Yazdani manages expectations on both sides of courtroom

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Kaivon Yazdani likes nothing better than getting in front of a jury and making his case.

“I really enjoy being in the courtroom, picking juries and getting people to think my way,” said Yazdani, a civil defense litigator with Nistler & Condon SC who previously worked as an assistant district attorney in Milwaukee and before that as an assistant state attorney in Miami.

Though his latest role required him to switch sides of the courtroom, Yazdani said the move has been “easy.”

“As a prosecutor, I held myself to a higher standard and was very dedicated to making the case,” he said. “That serves me well as a defense attorney.”

But, from both sides of the courtroom, he has found it a challenge to manage client and juror expectations.

With jurors, he said, “You get some people who think it’s going to be like ‘CSI’ with lots of fingerprint and DNA evidence.”

With his clients, he said, “I sometimes feel like I’m a life coach.”

In order to provide the best counsel, Yazdani said he tries to be as objective as possible.

“You care so much about the clients, but you need to do what’s in their best interest,” he said. “I’m there to help get them through a situation and make some changes.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: What do you think is your biggest accomplishment?
Kaivon Yazdani: My biggest accomplishment has been getting to where I am today in my career. It is something I am really proud of. The journey involved passing two bar exams — Florida and Wisconsin, back to back — and transitioning from a prosecutor in Florida to a prosecutor in Wisconsin, and then again transitioning from a prosecutor to a defense attorney.

It was extremely difficult relocating from Florida to Wisconsin. The job market was tight, and I had very few legal connections to help pave the way. I was lucky enough to get hired at the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s. … As the new guy that knew nobody, I essentially had to create a name for myself and recreate my legal career. During that process, I was honored to meet my mentor and current employer, Brent Nistler. It’s been a long, tough road, but well worth it.

WLJ: What app can’t you live without?
Yazdani: Facebook. I value the relationships I have with people and I like to stay in touch with everyone. Without Facebook, that wouldn’t be possible, especially with all my friends and professional connections in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

WLJ: Who is someone you admire?
Yazdani: Both of my parents. My father was born in Iran and raised in a low-mid-class household. In the 1960s he arrived in the United States alone with minimal funds and with a limited English vocabulary. He managed to work full-time while going to college, eventually graduating with a bachelor degree in chemistry. He was very successful in his career, and also succeeded in providing opportunities for his wife and children. He truly accomplished the American dream. My mother has a similar story. She came to the United States at the age of 18, not knowing a word of English and only knowing my father. She devoted her life to raising her children and supporting my father’s endeavors, all while maintaining employment. Their sacrifices and hard work have paid off for them, as well as their children.