Mehrnoush Yazdanyar
Founding & Principal Attorney | Sanctions, Export Controls, and Regulatory Licensing, Compliance, and Defense
Mehrnoush Yazdanyar is the founding and principal attorney of Yazdanyar Law Offices, which she established in 2009 to provide focused legal representation in the highly specialized field of U.S. sanctions law. For over a decade, she has diligently defended the rights of her clients and guided them through the complex, high-stakes regulatory landscape shaped by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Under her leadership, Yazdanyar Law Offices has become a premier boutique firm recognized for combining the sophistication and legal excellence of a large firm with the responsiveness and personalized care of a dedicated, client-centered practice. She has built a team known for providing clear, actionable legal strategies to individuals, families, and organizations affected by U.S. sanctions, blocked transactions, compliance matters, and consular affairs—including representation in matters involving the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Mehrnoush’s practice is distinguished by a rare dual fluency in both U.S. sanctions and banking regulations, as well as the legal and cultural systems of sanctioned jurisdictions. This insight allows her to craft practical, legally sound, and executable solutions—bridging the gap between regulatory requirements and on-the-ground realities.
Mehrnoush earned her Juris Doctor from the USC Gould School of Law in 2004, where she served as 3L President of the Student Bar Association, President of the Middle Eastern South Asian Law Association, and a board member and editor of the Hale Moot Court Honors Program. She was also recognized for her work on the Jessup Moot Court Brief with an Honors Distinction. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government from UCLA.
Mehrnoush is admitted to practice law in California and Hawaii. With a longstanding reputation for integrity, transparency, and unwavering client advocacy, she continues to serve as a trusted advisor to those navigating the legal and human impact of U.S. sanctions.
Ariana Momtazi-Bushweller
Litigation & Compliance Counsel | Sanctions, Export Controls, and Regulatory Compliance & Defense
Ariana Momtazi-Bushweller is Litigation and Compliance Counsel at Yazdanyar Law Offices, where she focuses her legal practice on U.S. primary and secondary sanctions, export controls, and cross-border regulatory compliance. She advises individuals, startups, and small to midsized multinational companies—particularly those in the Middle East and other emerging markets—on navigating U.S. legal exposure in an increasingly complex global environment.
Her practice includes:
- Advising on sanctions and export control compliance frameworks
- Conducting due diligence for cross-border transactions and partnerships
- Leading internal investigations, audits, and pre-litigation risk reviews
- Designing and delivering compliance trainings, policies, and programs
- Working with banks and financial institutions to facilitate compliant transactions
- Representing clients in blocked asset recovery and sanctions-related account closures
Ariana also represents clients in U.S. federal and state courts and before regulatory agencies in matters involving:
- Account closures, asset seizures, and forfeiture proceedings
- OFAC subpoenas, administrative penalties, and enforcement actions
- Challenging OFAC designations or listings under U.S. sanctions programs
- Defense in civil and criminal investigations involving sanctions or export control violations
- Sanctions-related commercial and contract litigation
Ariana began her legal career at the ACLU of Illinois, litigating civil rights cases related to the First Amendment, immigration, and policing. She later practiced at O'Melveny & Myers LLP, where she handled class actions and regulatory matters involving anti-corruption, consumer protection, and anti-discrimination.
Most recently, she served as a judicial law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, where she gained valuable experience in federal litigation and enforcement processes.
Ariana earned her J.D. from Columbia Law School in 2020, where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Columbia Journal of Race and Law and as a Law Clerk in the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic. She received her B.A. from American University in 2015, where she was the President and Co-Founder of the Persian Student Alliance. Ariana is admitted to practice law in New York and California.
She now helps clients manage legal risk, build resilient compliance programs, and engage confidently in global markets. She also partners with law firms, consultants, and financial professionals seeking trusted U.S. counsel on sanctions-sensitive and regulated matters.
