When West Virginia University calls, Nima Mohebbi answers. Hopping on a Zoom call, he first offers to fix his hair and clothing. As a lawyer, he understands the importance of presentation.
As a Chambers College graduate, he also understands the importance of an economic mindset.
“I think some people look at economics as a purely academic thing,” Mohebbi said. “But it really teaches you how to solve problems and think, which is what a lawyer does as well.”
Born and raised in Hurricane, Mohebbi always knew he wanted to stay in West Virginia for college – specifically at the state’s flagship university. Finding his professional path, however, was a bit harder.
“I didn’t know that I wanted to be an econ major,” Mohebbi said. “My professors sparked my interest in economics as a discipline amenable to not just academic, but practical applications. I kind of took off from there.”
After completing his undergraduate studies, Mohebbi left the state for law school. His economics knowledge, however, provided him with a valuable lens to examine his new field through.
“At the end of the day, economics is a science – a science that evaluates human behavior. It answers questions about why people do what they do. You learn how to assess problems through that lens, and sometimes you can come up with great answers that people often overlook.”
In other words, it’s about motive: the “why” of the world, which is at the core of both economics and law.
“For me, law was an opportunity to do something practical and solve problems in the real world,” Mohebbi said. “The work that I do touches finance, entertainment, tech. I even had a case for Beyond Meat a few years ago. Having an economic perspective is really helpful. So much of what we do has a business element nowadays.”
The field of law isn’t really one field, but many. Mohebbi, a partner in the Century City office of the global law firm Sidley Austin LLP, has represented clients including Chess.com, several well-known actors and actresses, musical superstars like The Chainsmokers and “probably the most successful NFL player of all time.” The problems he’s tackled have ranged from helping clients win at high-stakes jury trials to name-image-license takedowns creating AI and blockchain assets.
However, he remains grounded in his West Virginia upbringing.
“Coming from West Virginia, having an attitude of working hard and being my genuine, authentic self has made me more effective in being able to handle challenges,” Mohebbi said.
“My office is decked out in WVU stuff – I have a putt-putt green with the Flying WV on it. It always provides a great opportunity to tell people how I feel about West Virginia, which is that it's one of the greatest places on the planet.”
In December 2024, Mohebbi got another opportunity to showcase West Virginia – this time, by speaking directly to WVU students. Along with three other alumni, he took part in a career panel hosted by the Chambers College’s Center for Career Development. The topic: “Government, Law, and Policy.”
“Dean Hall has done a great job of amping up the alumni outreach,” Mohebbi said. “People should be coming back to WVU and contributing. Anytime they reach out, it’s always a yes for me.
"If I can help even just one student be successful, I will absolutely do it.”
-WVU-
am/2/7/25
MEDIA CONTACT:
Andrew Marvin
Senior Communications Specialist
John Chambers College of Business and Economics
andrew.marvin@mail.wvu.edu
