Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Farahvar.
Paul, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I used to be a musician in multiple bands, then I started a music company Shoeshine Boy Productions, which acted as a “one stop shop” for bands where they can get shows, management help and legal help (I am an attorney).
I then started my own law firm with a partner in 2008 but then went on my own in 2016 to start Farahvar Law Group so I can focus on my third full time career, stand-up comedy. I am a stand-up comedian and I run and produce two shows at the Laugh Factory – Drink Date Laugh (every Friday at 8pm) and everyone’s a Lawyer (where comedians compete to see who would be the best lawyer) the last Sunday of every month at the Laugh Factory at 7pm.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Yes and no. I really had not plan to be a stand-up comedian. I just like to entertain and have an effect or impression on people. When I was young, I thought I was gonna be a musician and law school was a “safety” but then I became a trial lawyer for commercial and civil rights matters and enjoyed it. Eventually I got burned out and didn’t enjoy portions of the job or some of the cases. As the partner at the firm, there was always the stress of finding new cases or clients too and different goals and personalities within our organization. I started stand up and improve in 2011 comedy as a hobby. It has led to some great opportunities so I am just going for the ride now. I have not had many regrets since!
Paul Farahvar Comedy, Farahvar Law Group and Shoeshine Boy Productions – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As for my comedy, I am most proud of my shows DrinK Date Laugh which is a unique experience of stand-up comedy and crowd participation. It’s about dating as is my podcast SINGLES ONLY which interviews single people in various art forms (comedians, musicians, lawyers, actors) I also love everyone’s a Lawyer which is the game show I created which has 3 comedians vying to see who is the best lawyer. Think @midnight or Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me! in Judy Judy’s chambers.
My law firm is a trial law firm. We take cases that may go to trial. 96% of cases don’t go to trial but the cases I get often do, just because by the time they get to me, all options have been exhausted.
So my music company Shoeshine Boy Productions books showcases now. I like that we help bands learn about the business aspect of the music industry and I love helping bands who work hard and are easy to work with. I am proud of the fact that we will be celebrating 18 years in April in Chicago’s music scene.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think success is measured by goals you have met. I like to set goals for myself in everything I do and focus on getting there. My all-time favorite person is Conan O’Brien and when he was pushed out of the Tonight Show, he said perhaps the most powerful and profound thing that I hope to live by and that is “Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism…. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen…” I like to be positive and see the silver lining in everything. My past “failures” have led me to where I am today. I like to think I work hard and am nice to people. That is success in my book.
Pricing:
- Drink Date Laugh every Friday at 8pm at the Laugh Factory ($15)
- Everyones a Lawyer Last Sunday of every month at 7pm ($12 discount tickets available on my website)
Contact Info:
- Address: Farahvar Law Group
180 West Washington St Suite 810
Chicago IL 60602 - Website: www.paulfarahvar.com
- Phone: 312.634-0412
- Email: paul@pflawgroup.com
- Instagram: paulfarahvar
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/paulfcomedy
- Twitter: @paulfarahvar
- Other: www.paulfcomedy.com
Image Credit:
Mike Hari Photographer
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