We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katayoon Iravani. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katayoon below.

Hi Katayoon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by sharing your thoughts about the pros and cons of family businesses.

Family businesses hold a special place in my heart because of my own experience growing up in one. My dad was an entrepreneur, and from an early age, I had a front-row seat to what it takes to build something meaningful. I spent countless hours in his office, observing how he ran things and eventually stepping in to help. Those moments gave me an appreciation for hard work, resilience, and the power of a shared family vision.

What works well in family businesses, based on my experience, is the sense of purpose that comes from working together toward a shared goal. There’s a unique strength in knowing the people alongside you are not only invested in the business but also in your personal success. My dad instilled that in me. He didn’t just build a business—he modeled values like perseverance and accountability, lessons that have shaped my career and who I am today.

But I’ve also seen the pitfalls. My dad’s business wasn’t just a workplace; it was an extension of our family. That blurring of lines can make it hard to leave business disagreements at the door. Add the emotional weight of wanting to make your family proud, and the stakes feel even higher. I’ve experienced how challenging it can be to manage expectations, especially as I was balancing school and eventually law school during some of the toughest times in his business. Watching him persevere through those struggles taught me invaluable lessons about grit—but it also highlighted how taxing family businesses can be on relationships if boundaries aren’t set.

Would I want my children to join my business? My experience with my dad makes me lean toward “yes,” but only if it’s their choice. I would want them to experience the same sense of pride and accomplishment I felt working with my dad, but I’d also respect their need to carve their own path. It’s a delicate balance—providing a legacy they can be proud of while giving them the freedom to define their own success.

One story that shaped my view comes from my dad’s battle with cancer during my 3L year of law school. While I was preparing for the bar, I was also navigating probate issues and family conflicts after his passing. That experience reinforced how deeply intertwined family and business can become—not just in life but in death. It taught me that for a family business to truly thrive, you need both structure and succession planning to avoid unnecessary burdens on loved ones.

So, family businesses? They’re not easy, but they can be deeply rewarding. My dad’s legacy is a testament to that. What he built and what I learned from him continue to inspire me daily—whether it’s in my career or simply in how I approach life’s challenges.

Katayoon, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m thrilled to have the chance to share my story. As an attorney and zealous advocate for truly inspiring causes, I am deeply passionate about helping people navigate challenges and create opportunities. My journey into this field began in my early years, working alongside my father in his business. Those formative experiences taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and a solutions-oriented mindset—qualities that continue to shape my approach today.

I’m now a proud partner at Cooper & Iravani LLP, a law firm that focuses on business, entertainment, real estate, and employment law. What sets us apart is our blend of creativity and strategy. We understand that every client’s situation is unique, and we pride ourselves on delivering innovative solutions with a personal touch. Whether it’s resolving a complex legal dispute, negotiating high-stakes deals, or guiding businesses through growth and compliance challenges, our mission is to be a steadfast advocate and problem solver for our clients.

The work we do often goes beyond the technical aspects of the law—it’s about providing peace of mind and empowering our clients to move forward with confidence. I’m particularly proud of the relationships we’ve built. Many of our clients come to us in difficult moments, and being able to guide them to a resolution they feel good about is incredibly rewarding.

What I think sets me apart is my ability to connect with clients on a personal level. My early experiences with my dad’s business gave me firsthand insight into the challenges people face when navigating both personal and professional struggles. I bring that empathy and determination to every case I handle. Additionally, my background includes not just legal expertise but also a strong foundation in business and problem-solving, which allows me to see issues from multiple angles.

One of my proudest moments was launching our firm. It’s been a culmination of years of hard work, learning, and the trust our clients have placed in us. Starting Cooper & Iravani LLP felt like a natural next step—building something that reflects our values of innovation, integrity, and results-driven service.

If there’s one thing I’d want readers to take away, it’s that I approach every challenge with a mindset of collaboration and perseverance. Whether you’re a business owner, a creative professional, or an individual in need of guidance, I’m here to help you tackle your challenges and seize your opportunities. At Cooper & Iravani LLP, we don’t just represent clients—we partner with them to create success.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and our work. If you’d like to learn more, please feel free to reach out—I’d love to connect!

How’d you meet your business partner?

Absolutely! The story of how I met my cofounder and business partner, Keith Cooper, is one I love sharing because it highlights the importance of mentorship and mutual respect in building something great.

Keith and I first crossed paths at Morrison Rothman LLP, where he was one of the leading partners and a highly respected attorney in the firm. When I joined as an associate, Keith quickly became both a mentor and a champion of my work. He took the time to teach me not just the technical aspects of the law but also how to think strategically, manage client relationships, and navigate the challenges of the legal profession.

Over the years, we developed a strong working relationship built on trust and collaboration. Keith has this incredible ability to simplify the most complex issues while never losing sight of the bigger picture, and that approach resonated with me. We found that our strengths complemented each other, and our shared vision for client service and innovation made us a great team.

When the idea of starting Cooper & Iravani LLP came up, it felt like a natural progression. We both wanted to create a firm that reflected our values: a commitment to excellence, a focus on creative solutions, and a personalized approach to client service. Keith’s guidance throughout my career gave me the confidence to take this leap, and I’m incredibly grateful to have him as a partner in this journey.

Launching the firm together has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s a privilege to work alongside someone whose expertise and integrity I admire so deeply, and I’m excited about what we’re building together.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale is all about fostering trust, communication, and a sense of shared purpose. A few lessons I’ve learned along the way that have made a significant difference are:

Lead by Example: Your team looks to you for direction, not just in tasks but also in attitude. If you demonstrate hard work, resilience, and positivity, it sets the tone for the team. Show that you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and work alongside them when needed—it builds respect and camaraderie.

Communicate Clearly and Often: Open communication is key to maintaining trust. Be clear about goals, expectations, and how each team member’s work contributes to the bigger picture. Regular check-ins, whether one-on-one or as a group, help ensure everyone feels heard and aligned.

Recognize Contributions: Acknowledging hard work and achievements—big or small—goes a long way. People want to feel valued and appreciated for their efforts. A simple thank-you, a shout-out during an all hands, or even a handwritten note can have a huge impact on morale.

Create Opportunities for Growth: High morale often comes from a sense of progress. Invest in your team’s development by providing training, mentorship, and opportunities to take on new challenges. Encourage them to stretch their skills while supporting them along the way.

Foster Collaboration, Not Competition: While healthy competition can motivate some, fostering a collaborative environment tends to sustain morale over the long term. Encourage your team to work together, share ideas, and celebrate each other’s successes as a collective win.

Be Approachable and Empathetic: Sometimes, maintaining morale is about listening. Be approachable and create a safe space for your team to voice concerns or share challenges. Empathy builds trust and helps you address issues before they grow.

Celebrate Milestones and Have Fun: Celebrate successes—whether it’s completing a big project, meeting a milestone, or simply making it through a tough week. Team lunches, small celebrations, or even a lighthearted group activity can help recharge and bring everyone closer together.

Stay Flexible: Life happens, and sometimes people need flexibility to handle personal challenges. Being understanding and accommodating (when possible) shows your team you value them as individuals, not just as employees.

One piece of advice I’d add from my own experience: always remember that your team is your greatest asset. When people feel supported, empowered, and part of a shared vision, they’re motivated to do their best work—and that benefits everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ci-lawgroup.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katayooniravani/