We sat down with Hossein Berenji, the owner of Berenji & Associates Family Law Attorneys, to discuss his journey from pre-med to the creation of a family law practice rooted in empathy and values.
AALM: What experiences led you to pursue a career in law and in family law in particular?
HB: My personal history is deeply shaped by the impact of family conflict. My parents divorced when I was very young. I was raised by a single mother and apart from my father for much of my childhood. I saw firsthand the emotional toll of divorce on all involved. That experience stayed with me. I also grew up as the son of immigrants and noticed, over and over, how much better people fared when they had access to lawyers who knew how to advocate for them. I knew early on that I wanted to be able to protect my family, and eventually others, with knowledge of the legal system.
AALM: As a leader, what has been your focus in building your firm?
HB: One thing I’ve always been mindful of is how growth often comes at the expense of quality. I’ve seen it happen in so many industries. Firms grow quickly, and suddenly clients feel like they’re just case numbers, not people. I made a conscious decision to grow our firm only at a pace that would allow us to maintain the highest standard of care for every client.
I also think a lot about mentorship. As someone who didn’t grow up with a built-in network of professionals or mentors, I take seriously the responsibility to train and support our team. We emphasize compassion as much as competence.
Every client’s goals are different—some want a fast, peaceful resolution to protect their kids from conflict, while others care about protecting assets they’ve spent a lifetime building. Our job is to listen, understand what matters most to each client, and then tailor our strategy to best protect it.
AALM: What do you enjoy most about your family law practice?
HB: Without question, it’s the ability to make a real difference in what matters most to people. Family is everything to me, and to be entrusted with helping someone protect theirs—during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives—is something I don’t take lightly. It’s an honor and a privilege to do this work every day.
AALM: Looking back on your career, is there anything you would change?
HB: Like a lot of kids from immigrant families, I was pre-med at one point and then turned to law—hoping to focus on medical malpractice. I practiced in that area for the first few years and found it intellectually engaging and meaningful. But once I took on a few family law cases, I realized I had a passion for it. If I could go back, I would’ve made the decision to focus on family law sooner.
I also would’ve convinced my wife to join the practice earlier. She started as a corporate attorney and was hesitant to step into the emotional intensity of family law. She also had understandable reservations about mixing marriage and business. But working together has been one of our best decisions, both professionally and personally.
AALM: What more do you hope to accomplish in your career?
HB: I’d like to grow the firm into something that lasts beyond me so that clients for generations can benefit from compassionate and effective representation. I want to train and empower the next generation of family law attorneys with the tools and the mindset to carry this work forward. I’ll know I’ve succeeded when the firm is thriving and serving clients at the highest level, even after I’ve stepped away.
AALM: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
HB: I feel incredibly fortunate to have built a career that aligns with my values. This work is challenging, but it’s also deeply rewarding—and I’m grateful every day to be doing it.
