We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shantel Yaghoobian a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shantel, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
As a first-generation Iranian American and the first lawyer in my family, my journey has been fueled by a determination to show that anything is possible. I entered law school at just 20 years old, driven by the belief that the law is a vital tool for helping those who can’t advocate for themselves. The mental challenges of law school excited me, and I eagerly embraced every opportunity to grow.
However, I quickly realized that many of my classmates had significant life experience and prior work at law firms, which made me feel at a disadvantage. This sense of imposter syndrome often crept in, leading me to question whether my voice would be taken seriously as one of the youngest in my class. Yet, these challenges became pivotal moments of growth. I learned to view them as opportunities to prove to myself that I could overcome obstacles and break through any perceived ceilings and self-imposed limitations.
One of the most transformative experiences during law school was my work in a clinic dedicated to assisting women affected by domestic violence. I had the privilege of helping these victims find safe shelter and navigate the legal process for filing for divorce. Hearing their stories and supporting them through such critical times not only reaffirmed my commitment to the law but also deepened my understanding of its impact. This experience illuminated the importance of advocacy and fueled my passion for empowering those who feel voiceless.
Now, as I work at a law firm representing injured victims against insurance companies, I find immense fulfillment in my role. My work in Plaintiff’s law allows me to help clients secure the compensation they deserve, restoring their sense of justice and agency.
In addition to my legal practice, I actively organize events to give back to the community, ensuring that my contributions extend beyond the courtroom.
My story is a testament to resilience, the power of belief, and the impact of advocacy. I hope to inspire others—especially young women and first-generation professionals—to pursue their dreams without fear, reminding them that they have the strength to overcome obstacles and make a meaningful difference.
Through my journey, I aim to create a ripple effect, encouraging others to embrace their paths and fight for those who need it most.
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?
I specialize in personal injury law, helping individuals who have been injured in accidents—whether it’s car crashes, slip-and-falls, dog bites, or trucking and bus accidents. What excites me most about my work is the ability to guide people through the complexities of the legal system during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. For many of my clients, this is their first introduction to the legal field, and I understand how overwhelming and intimidating that can be. My goal is to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible, empowering my clients to navigate it with confidence.
What’s most fulfilling about this work is being able to help people who have suffered through no fault of their own. Whether it’s recovering financial compensation or just providing clarity in a difficult situation, it feels incredibly rewarding to know that I’m making a difference in my clients’ lives.
A Client Who Taught Me the Power of Positivity, Even in the Face of Death – One of the most profound experiences I’ve had as an attorney was working with a client who had both a car accident case and stage 4 terminal skin cancer. Over the course of several years, we talked regularly about his case, but we also talked a lot about his illness. He knew he was dying—he was literally facing the end of his life, and yet, every single time I asked how he was doing, he responded with such positivity and gratitude.
Despite the fact that he was going through an incredibly painful and difficult battle with cancer, he was always so thankful for each day he had left. He was undergoing chemotherapy, participating in clinical trials that weren’t working, and fighting an illness that he knew was going to take his life. And still, every week, he found a reason to smile. He would say things like, “I’m just happy to be here today” or “Every day is a gift.” His ability to stay so positive, despite the immense suffering he was enduring, was nothing short of inspiring.
Even when it was clear that his time was running out, he never once let the looming shadow of death overshadow his attitude. He remained full of joy and hope. He had so much to live for, even as he was dying. I can’t even begin to explain how powerful it was to see someone face such a harsh reality with so much gratitude. It was a constant reminder of how precious life is, and how important it is to focus on the things that matter most.
Sadly, he passed away. But his strength and positivity left an indelible mark on me. His example reminded me that life is short, and it taught me the importance of spreading positivity and embracing every moment, even when facing the hardest battles.
My client’s resilience has had a lasting impact on how I approach my work. It’s not just about winning cases—it’s about being there for my clients when they need it the most. When people come to me after an accident, they’re often at their lowest. They’ve been hurt, they’re confused about the process, and they’re uncertain about the future. I try to bring the same sense of positivity, patience, and support to my clients that my client taught me during our time together.
I’ve learned that it’s not enough to simply handle the legal aspects of a case. You have to take the time to truly connect with your clients, to listen to their fears and concerns, and to provide them with a sense of hope and empowerment. My client’s journey showed me the power of a positive mindset in the face of adversity, and I strive to carry that into every interaction I have with my clients.
Beyond my legal work, I’m also focused on giving back to my community. I’ve organized events to help young women and first-generation professionals pursue careers in law. It’s important to me to create opportunities for others, just as I had the opportunity to learn from incredible mentors along the way. I hope that through my work, both as a lawyer and as a mentor, I can inspire others to overcome their own challenges and pursue their dreams with the same resilience that my client demonstrated.
