Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mahsa Monshizadegan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Mahsa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Thank you for reaching out and for the opportunity to be featured in CanvasRebel. I am excited to share my thoughts and experiences with your readers.
Success, as far as my view is concerned, is deeply set in the belief in its attainment. You got to be confident and believe in yourself, whatever you are doing, be it law or any other professions. Without that, it will be pretty tough to keep up with the motivating force for growth.
Equally important is dedication. For any business venture to pay off, one has to put in the required time and effort. Any new beginning takes a lot of research, follow-ups, and learning on the way. Getting into something for which one is not well-prepared may result in unnecessary setbacks, frustration, and eventually exhaustion, leaving one disillusioned and maybe giving up on their goals.
Another success factor is unending perseverance: Whatever journey you begin does require an effort that never ends. Participation is required; progress must be monitored; and one must be headed in the right path. Set well-framed, defined goals, both short-term and long-term. In light of the progress, you will have to go through your goals regularly so you can maintain your focus and adjust with changes.
The pillars of success are believing in oneself, firm commitment to working, moving unceasingly forward, and setting clear goals. If these are your reflections, then success that will last a lifetime is yours.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Growing up, I had a dream of becoming an attorney because I believed in justice and wanted to correct wrongs happening around me. As I grew older, I noticed that no matter which part of the world one comes from, people have legal problems that can be sorted out with proper advice. Unfortunately, many cannot afford to seek the assistance of a lawyer for financial reasons or out of fear of approaching an attorney. It was this realization that further strengthened my desire to practice law and to one day open my own firm.
As I was getting ready to start law school, the desire to open my own firm really started to materialize. My husband and I frequently discussed this ambition, carefully considering our options and the steps necessary to make it a reality. This was not an overnight goal. We really committed ourselves to researching and exploring the practicalities of starting a firm since 2019. This process not only helped our vision take shape, but it also greatly directed my studies at law school and guided me to where I wanted to focus my efforts.
Throughout law school, I made it to a point to reach out to professors and alumni who had successfully started their own firms. Their insights were invaluable in helping me understand the challenges and opportunities of running a legal practice. Law school was demanding, and I did not want to spend my career in a firm, working long hours and having no control over my time spent at work. I wanted to be able to do volunteer work with legal aid organizations. It is a bliss to help those who cannot afford an attorney but need one.
Instead, my goal has always been to graduate, build my own firm, and enjoy a more balanced life without the constraints of a traditional law firm environment. This clarity of purpose, along with my commitment to working for myself, has been a driving force behind my dedication and focus throughout my journey. This aspiration is related more to my values and vision for my life rather than merely a career decision.
I graduated from the University of Houston Law Center and subsequently passed the July 2024 bar exam. I was licensed on October 7, 2024. After studying for the bar exam, I immediately set my sights on the practical aspects of opening a law firm. In fact, naming the firm was one of the toughest decisions for us. The name had to be one that was easily pronounced and remembered, so finally we decided upon a simplified pronunciation of our surname: Monshiz Law Firm, PLLC.
While the firm’s official launch date was November 5, 2024, it actually took close to a month to get everything set up. But during the whole process, I started accepting clients for consultation and representation in various legal matters. At present, I am a general attorney, since my practice is not limited to any particular field of law. The main reason for this is that I simply enjoy every aspect of practicing law and maintaining a long relationship with my clients for all their legal needs. What excites me about the law is the multiple interconnected aspects of it: how one area of law interfaces with another. Thus, at least for now I do not want to only focus on one particular area of law.
Since the firm is so new, I’ve spent a fair amount of time and effort creating systems that will make this firm to be successful regardless of employees. I have also volunteered with a few other organizations that offer free legal services to those in need. This, in fact, has been one of the most exciting parts of my career. It is a wonderful to see clients who have regained hope and confidence and are ready to start over.
Though a bit slow at first, just like I had predicted, the clientele is flowing in, and I am getting busier by the day. The next step for the firm is to hire staff, not only to help with the workload but also to create job opportunities and give back to the community. I believe in the importance of connecting with and supporting the community. Giving back to the community brings me joy and fulfillment, and I look forward to developing more opportunities and helping others in the future.
My goal is for those who come to Monshiz Law Firm to feel safe and relax. I believe it is essential for those seeking legal aid to be able to freely communicate and know that at Monshiz Law Firm we are not only about signing up a new client but more about delivering favorable outcomes. Because this is the most important aspect for clients. And what will lead to trust and long-term relationship between them and us.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
What matters in the legal field is being able to provide the client with a positive outcome in their legal matter. However, I consider preliminary advice and teaching very important to enable clients to learn from their legal issues. Instructing the clients and providing their case resolutions in an effective and positive manner.
So far, building rapport and offering the best services have been the most successful means to grow my clientele. Even though the firm is new, referrals have been more than expected. For instance, after serving one client, they referred three other persons with different needs. This means much, as it shows building connections with my clients matters. And that we have been successful in building that connection.
How you communicate with clients is the key to building trust, and I think that would be the same for any business. In the legal world, however, trust is everything. If there are delays, if people don’t communicate, if they’re not responsive, the word gets out there, and that will instantly turn off any potential client, even those who never met you. On the other hand, if you are accessible, responsive, and attentive to their needs, positive feedback will travel just as fast, building up your clientele.
As an attorney and the owner of Monshiz Law Firm, I have always taken a step back and tried to think of what I would want if I were a client in such a situation. And that goes not only with law but in every business. If a business provides unsatisfactory service or products, consumers will not revisit; they share all their negative experiences with others. Being able to understand my clients’ needs and work hard to deliver outcomes that are favorable to them by focusing on good communication has built trust and helped me with a strong client base.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
As an attorney, strong communication built with my clients is important for building trust and creating brand loyalty. I have maintained telephone calls, texts, and emails, all for keeping in touch. A majority of my clients prefer texting, which does not pose a problem for me. I believe in keeping my clients informed at every step of their case. For example, if I am making progress on their legal issues, I send a text message to update them immediately. Clients have said how much they appreciated this act, adding that it eases their concern and reassures them that they are always in the loop.
For clients who prefer email communication, I make sure they get updates in the same timely manner. Though phone calls are sometimes stressful due to clients who, probably, may be busy at work, at home, or even just don’t want to engage in the conversation, I make a call only when necessary. In cases where clarification or such important discussions require a phone call, I send a text informing them of it, adding that they can always call back should they not be available.
I am the type of person who loves to celebrate such milestones as birthdays. Long after the case has been closed, I find an opportunity to reach out and extend birthday wishes to that client. It reinforces that I think about them beyond just their legal issue, building much stronger rapport and loyalty.
Another way I maintain strong relationships is by offering quick assistance without charging for every question. If a former or new client calls with a straightforward question, and the law is clear, I provide the answer without hesitation. I don’t believe in charging clients for every little inquiry, as this approach helps build goodwill and demonstrates my commitment to their well-being.
Ultimately, my goal is to make the clients feel valued and supported during and after their legal representation. This approach not only strengthens brand loyalty but also encourages clients to return for future legal needs and refer others to my practice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.monshizlawfirm.com
- Instagram: monshizlawfirm
- Linkedin: mahsa-monshizadegan
