70 www.lawyer-monthly.com Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards 2024 A Professional Journey Afshin Yazdani is a licensed attorney in Ontario, Canada, currently in the process of obtaining his California legal license. Born into a large family in Iran, Afshin’s circumstances drove him to become a self-made individual. He pursued legal studies in Iran, the UAE, Canada, and the USA, embodying a lifelong commitment to the law. Since beginning his legal education in 1998, he has continually sought to expand his knowledge and expertise. Afshin chose to specialize in immigration law, with a focus on international business law and real estate investment law. He believes that immigration provides individuals with the opportunity for reinvention and transformation, and he aims to play a pivotal role in this process. His personal experience of relocating from a small town in Iran to its capital city during his teenage years instilled in him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with migration. In 2007, Afshin immigrated to Dubai, UAE, with his wife, where he gained valuable experience working with international clients facing real estate litigation, contract disputes, and criminal charges. By 2009, recognizing the need for broader opportunities, he decided to pursue new citizenship and licensure in Canada. He was drawn to Canada’s rich diversity, characterized by its multicultural environment and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Upon arriving in Canada as a permanent resident in 2013, Afshin embarked on a journey to study Canadian law. He focused on immigration law and later completed a master’s degree in Canadian common law while practicing as an immigration consultant. Following his graduation from law school in Toronto and successfully passing the bar examination, he became a licensed barrister and solicitor in Ontario. In 2020, Afshin founded YLG Professional Corporation, a Toronto-based immigration law firm that has quickly risen to prominence within the legal community. In less than three years, the firm has managed over 500 cases annually and employs more than 60 full-time staff members. Recognizing that the Canadian market is smaller compared to the U.S. market, Afshin began analyzing opportunities in California. He established a branch of his firm in the state and has been studying law in Los Angeles since 2023, with plans to complete his licensing application in 2024. Currently, he is diligently preparing for the California Bar Examination. In addition to his professional commitments, Afshin is a devoted father of two young children and the owner and director of a multinational law firm, skillfully balancing these responsibilities. Why Choose a Career in Law? Choosing to pursue a career in law is often driven by a combination of personal passion, a desire to effect change, and the intellectual challenges the field presents. My passion for law stems from its unique blend of science and art. The practice of law is not merely about knowing statutes and legal jargon; it requires creativity, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of human behavior. A successful lawyer is not just a walking legal encyclopedia; rather, they are akin to an artist, adept at crafting compelling narratives and effectively marshaling evidence to support their case. Each case presents a distinct puzzle, requiring meticulous analysis and innovative problem-solving. I find immense satisfaction in unraveling these complexities and identifying solutions that address my clients’ needs. The thrill of piecing together the facts, interpreting the law, and constructing a persuasive argument is what drives me. Moreover, law practice offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s helping a family navigate the immigration process, advocating for a business in a contract dispute, or representing clients in real estate matters, each victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication invested in the case. This impact fuels my commitment to the profession. Ultimately, law is not just my career; it is a calling that allows me to blend analytical rigor with creative problem-solving. It challenges me to think critically while fostering a deep sense of fulfillment as I advocate for justice and support individuals in their journeys. This dynamic interplay between art and science is what makes the practice of law profoundly rewarding for me. Q
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk3Mzkz