Against All Odds
A Lawyer’s Journey
Written By Ana Anzani
Photography provided by Ana Anzani
I grew up in Iran during the Iran-Iraq war and witnessed first-hand unimaginable violence, particularly against women and children. I saw people tortured and even murdered. Despite my parents’ best efforts to shield me and my brothers, the terror was everywhere. Life became increasingly difficult, and my parents made the decision to flee. They didn’t want their only daughter raised in a society where women had few rights and fear dictated everyday life.
My father, a Lieutenant-Commander in the Iranian Navy, and my mother, a doctor, spent months planning our escape. They sacrificed their careers and home so we could have freedom and choice. My father, also an experienced pilot, flew us out of Iran in a helicopter. We ran out of fuel and unknowingly landed on a secret Saudi military base. Mistaken for spies, my parents were imprisoned, and our future was uncertain.
Miraculously, the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia became curious about my father and the boldness of his actions. My parents were released, and soon after, my father was employed as an advisor to the Royal Family. We lived in Saudi Arabia for several years. We were safe and began rebuilding our lives. My brothers and I started school again and adapted to a new way of life.
But as I approached puberty, a new threat emerged—arranged marriage. A suitor had been identified, and my parents feared the consequences of refusal. They made the bold decision to flee again—this time to Australia, under the pretext of a holiday. We sought and were granted asylum. It was years before I learned the true reason we left.
In Sydney, we settled on the North Shore. I was the only “brown girl” in my class. Despite their qualifications, my parents took jobs as a paperboy and maid. They refused government assistance and did everything to support us. We lived in a one-bedroom, mould-infested apartment. Yet those early years were some of the happiest of my life. We were together, and that mattered most.
Adjusting to life in Australia wasn’t easy. I faced racism and bullying, often beaten at school for the colour of my skin. I was ridiculed for my accent. English was my fourth language—after Farsi, French and Arabic—and by far the hardest. I had to work harder to learn, grow and belong.
My resilience was tested. But I leaned on those who supported me, and my curiosity to learn was nurtured by my teachers.
My daily mantra became:
“Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at will change.”
Just as I started to settle, 9/11 happened. I vividly remember being called a “terrorist” at the school gate. The racism escalated, but so did my resolve. I became determined to succeed and prove I had something meaningful to contribute.
During this time, I watched my father reinvent himself. He taught himself to code and even learnt Mandarin and Cantonese, building a new career. My mother stepped away from paid work to raise us. Their determination and sacrifice became the foundation of who I am.
These early experiences taught me that most people are good but often don’t know how to deal with situations they’ve never encountered.
I learned that education is the key to prosperity and that empathy can be a powerful tool. I wouldn’t wish my experiences on anyone, but I am grateful for what they taught me. These lessons help me understand my clients’ complex emotions and behaviours during separation and conflict.
Eventually, I began studying law—a goal I had carried with me since childhood. But my path took a painful detour.
I fell in love with the wrong person. My partner was controlling and slowly stripped me of my autonomy, cutting me off from friends and family.
I was reliving the same fear and silence I had known as a child. It took years to leave. When I finally did, I left with nothing but my safety.
For a time, I lived in my car. I was too ashamed to ask for help. But friends, and later my family, helped me back onto my feet.
I rebuilt, piece by piece, and returned to my studies. My daily mantra became: “Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at will change.”
I finished my law degree and began practising exclusively in family law. I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by some of the best in the profession.
I learned that family law requires not just legal skill, but emotional intelligence. Our clients come to us at their most vulnerable. We must meet them with empathy, strength and clarity.
Over time, I built a reputation for stepping into difficult matters and changing their course.
I pride myself on resolving complex cases, especially where others have struggled. I make it my mission to stay at the forefront of legal developments, continuously learning and improving.
Client trust is sacred. I work long hours because I know a two-minute phone call can mean a full night of sleep for someone in crisis. My business partner sometimes worries I’ll burn out. But this work energises me.
“I feel deep purpose in helping others move forward.”
Today, I am a proud mother to five-year-old twins. I have often been told that you can’t have a successful career and raise children—that something has to give. I don’t believe that.
I hope I can be an example that you can build a meaningful career and a joyful family life. You don’t have to choose.
This year, I launched my own family law firm with Timothy Nicholls. I focus on complex parenting matters, and he on complex property issues. We specialise in the most challenging cases, helping clients navigate both emotional and legal complexity. Our firm is built on shared values—respect, empathy, and relentless dedication to outcomes.
Tim lifts up women in the law and champions the idea that career and home life can be friends, not foes. We share a vision of mentoring the next generation, supporting long and rewarding careers in family law.
This is not a survivor story.
I don’t see myself as a victim. I see this as a story of strength—of how adversity can shape you, refine you, and prepare you to help others.
With the right work ethic and the right people around you, dreams really do come true.
Ana Anzani is a family lawyer known for her empathy, resilience, and dedication to complex parenting matters. From fleeing war-torn Iran to launching her own firm, Ana’s life journey has shaped a unique legal practice grounded in emotional intelligence, cultural insight, and unwavering client advocacy. She brings not only legal acumen but lived experience to every case.
