Meet Padideh Jafari

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Padideh Jafari. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Padideh with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing as a first-generation Iranian American. It was shaped, without question, by my father. He was an extraordinary man who believed in the power of education and the value of hard work not just in theory, but in practice every single day.

My father lived by example. He often held multiple jobs, typically one main job, one philanthropic role, and another just to stay active and connected to the community in Los Angeles where we reside. He simply wasn’t the type to sit still. He would wake up at 6 a.m. sharp, put on a three-piece suit (even in retirement) and head out for the day, always finding ways to help others or engage with his community. Looking sharp and being purposeful were inseparable for him.

That kind of discipline and purpose was infectious. All four of his children, I am the youngest of four, have internalized that same work-ethic and drive. People often compliment us on our work ethic, but really, it’s just second nature because of the example we had. My father taught me that success isn’t just about ambition; it’s about showing up every day, with intention, integrity, and the willingness to give back.

My mother was a schoolteacher in Iran, for blind students. She has always been the backbone of our family and she too, instilled working hard and showing up for others less fortunate than us. I learned these lessons from my parents early in life and was able to implement them throughout my career in law and academia.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’ve spent the last 22 years as a divorce attorney and proudly run my own law firm serving clients across Los Angeles and Orange County. What makes our firm special is that we are deeply committed to being a voice for the voiceless, for those who often feel overlooked or overwhelmed by the legal system. As a child-focused law firm, we are passionate about representing the underdog. In every case, we work to protect the best interests of children and ensure they’re not lost in the shuffle of complex family dynamics.

One of the most exciting extensions of my work has been launching my podcast, The Narcissist Abuse Recovery Channel (NARC). It’s a platform dedicated to helping people understand narcissistic abuse and Cluster B personality disorders, which often play a central role in high-conflict divorce and custody cases. The response has been incredible, and I’m proud to be offering education, support, and direction for people navigating deeply personal and painful experiences.

My mission, whether in the courtroom or through the podcast, is to empower, uplift, and advocate for those who feel like they don’t have a voice. If there’s one thing I want people to know about my brand, it’s that we lead with compassion, we fight with purpose, and we never forget who we’re fighting for.

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?

Looking back, three key elements have had a major impact on my journey, especially as a business owner and legal professional.

First and foremost, having a mentor has been invaluable. Surrounding yourself with someone you respect, someone who’s walked the path ahead of you, provides not only guidance but also inspiration. A mentor can help you see the bigger picture when you’re stuck in the weeds and challenge you to grow in ways you might not on your own.

Second, and just as crucial, is learning to delegate strategically. There are so many aspects of running a business or building a brand that fall outside your personal expertise, and that’s fine. The key is to surround yourself with experts. For me, that meant hiring a PR team, an accounting firm to manage the firm’s financials, and a social media team to build our digital presence. Acknowledging that you can’t do it all, and trying to, will only slow you down. Focus your energy on what you do best and trust the right experts with the rest.

Lastly, investing in continuous education is non-negotiable. I’m a huge believer in reading, learning, and becoming the best at your craft. Even when you delegate, you should still understand the basics of every area touching your business. The more you know, the more effectively you can lead and protect what you’re building.

For anyone just starting out: find a mentor who inspires you, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and never stop learning. You don’t need to know everything on day one, but you do need to be curious and committed to building your brand.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

As a Board Member of CASA OC, if I knew I had just a decade left, I would spend that time becoming more deeply involved with this wonderful charity. CASA OC is an organization whose mission is close to my heart. CASA OC (Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County) supports foster youth in Orange County, giving them a voice and advocating for their best interests in the legal and social service systems. The organization has a national presence. Being part of that work, amplifying the voices of vulnerable children and helping shape brighter futures, feels like one of the most meaningful ways I could spend my time so I would do more to help where I could in the organization.

Outside of service, I would spend more intentional, joyful time with my husband and our rescue puppy, River Justice. River isn’t just family, he’s also the first-ever legal support dog, helping provide comfort to clients navigating the emotional strain of divorce. Our rescue puppy’s mother lost her home in the Pacific Palisades in February 2025. We were able to rescue River and give him a safe and happy home. The pace of life can be relentless, and if I had a clearer sense of time, I’d slow down just enough to enjoy the relationships and moments that matter most, giving my time where it counts, with the people (and puppy) I love and causes that leave a lasting impact for future generations.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
What do you do for self-care and what impact has it had on your effectiveness?

We asked some of the most productive entrepreneurs and creatives out there to open up

Resilience
Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is often the x-factor that differentiates between mild and wild success. The stories of

Productivity
How do you keep your creativity alive?

Keeping your creativity alive has always been a challenge, but in the era of work