In the end, my goal is to make a lasting impact—not just in the courtroom, but in the lives of the people I meet. My client’s story is a reminder that, no matter how difficult life gets, we can always choose to find gratitude and positivity. I aim to inspire others to embrace their paths, fight for what’s right, and always remember that they have the strength to overcome even the greatest of challenges.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, I can point to three qualities that have been especially impactful: resilience, empathy, and mentorship. Resilience, in particular, has been crucial. It’s something that develops over time, built from both personal and professional experiences. Early on, I faced many challenges that could have discouraged me, from navigating complex legal cases to balancing the demands of my career with personal growth. What I’ve learned is that resilience isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about using every setback as an opportunity to learn and grow. In fact, something I had to come to terms with in the beginning was the fear of failure. As a perfectionist, I was terrified of making mistakes, but over time, I realized that it’s not about being perfect all the time—that’s what makes us human. For those just starting out, my advice is simple: don’t be afraid of failure. Embrace it as part of the process. The toughest moments will often teach you the most valuable lessons and will help you build the strength to keep going.
Empathy has also been essential to my work, particularly in personal injury law, where I’m often helping people during some of the most difficult times of their lives. I’ve learned that behind every case is a person who’s experiencing pain, fear, and uncertainty. The legal process can be intimidating, and it’s easy to forget that clients are more than just a set of facts or a case number—they’re real people with real struggles. Empathy allows me to connect with my clients on a human level, making me a more effective advocate for their needs. For anyone early in their career, I’d suggest cultivating empathy by really listening to people and striving to understand what they’re going through, both emotionally and practically. It’ll make you not just a better professional, but also a more compassionate one.
Finally, I can’t understate the importance of mentorship in my journey. When I first started, I had a mentor who was incredibly generous with his time and knowledge. He didn’t just teach me the technical aspects of personal injury law; he also helped me trust myself and believe that I could handle the challenges ahead. We grew together, and that experience shaped not only my career but my approach to life. I’m incredibly grateful for that guidance, as I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. My advice to those just starting out is to actively seek out a mentor—someone who’s willing to invest in you and share their wisdom. Having a mentor can fast-track your growth and help you avoid mistakes you might not even know to look for. As you grow in your own career, make sure to pay it forward by offering the same guidance to others.
Resilience, empathy, and mentorship have been foundational to my career, and I believe these qualities are essential for anyone looking to succeed and make a meaningful impact in their field. They take time to develop, but they are worth every bit of effort you put into building them. Stay open to learning, keep pushing through the tough times, and always remember to connect with those around you. And above all, don’t be afraid to fail—because it’s those moments that often bring the most growth.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
One book that has played a significant role in my development is Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss. A friend gifted it to me, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to improve their negotiation skills, both in their professional and personal lives. Voss, a former FBI negotiator, shares powerful insights into the art of negotiation, and what struck me most was the emphasis on how emotions drive decision-making—something that applies not just in negotiations but in any human interaction.
One of the most impactful pieces of wisdom I took from the book is the idea of “tactical empathy.” Voss teaches that in order to truly understand and influence someone, you first need to show that you understand their perspective and emotions. It’s not about manipulating the other person but connecting with them on a human level. This idea has influenced the way I interact with clients, especially in personal injury law, where emotions often run high. Whether it’s a client dealing with the aftermath of an accident or someone going through a difficult legal process, showing empathy and actively listening to their concerns is essential.
Another concept from the book that I’ve found incredibly valuable is the power of the “accusation audit.” Before entering a negotiation, Voss suggests you address any potential objections or concerns the other party might have—before they even voice them. This proactive approach helps disarm the other person, build trust, and create a more open and collaborative environment. In my practice, this has helped me anticipate my clients’ needs and fears before they even express them, allowing me to better support them through the legal process. It’s all about getting ahead of the situation and creating an atmosphere where everyone feels heard and understood.
Lastly, Voss stresses the importance of the “mirroring” technique—repeating the last few words your counterpart says in a calm, neutral tone. This simple strategy encourages the other person to continue speaking, giving you more insight into their thoughts and feelings, and helps build rapport. I’ve found this to be an invaluable tool when working with clients or even in interactions with opposing parties. It creates a sense of connection and can turn a one-sided conversation into a more balanced exchange.
Never Split the Difference has shaped how I approach negotiations, whether it’s in the courtroom, with clients, or even in everyday situations. The techniques in the book are practical and rooted in real-world psychology, making them incredibly useful. I recommend it to anyone looking to refine their communication and negotiation skills, as it’s a resource that teaches you not only how to be more persuasive, but also how to build stronger, more empathetic relationships.
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