising capital, and entering into partnerships, limited liability companies, and other joint ventures.
My practice has developed around a number of industries that are very prominent in Southern California. As you might expect, many of my clients are the media and entertainment space, and I am asked to advise them on an assortment of matters. I also advise numerous clients on the unique tax issues that arise in real estate transactions. And, more recently, I have found myself representing clients in a number of transactions in the produce distribution industry, which is very significant in California.
Has it been a smooth road?
As with any career, mine has its challenges. The legal industry has become very competitive. To be successful these days, it takes more than merely being a good lawyer; you also need to be good at generating business. For some that comes naturally, but for me, it has been a struggle. Growing up, I found success merely by doing good work. It was enough to do well on tests and projects to get a good grade. You did not need to promote yourself or convince someone they needed to look at you–it would happen automatically.
In the business of law, it is not that easy. To get a client, you need to be able to convince them that not only are you a good lawyer, but that you can help them solve their problem better than the next guy. That requires a certain level of self-promotion that I find challenging.
So, I have made a concerted effort to share my expertise with the world. This has involved writing articles, doing presentations, and meeting with many people. My efforts have started to pay dividends, but this remains the most difficult part of the business for me.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
DLA Piper is a global law firm with offices across the U.S. and in over 40 countries around the world. We are proud to serve clients that range from emerging companies to large multinational enterprises and governments. Our platform allows us to provide practical and innovative solutions to our clients in a range of matters.
As part of the team from Liner LLP that merged into DLA Piper’s Los Angeles offices, I bring my tax expertise and experience in advising clients in the media and entertainment, real estate, lifestyle brand, restaurant, and produce industries. With the broad platform of DLA Piper, I am able to bring clients solutions for almost any legal needs they have.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles is a city of relationships; something I didn’t appreciate until I was well into my career. For someone good at cultivating them, it is a great place to be an attorney. But for someone who is unenthusiastic about establishing and nurturing a broad network, it will be a challenge. One piece of advice I would give to a young attorney in town is to become involved in the community. Find ways to connect with others and help them with their challenges. People tend to remember and advocate for those that have supported them.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2000 Avenue of the Stars
Suite 400 North Tower
Los Angeles, CA 90067-4704 - Website: dlapiper.com
- Phone: (310) 500-3449
- Email: [email protected]
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/beyzaee/
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