Steven I. Azizi is a graduate of the prestigious SCALE 2-year J.D. program at Southwestern Law School. Steven focuses on complex employment and personal injury cases. A majority of Steven’s cases involves sexual harassment, wrongful termination, whistleblower claims, and catastrophic injuries. Steven is the lead litigator and trial attorney at the law firm he founded, Miracle Mile Law Group. Miracle Mile Law Group services employees who have been wronged at the hands of greedy employers and those who have been negligently injured by others.
Before embarking on law school, Steven had aspirations of becoming a doctor. He sat for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) after graduating from University of California, San Diego in 2014 with a degree in communication and an emphasis in chemistry. However, after a period of deep soul searching, Steven concluded that his calling did not involve scalpels; he realized he could make a much greater impact in society by becoming a lawyer.
When Steven isn’t drafting motions or dealing with greedy insurance companies or employers, he enjoys spending time with family and watching his hometown Lakers play some ball.
First things first, why did you become a lawyer?
I became a lawyer because I believe in the power of story. A good story moves, inspires, and empowers. How does my passion of storytelling fit into the practice of law? I believe that a good lawyer is only as good as his or her ability to tell their client’s story. I truly believe that my purpose in life is to be able to my client’s stories effectively in order to obtain the justice they deserve. Whether this means that I’ll lose sleep so I can know every single fact of my client’s case back and forth, so be it.
Now that we know why you became a lawyer, why did you become an Employment & Injury lawyer specifically?
For one, injured parties and employees are two classes of individuals that are the most vulnerable. A serious injury can upend a person’s life and employees usually lack any bargaining power with their employers. I felt compelled to represent these individuals. Contrary to what Michael Douglas proclaimed in the movie “Wall Street,” greed is NOT good. And I made it my life’s mission to limit the greed that inflicts employees and injured parties.
How do you earn money? In other words, how much do you charge your clients?
I do not charge a single penny unless and until I secure a favorable settlement or verdict for my clients. This is known as a “contingent” fee agreement. Contingent fee agreements are industry standard in Employment and Injury related matters, but in many cases, I’ve seen some lawyers charge people for a simple consultation. I would never do such a thing and anyone who does has seriously lost their moral compass.
What is a typical day like in the life of Steven I. Azizi?
I cannot and will not start my day without coffee. In the field of law, we call it our fuel. Once I get into the office around 8:00 a.m., the first thing I usually do is answer my emails. I make a concerted effort to reply to all my client’s emails when they ask for updates. My next task is to make sure any new potential clients are being treated with respect and the courtesy they deserve, even if we ultimately do not take on their case. I also make sure all of our legal staff is on top of their tasks to keep the firm running as smooth as possible.
What motivates you?
I’m motivated by winning. It is as simple as that. I know that when I win my cases, whether it be at trial or a mediation, my clients are winning as well. A slogan we often mimic in our office is: “We Don’t Just Settle, We Win!” I am also motivated by the process of building something on your own terms. This is likely why I found Miracle Mile Law Group. At the past firms I worked with, I hated how the operation of the firm was extremely messy and lawyers were not communicating with their clients; what irked me the most was that the lawyer’s work-product was way below average. I sought to change that by opening up my own firm. I make it my concerted effort to streamline processes so that clients are constantly informed about the status of their case. Also, if I put my signature on any paper, you better believe that it lives up to my standards of excellence.
What is one marketing strategy, besides referrals, that you’re using that works really well for generating new business?
I’ve learned that digital marketing is here to stay. We live in a world where access to the internet is not just a privilege but has almost become a right. I’ve also come to learn that many potential clients do not know that my services come at no cost to them, and the internet has made it quite easy to educate potential clients of their rights.
What advice would you give to a new attorney who is just starting out practicing law?
My advice would be to instill a sense of grit in your personality. You have to roll with the punches if you want to win the fight. If you can develop a sense of grit, you’ll find that the legal profession is quite beautiful. In fact, the look of client’s face when you secure a favorable outcome is breathtaking.
When you were first opening up shop, was there ever a time you doubted yourself or whether the firm would be successful? If so, how did you handle that?
Of course. I remember telling myself when I first opened up my firm that this is the greatest leap of faith you will ever take. I had job offers that were extremely lucrative, but I decided that I wanted to create my own destiny. I’ve learned that the most rewarding experiences in life are often the most challenging. Starting Miracle Mile Law Group, I’ve never believed in that cliché more. But whenever my fears or insecurities pop up again, I remind myself how far I’ve come, but also how far I have left to go.