a mentor to Matini and helped guide his path to partnership.
Matini also credits his in-laws for their support throughout his career journey.
“ During law school and clerking, they were my home away from home,” he says.“ They constantly encouraged and supported me every step of the way and still do.”
Having benefited from strong mentorship himself, Matini is driven to do the same for the younger members of their team.
“ It is worthwhile because it brings value to the team, builds the practice and makes the practice of law so much more enjoyable,” he says.“ Seeing the younger folks grow and achieve is fulfilling and one of the best parts of my job.”
Throughout his career, Matini has maintained a strong commitment to community service and focus on diversity and inclusion.
“ As a child of immigrants, I care deeply about how the legal profession can be better served by welcoming others into its ranks, as well as serving those in the community,” Matini says.“ Lawyers play an important role in communities because of the knowledge we have and the skills we possess within the legal system— skills that are not readily obtainable absent years of school and passing the most rigorous exam to practice.”
His commitment has translated into a variety of pro bono work, like asylum and environmental litigation.
“ I often help families with obtaining citizenship through lawful channels,” Matini says.“ One of the best outcomes was reuniting a father and son after 15 years apart by helping the client’ s son obtain a legal path to citizenship. I have also worked for entities like Oceana and Trout Unlimited to challenge agency regulations and actions that would otherwise imperil pristine and critical habitats.”
Giving back to the community doesn’ t end with his work as a lawyer; Matini finds it imperative to support causes near and dear to his heart. Although he now lives in Vienna, VA, with his family, he is still strongly connected to West Virginia.
“ I have been blessed more than I could have imagined through the kindness of others,” he says.“ That includes the West Virginia community, which has always supported me in pursuing my career goals. That is why I donate regularly to Pantry Plus, a food bank based in Morgantown, as well as other West Virginia-based charities. To me, giving back to the state that supported me is the least I can do, particularly for groups and causes that help children who will ultimately become the future of the state and community.”
Matini also stays involved within his profession. He serves on the Pro Bono and Recruiting committees at Sheppard Mullin, is a member of multiple bar associations— including the Iranian American Bar Association— and teaches civil procedure at the D. C. Bar.
Outside of court, Matini can be found spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, avidly reading and working out.
Matini’ s legal career has been all about earning and creating opportunities, just as his parents did for him. His journey has been one of staying true to himself and showing up for the people around him. As Matini looks toward the future, he is focused on continuing to grow, furthering his practice, giving back to the communities that shaped him and keeping family at the heart of it all. •
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