Meet Matt Kohanbash

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

Matt, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience is deeply rooted in a family legacy of courage and perseverance. Born in Iran, my family left for the United States when I was a young child, seeking safety from religious persecution. This journey from Iran to America wasn’t just a physical relocation; it was a leap into a completely different world. Growing up, I navigated between two cultures—American culture at school and traditional Persian values at home. This bicultural existence posed significant challenges, especially as my parents struggled with English, which impacted their ability to help me navigate the American education system. This language barrier was a significant hurdle, leading to academic struggles early on.

Despite these challenges, my father’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit were profound influences on me. Upon moving to the U.S., he started his own business, LA Fred’s Fabric. Watching his determination to succeed against all odds instilled in me a strong work ethic and a belief in the power of perseverance. His ability to build a thriving business from nothing taught me that with determination and hard work, any obstacle could be overcome.

These early life lessons propelled me toward higher education and a determination to succeed on my own terms. I attended the University of Southern California, where I pursued a degree in Policy, Planning, and Development, driven by a desire to understand how structured solutions could be applied to complex societal issues. I continued my educational journey at UC Hastings in San Francisco, where I deepened my understanding of the law and refined my ability to think critically and advocate effectively.

My professional path has been as diverse as my background. I’ve worked in various capacities within the legal field, from small and medium-sized firms to in-house positions at major corporations, and even the city attorney’s office, before ultimately working at a prestigious firm like Sheppard Mullin. These experiences allowed me to develop a robust skill set in land use and real estate law, areas that require not only a deep understanding of the law but also the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and advocate for client interests effectively.

In addition to my focus on land use and real estate, I have cultivated a strong practice in personal injury law at Solum Space Law APC. I am passionate about supporting individuals who have suffered due to car accidents, workplace incidents, and other injuries. My commitment extends to securing the compensation and justice they deserve, reflecting my overarching mission to serve those in need with the same resilience instilled in me by my family’s journey and my father’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Today, as the head of Solum Space Law APC, I draw on every facet of my past experiences. I strive to provide each client with the same determination and resilience that my father modeled. My firm is committed to helping clients tackle their legal challenges, ensuring they receive meticulous, strategic representation tailored to their unique needs. My journey from a young immigrant experiencing cultural and academic challenges to becoming a confident attorney has shaped my approach to law and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of resilience and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At Solum Space Law APC, I handle legal matters across personal injury, land use, and real estate law. Each practice area profoundly impacts the lives of individuals and communities, providing unique challenges and opportunities. What excites me most is the potential to create real, positive change. Whether assisting a family through real estate transactions, navigating land use regulations, or fighting for the rights of those injured by negligence, our work directly enhances the lives of our clients.

A defining feature of my firm is our commitment to resilience and vigorous advocacy. Influenced by my personal journey as an immigrant and the tenacity I observed in my family, I’ve built my practice not just to represent clients but to champion their rights passionately. We tailor our approach to each case, ensuring personalized attention and a comprehensive understanding of each client’s circumstances.

I am particularly excited to announce that we are deepening our commitment to personal injury law by expanding our services to more comprehensively support clients facing severe injuries. This initiative is driven by a heartfelt desire to help those in critical need of expert legal assistance following life-altering events. We are here to guide our clients through their toughest times, advocating fiercely to secure the justice and compensation they deserve.

At Solum Space Law, our mission extends beyond legal practice; we are dedicated to making a significant, positive impact in the lives of those we represent. If you need legal guidance or want to understand more about your rights, please reach out. Let us help you navigate your legal challenges with the dedication and care you deserve.

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?

Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities have been instrumental: resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

Resilience has been the cornerstone of both my personal and professional life. From my family’s migration to the U.S. to overcoming various professional hurdles, resilience has taught me to persevere through challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Embracing the philosophy that “life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it,” I encourage those starting their careers to adopt a growth mindset, seeing every challenge as a chance to learn and strengthen their resolve.

Adaptability has become increasingly crucial, especially with the rapid evolution of technology in the legal field. The integration of AI is transforming the landscape at an unprecedented pace, necessitating a flexible approach to legal practice. For newcomers, staying adaptable means not only keeping up with technological advancements but also thinking creatively about how to apply these tools to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction.

Emotional intelligence is about more than just understanding emotions; it’s about leveraging this understanding to build strong, enduring relationships. In my practice, the ability to connect authentically with clients, colleagues, and vendors has proved invaluable. I advise those at the beginning of their careers to immerse themselves in a variety of life experiences. Travel, meet people from different backgrounds, explore diverse interests, and discover what you are passionate about and excel in. Cultivating relationships and embracing a wide range of experiences not only enriches your life but also enhances your professional journey.

To develop these qualities, actively seek out new experiences that push you beyond your comfort zone. Engage in continuous learning, request feedback regularly, and assess your progress. Remember, becoming a well-rounded person enhances every interaction and leads to a more fulfilling career and life.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am always enthusiastic about collaborating with fellow attorneys, whether it involves referring cases to each other, co-counseling, or teaming up on projects. I believe that working together within the legal community not only enhances our individual practices but also improves the outcomes for our clients.

I’m particularly interested in partnering with attorneys who share a commitment to diligence and excellence in any of our shared practice areas like personal injury, real estate, and land use law. Such collaborations can be incredibly fruitful, allowing us to leverage diverse expertise and resources for the benefit of our clients.

If you’re interested in exploring collaboration opportunities, I would love to hear from you. You can connect with me directly through my firm, Solum Space Law APC. Feel free to reach out via our website, email, or give us a call. Let’s discuss how we can work together to better serve our clients and strengthen our legal practices.

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