Meet Nina Shayan Depatie

We recently connected with Nina Shayan Depatie and have shared our conversation below.

Nina, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic is a product of my family’s history and the values that have been instilled in me since childhood. When my parents moved to America, they left behind everything they knew and worked for, in search of safety, freedom, and opportunity. Starting over in a new country is never easy, and my parents’ story and values shaped my outlook on hard work and perseverance. Their journey taught me that success is rarely handed to anyone; it must be earned through sacrifice, dedication, and a relentless drive to push through challenges.

Because of my parents’ experience, I was never given anything outright—I understood from an early age that if I wanted something, it was up to me to make it happen. Beyond just ‘working hard’, I had to learn how to identify what I truly wanted, how to set priorities, and how to take a long-term view towards my goals.

This emphasis on self-reliance has also fostered a strong sense of purpose in my work. Knowing that I have built my path with intention and hard work, in the same way my parents built their lives here, keeps me focused and motivated every day. It’s something I carry in everything I do.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Shayan Family Law, APC is a family law firm based in Los Angeles that offers a complete slate of family law services, from divorce, child custody and support, and spousal support, to prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, domestic violence restraining orders, and divorce mediation.

As a family law attorney, my purpose is to guide individuals and families through some of the most personal, transformative, and often challenging chapters of their lives. The practice of law is stimulating, but helping clients build a strong foundation for their lives’ new beginnings is why I chose to work in this field.

What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Each person has their own story, and I find it incredibly rewarding to protect their best interests and advocate in a manner that respects their stories. My objective is not only to get the results that my clients want — which is the minimum standard that any attorney should set for him or herself — but to do so in a way that aligns with their longer-term goals.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities that I find most impactful are resilience, empathy, and problem-solving.

Nothing is given in life, but good things happen to those who work hard and keep at it. We are all confronted with unexpected twists, turns, challenges, and setbacks from time to time, but I’m a firm believer that the only way out is through. Whether it’s building a business, providing for a family, or seeking personal or professional fulfillment, it is so important to be resilient and to stay focused and adaptable, no matter how challenging or unpredictable circumstances may be.

Empathy is also vital in every facet of life. It’s a pre-requisite to building meaningful personal relationships and to be a good family law attorney. Family law cases are inherently personal and affect clients’ lives, children, and futures, so it’s not enough to just know the law. You need to build genuine trust with clients and craft legal strategies tailored to their circumstances and values.

Life and business often involve urgent or high-stakes situations, just like family law. From emergency child custody disputes to protecting assets in divorce, knowing how to remain calm and make strategic decisions quickly is essential to effectively advocate for clients and safeguarding their interests. Facts can change and problems will arise from time-to-time, so it’s important to be able to solve them as you go.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My father taught me to be self-reliant and my mother taught me to be empathetic. I don’t think they could’ve imagined how impactful that would be for me. Those traits lend themselves to different careers and professions – in my case, they led me to practicing family law and to start my own firm. I can’t separate who I am today from what my parents taught me.

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Olena Seregina

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