
Our Mission
The IABA is the only national association of Iranian-American judges, attorneys, legal scholars, and law students in the U.S. with over 1,500 members and eight chapters nationwide. The IABA’s mission is threefold:
TO EDUCATE
our community about legal issues of interest and ensure that the public and our representatives are informed on such matters;
TO PROTECT
and advance the legal rights of Iranian Americans and other minority communities;
TO FOSTER
and promote the achievements of Iranian American legal professionals.
The IABA has quickly risen as a premier minority bar association and has been at the forefront of protecting the rights of Iranian-Americans and other minorities, whether in courtrooms or in meetings with our elected officials.
Our Initiatives

Networking & Mentorship
Building a connected, diverse legal community through events that foster growth and support.

Student Scholarships
Offering financial support to law students, including those dedicated to public service careers.

Advocacy & Coalition Building
Leading efforts to improve immigration and other laws that affect our community.

Training & Legal Education
Hosting sessions on key legal issues impacting Iranian and other minority groups.

Celebrating Achievements
Recognizing our members’ accomplishments in fields like politics, tech, and the judiciary.

About IABA
The Iranian American Bar Association (“IABA”) was formed in 2000 in the District of Columbia. Having begun with one chapter and only four founding members, IABA has grown to include eight chapters nationwide and a membership of prominent attorneys, law students, and members of the judiciary.
IABA is a professional organization that seeks to educate and inform the Iranian-American community about legal issues of interest and to ensure that the American public at large, our local representatives, and other government officials are fully and accurately informed on legal matters of interest and concern to the Iranian-American community. IABA also strives to foster and promote the achievements of Iranian-American lawyers and other legal professionals. IABA is an independent, non-religious, and apolitical organization. IABA is not a lobbying or advocacy group; it is primarily an educational organization.

IABA Chapters
Los Angeles
New York
N. California
Orange County
Phoenix
San Diego
Washington, D.C.
Southeast

IABA Foundation
The Iranian American Bar Association Foundation (IABA Foundation) was formed in 2013 as the charitable affiliate organization of the Iranian American Bar Association (IABA). The objectives of this corporation are to carry out various charitable and educational activities within the Iranian-American community and to support IABA, as a professional organization. IABA, established in the year 2000, has grown to include nine chapters throughout the US, with a membership of over 1500 prominent attorneys, law students, law professors and members of the judiciary.
Support IABA FoundationJoin IABA And Unlock Exclusive Benefits for Your Career and Community
Becoming an IABA member connects you with a powerful network of Iranian-American legal professionals, from judges to law students. You’ll gain exclusive access to the national attorney directory, enhancing your visibility and professional reach. Join us in supporting future leaders with scholarships and mentorship programs, all while advocating for laws that protect our community.
Board of Directors

Yasmin Bigdeli
President Emeritus
San Diego Representative

Babak Yousefzadeh
President
Member At-Large

Setareh Mortazavi
Internal Vice President
Member At-Large

Payam Saljoughian
External Vice President
Member At-Large

Roujin Mozaffarimehr
Treasurer
Member At-Large

Shirin Afsous
Rapid Response Director
Washington D.C. Representative

Penney Azizi
Membership Director
Los Angeles Representative

Eemaan Jalili
Fundraising Director
Orange County Representative

Tara Khani
Mentorship Director
South East Representative

Ati Alipour
Social Media Director
New York Representative

Arash Tavanaei
MCLE Director
Phoenix Representative

Paniz Karimpour
Student Director
NIALSA Representative
IABA Board of Advisors

Chair Babak Yousefzadeh

Babak Hoghooghi

Ali Mojdehi

Robert Babayi

Ramin Montazeri

Hon. Ashley Drake

Niki Khoshzamir

Tanaz Salehi

Lili Khozeimeh

John Tehranian
Latest News & Posts
TRAVEL BAN LITIGATION UPDATE
Breaking News, Latest News | July 9, 2024
TRAVEL BAN LITIGATION UPDATE Dear IABA Members and Supporters, We write to provide you with another victory in our ongoing litigation involving the Travel Ban (“Ban”). In another...
IABA Statement on Recent Immigration Policy Updates
Breaking News, Latest News | June 20, 2024
IABA Statement on Recent Immigration Policy Updates WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Iranian American Bar Association (IABA) strongly opposes the Executive Order signed by President...
Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) Category to be Added to U.S. Census – Informing Over $2.8 Trillion Dollars in Federal Funding
Breaking News, Latest News | April 9, 2024
Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) Category to be Added to U.S. Census - Informing Over $2.8 Trillion Dollars in Federal Funding...
Naz Etemad
Uncategorized | February 27, 2023
Naz Etemad Naz recently returned to her roots in San Diego where she was born and raised. She is currently an associate...
IABA STATEMENT REGARDING THE TRAGIC DEATH OF TYRE NICHOLS
Breaking News, Latest News | February 13, 2023
The Iranian American Bar Association ("IABA") mourns the tragic loss of Tyre Nichols, who was beaten to death by members of the...
Nicole Levi
Uncategorized | February 9, 2023
Nicole Levi Nicole Levi is a first year law student at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. Prior to...
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