Attorney Mark Shirian’s Journey
In this interview, we delve into the story of Mark Shirian: his background, the founding of his law firm, and the core values that have driven its success.
Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to become an attorney?
I grew up in New York and have never left. As a kid, I was inspired by movies, especially Philadelphia starring Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks. That film had a profound impact on me and played a big part in my decision to pursue law. I was also intrigued by sports representation early on, which I briefly explored. All these factors together led me to law school and the decision to become an attorney.
Was there a specific moment in your career that made you decide to start your own firm, Mark David Shirian, PC?
It was 2009, a tough year for the economy. Many people, including highly skilled professionals, were losing their jobs. At the time, I had always envisioned working for a big firm, but the economic downturn made me rethink my path. I worked with some lawyers who ran their own firms, enjoyed a better work-life balance, and were successful. This inspired me to pursue entrepreneurship and start my own firm. I realized that true job security for me meant forging my own path and controlling my own success.
How did your previous experiences and life lessons help prepare you for running a law firm?
I draw a lot from my background in wrestling. I wrestled throughout middle school, high school, and at NYU in college. Later, I also became the head coach for a wrestling team at a school on Long Island. Wrestling taught me a lot about preparation, resilience, and self-reliance—all of which translate well into litigation. Just like wrestling, litigation requires thorough preparation, the ability to think on your feet, and the determination to overcome challenges. My wrestling background helped me build the mental toughness needed for running a business and handling the challenges that come with it.
What lessons did you learn from working in large firms and as a solo practitioner that you brought to your own firm?
One key lesson is customer service—treating clients like they’re family. In larger firms, there’s less direct contact with clients, but I wanted my firm to be different. I wanted to be accessible to my clients and provide personal attention. This level of service sets us apart from larger firms. While we may not have the vast resources of big firms, our smaller size allows us to offer a more personal touch and be diligent in every case.
Starting a business can be challenging. What were the first steps you took in establishing your firm?
The first step was building a client base. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to develop my own client base while working at a firm. Having a clear idea of the types of cases I wanted to handle was crucial. Once I was ready to branch out, I didn’t have to share the fees with others. I could build something on my own. The key is to ensure you have a steady stream of clients—without that, you can’t sustain the business. I always advise anyone starting a firm to clearly define their client base and be confident in your ability to attract clients.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when you first launched your firm?
The biggest challenge was juggling the legal work with all the administrative and marketing tasks. Early on, I did everything myself—from mailing documents and answering calls to handling bookkeeping. It was a lot, but it taught me the importance of delegating tasks and freeing up time to focus on the most important aspects, like maximizing case values and attracting new clients.
How did you build your client base and gain visibility in the early days?
Referrals were key—especially from other lawyers. I also found that being active in court, talking to other attorneys, and exchanging business cards helped generate referrals. In addition, I made sure to tell everyone I knew about my firm because word-of-mouth from satisfied clients is one of the best marketing tools. We grew the business organically, relying on referrals and reputation rather than large marketing campaigns. I started with only $15,000, and building the firm required a lot of hustle and intention.
How did you decide on the primary areas of practice for your firm?
While working at a firm before starting my own, I handled personal injury cases and was introduced to employment law, particularly sexual harassment cases. The firm was very supportive, allowing me to take on cases while learning from experienced partners. As I continued to handle employment discrimination cases, I found that these types of cases often had a higher volume and better opportunity than personal injury. I also liked the diversity of having two distinct practice areas, which kept things interesting and provided a broader scope of cases.
What are the core values you uphold at Shirian Law, and how do they reflect your approach to practicing law?
At Mark David Shirian Law, P.C. Attorneys at Law, we emphasize treating clients like family. We always advise our clients the same way we would advise our own loved ones. Our second core value is promoting justice. We only take on cases that are meritorious and serve the greater purpose of seeking justice. These values guide every decision we make, and by adhering to them, we ensure that we’re doing what's best for our clients while achieving the best possible results for them.
How do you stay motivated and avoid burnout in your demanding profession?
Burnout is a real concern for many attorneys, but I’ve been very intentional about maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I take time for activities that refresh me, like hot yoga, biking, and reading. I also take occasional trips—Miami helps! I’ve learned that burnout only hinders my ability to help clients and run my business. It’s important to step away and recharge, and today, I have a team in place that keeps things running smoothly even when I’m away.
Where do you see your firm in the next five to 10 years? What goals do you have?
Long-term, I hope to expand nationally, opening satellite offices in other major cities. I also plan to be more selective in the cases we take, focusing on high-value cases to maximize our success. In the short-term, I aim to continue building on our current client base and adding staff to manage the growing caseload. We’ll also stay updated with the latest technology and marketing strategies to continue growing while providing top-tier legal services.