Mehrnoush Yazdanyar
Founding & Principal Attorney | U.S. Sanctions Attorney | OFAC Compliance & Enforcement Defense
Mehrnoush Yazdanyar, Esq. is a nationally recognized U.S. sanctions attorney specializing in OFAC compliance, enforcement defense, and export controls. She is the Founder and Principal of Yazdanyar Law Offices, Inc., a boutique law firm established in 2009 to represent clients in complex matters involving the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and related federal agencies.
With over fifteen years of concentrated experience in U.S. economic sanctions law, Ms. Yazdanyar advises corporations, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and individuals on navigating high-risk sanctions regulations, including the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR) and other country- and program-based sanctions regimes. Her practice spans the full lifecycle of sanctions matters, including OFAC compliance counseling, sanctions licensing, internal investigations, voluntary self-disclosures, administrative subpoena responses, enforcement defense, and federal litigation.
Ms. Yazdanyar has achieved consistent, best-case outcomes in OFAC enforcement matters, particularly at the administrative level. She has extensive experience responding to OFAC administrative subpoenas, conducting internal compliance reviews, and submitting comprehensive legal responses that have resulted in cautionary letters rather than civil monetary penalties. She has also successfully guided clients through voluntary self-disclosures (VSDs) that concluded with cautionary letters, reflecting OFAC’s determination that no enforcement action was warranted — outcomes widely regarded as the most favorable resolution available under U.S. sanctions regulations.
In addition to administrative matters, Ms. Yazdanyar has represented clients in federal sanctions investigations and prosecutions, including matters involving coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Her practice is distinguished by its integration of regulatory, enforcement, and criminal sanctions defense, enabling proactive risk mitigation and strategic positioning before enforcement actions escalate.
Ms. Yazdanyar also advises multinational companies and organizations on OFAC compliance programs, sanctions risk assessments, internal controls, and cross-border transaction structuring. She regularly provides sanctions compliance training to corporate clients, financial institutions, and nonprofit organizations operating in sanctioned or high-risk jurisdictions.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Summa Cum Laude, with a Minor in Near Eastern Languages from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and her Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law. Her academic background informs her nuanced understanding of the geopolitical, cultural, and regulatory considerations that frequently arise in international sanctions and export control matters.
Committed to demystifying U.S. sanctions laws, Ms. Yazdanyar frequently educates individuals, institutions, and community organizations on OFAC regulations, enforcement trends, and compliance obligations. She is a recognized voice in the field, appearing on television and radio programs and speaking at conferences and seminars on the legal and practical implications of U.S. sanctions programs.
Under her leadership, Yazdanyar Law Offices has grown from a single Beverly Hills office into a multi-location sanctions law practice serving thousands of clients worldwide. Ms. Yazdanyar is admitted to practice law in California and Hawaii, and continues to expand her practice to meet the needs of clients navigating increasingly complex U.S. sanctions and regulatory environments.
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 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
Director of Banking Compliance & Marketing Operations
Dara Saravi is the Director of Banking Compliance and Marketing Operations at Yazdanyar Law Offices, where he leads the firm’s banking compliance initiatives and client communications strategy. Dara works closely with U.S. financial institutions to oversee compliance submissions, ensuring each client’s transactions are processed smoothly and efficiently in accordance with federal regulations.
Since joining the firm in February 2023, Dara has also spearheaded the development of Yazdanyar Law’s digital and marketing operations, including brand strategy, social media management, and website optimization—strengthening the firm’s online presence and client engagement.
He holds an Honours Degree in Political Science from the University of Ottawa, where he built a strong foundation in global politics, communication, and strategic media. Dara brings a meticulous, client-centered approach to his work, combining regulatory precision with creative direction to deliver a seamless experience for every client and partner.
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
