Today we’d like to introduce you to Pegah Rahgozar.
Pegah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Becoming a lawyer was always a calling for me since sophomore year of high school. I took 3 years of debate and knew immediately that I was made for law and politics, especially foreign policy or any national issue which dealt with foreign policy or issues of national security.
I took about 3 years off after high school to get married and raise a family. When my son was 1 years old, I went back to school and finished my undergraduate degree in 2 years, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
I went onto law school as a single mom, with my son being only 3 years old. With the passion and drive instilled in me, I finished law school in 2.5 years (a semester ahead of my entering class) and immediately took the bar and passed.
It was an amazing feeling to walk the stage with my friends as a licensed attorney.
The same month I was licensed I started my own law firm and have been blessed to have a successful firm (team of 3 paralegals, an associate, and an of council), celebrating 7 years, practicing what I love the most – immigration law and adding personal injury/tort law to our firm’s practice area.
I’ve always taken calculated risks. Starting my own law firm and being an entrepreneur was one of those risks. The only experience I carried was 2 years of immigration law clerkships and clinical experience, but that was enough legal experience under my belt to give me the confidence I needed to competently represent my clients. I knew that my immigration clinical experience at the University of Houston Law Center, under Director Geoffrey A. Hoffman was top-notch. Professor Hoffman continued to serve as my mentor through the years.
The funny thing is when I went into law school I wanted to go into corporate law, despite the suggestion of family and friends that I pursue immigration law given my background as an immigrant who had first-hand knowledge and experience going through the complex immigration system. Nonetheless, when you know you’re meant for something, you will always be guided and pushed towards that — in this case, I was meant to become an immigration lawyer.
I carry such passion, compassion, and zeal for each client that I advocate for. I am a strong advocate for women and children of violence and abuse, and have made it my mission in life to serve this vulnerable population not only on a pro bono basis through my private practice, but to partake in community outreaches with non-profits who help the immigrant community.
My background helps me empathize with my clients, and understanding their individualized circumstances and experiences. Nothing is more fulfilling than helping secure a positive future for an individual who has struggled for years in the shadows of this country, who has escaped persecution and violence in their home country, but remains fearful day in and out for what the next day holds; at the mercy of the immigration laws of this country.
Piece of advice: If you have the passion, the drive and commitment, anything is possible so never give up on your dreams whether it’s to go to law school or be an entrepreneur/law firm owner! Never say never!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. Come to think of it, I don’t think anything in my life has come easy for me. I have been a single mom for over a decade, going through law school with a toddler and starting a law firm from the ground up with no financial help or business model or guidance to follow. It took years of trial and error to perfect and smooth the path that has led me to where I am at today. It took many sleepless nights, long hours and days away from my son, to get here. I knew I was going to build an empire, for me and for my son. If I had to go back, I honestly wouldn’t change it. The hardships and experiences acquired along the way is the very reason I am the strong, self-made mother, woman, lawyer, and entrepreneur l am today. I am thankful and count my blessings for my journey.
My advice to any woman starting this journey is this — Rome was not built in a day; as long as you know the journey you are on will be fruitful at the end, nothing can get in your way. Never give up on your dreams or passion, big or small. The mind is a powerful thing. If you believe it, you can achieve it. I did it as a single mom, with too many struggles to count, but I always had faith and I knew I was doing it all for a purpose. When you know your purpose, nothing will stop you from it.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Rahgozar Law Firm story. Tell us more about the business.
I am an immigration lawyer.
My main focus is helping individuals navigate through the complex immigration system by providing services in: family-based green cards, employment-based green cards, asylum, naturalization, work visa, deportation defense, and visas for victims of human trafficking (labor & sex trafficking), victims of crime, and victims of domestic violence and abuse.
What sets me and my law firm apart from others is that we provide personal, attention to detail, hand-holding, and intimate care to each and every one of our clients; and our client’s know that they aren’t just clients, but are lifelong friends and part of our family. We grow together and bond together, especially given that some cases are years in the making before we reach a final resolution. Our client’s satisfaction through the process and the positive results we deliver them is our #1 goal.
Vision: Fostering a successful, all-encompassing journey and settlement into the American way of life.
Mission: Through compassionate and tailored support, we will holistically lead our clients through the barriers of a complex immigration system, and on the journey to achieve the American Dream.
Culture: Developing relationships built on integrity and humility.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I grew close with the faculty and clinical professors during law school, who continued to serve as mentors I could call upon over the years for advice or to run through complicated fact patterns with.
I would network in the area you are pursuing or are passionate about, and find like-minded people who are just as ambitious and passionate as you are; that individual would be the ideal person to collaborate with and seek as a mentor. Never be afraid to ask someone more senior and/or experienced for their help or mentorship, they will be flattered and be more than happy to help guide you and mentor you.
Pricing:
- Prices are set on a case-by-case basis. Immigration is fact intensive and unique, and each case deserves individualized attention and analysis.
Contact Info:
- Address: Rahgozar Law Firm, PLLC
2825 Wilcrest Dr., Ste. 515
Houston, TX 77042 - Website: www.rahgozarlaw.com
- Phone: (832) 792-3636
- Email: prahgozar@rahgozarlaw.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahgozarlawtx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rahgozarlaw/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rahgozarlaw?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pegah-rahgozar-houston-immigration-and-personal-injury-attorney-1a211629
Image Credit:
Tara Flannery (credit for the professional headshots)
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