Nazanin Asadi
Law Clerk Associate | Sanctions Licensing & Compliance
Nazanin Asadi is a Law Clerk Associate at Yazdanyar Law Offices, Inc., where she focuses on U.S. sanctions licensing and regulatory compliance. She supports the firm’s clients in navigating complex licensing frameworks governed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), including both specific and general license applications, compliance documentation, and regulatory analysis.
Nazanin holds two LL.M. degrees from the University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law:
- An LL.M. in Business and Transactional Law (2016), where she gained a strong foundation in corporate structure, finance, and international business regulation
- An LL.M. in Alternative Dispute Resolution (2018), with a concentration in arbitration and mediation strategies to resolve business and regulatory disputes outside of litigation
Her background in both transactional law and dispute resolution gives her a unique perspective in helping clients manage sanctions-related challenges efficiently, whether through structured legal solutions or by minimizing risk through proactive compliance measures.
Nazanin plays a key role in preparing regulatory filings, conducting due diligence, and supporting licensing matters involving blocked funds, cross-border transactions, and OFAC-authorized exceptions. She is passionate about helping individuals and companies understand their legal obligations and operate transparently in sensitive regulatory environments.
Negar Choroomi
Director of Marketing & Client Services
Negar Choroomi is the Director of Marketing & Client Services at Yazdanyar Law Offices. She joined the firm in January 2018, where her focus has been on marketing as well as sourcing, executing, and overseeing current and new clients' needs.
Negar's diverse past experience encompasses over 15 years of real estate sales and management. Over this time, Negar developed an exceptional track record in all aspects of marketing and clients relations. Subsequent to her work in real estate field, for over two years as a freelancer she worked for several firms putting her marketing and advertising talents to work.
Additionally, Negar was recognized as a top achiever over her six-year tenure at Interthinx, a mortgage software company, where she managed and directed a team of 25 mortgage processors. Negar received her bachelor's degree in 2002 from California State University, Northridge
Sanna Tabatabai-Irani
Director of Operations
Sanna Tabatabai-Irani is the Director of Operations at Yazdanyar Law Offices. Sanna joined Yazdanyar Law in 2017 with a focus on client relations and supporting the firm's expansion.
She was born and raised in Finland and speaks English, Persian, and Finnish fluently. As an immigrant to the United States herself, Sanna understands the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and legal system.
Her own experience has affirmed her commitment to assisting others with compassion and understanding as clients navigate the complex U.S. legal system. As part of her duties and responsibilities at Yazdanyar Law, Sanna corresponds with clients to provide the best services possible and oversees the day-to-day operations of the office. She received her Bachelor's degree in Finland from the University of Haaga-Helia Applied Sciences in 2008.
Dara Saravi
Legal Assistant
Dara Saravi is a Legal Assistant at Yazdanyar Law Offices, where he focuses on building strong client relationships and maintaining effective communication with U.S. banks. He works closely with banking compliance departments and oversees document submissions to ensure smooth and timely processing on behalf of the firm’s clients.
Since joining the firm in February 2023, Dara has also managed the firm’s digital presence, including social media strategy, website design, and online communications.
He holds an Honours Degree in Political Science from the University of Ottawa, where he developed a strong foundation in global politics and media strategy. Dara brings a detail-oriented and client-focused approach to his work, ensuring every client receives a professional and seamless experience
Bahar Dabiri
Legal Assistant
Bahar Dabiri is a legal Assistant at Yazdanyar Law Offices. She is currently entering her graduating year at UCLA, where she is pursuing a degree in Political Science with the goal of attending law school.
Bahar brings a strong passion for client service, along with a diligent and detail-oriented approach to her work. Her work ethic and commitment to excellence make her a valuable part of the team as she assists in various aspects of client intake, case preparation, and administrative support.
With a deep interest in immigration law and advocacy, Bahar is eager to gain hands-on experience while continuing to develop the foundational skills for her future legal career
