10 Most Influential Iranian Lawyers and Scholars

Published in

Heritage Digest

13 min readDec 27, 2023

Iran’s legal history is rich, with figures significantly shaping its judicial landscape. This article explores ten of the most influential Iranian lawyers whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Iran’s legal system and society. From early pioneers to contemporary advocates, these individuals’ legacies continue to resonate.

Abdolhossein Teymourtash (1883–1933)
Mohammad Mosaddegh (1882–1967)
Sadeq Larijani (1961-Present)
Shirin Ebadi (1947-Present)
Abdolkarim Lahidji (1940-Present)
Mohammad Ali Dadkhah (1956-Present)
Nasrin Sotoudeh (1963-Present)
Mehrangiz Kar (1944-Present)
Ahmad Sayyed Javadi (1917–2013)
Mehrangiz Manouchehrian (1906–2000)

1. Abdolhossein Teymourtash (1883–1933)

Abdolhossein Teymourtash, a prominent figure in Iranian history, was born in 1883 into a well-established family in Khorasan, Iran. His father, a major landowner, ensured Teymourtash received a superior education, sending him to Tsarist Russia at age 11. This early exposure to foreign cultures profoundly influenced his worldview. Teymourtash’s education at the Imperial Nicholas Military Academy in Saint Petersburg gave him a military and administrative foundation and a passion for Russian and French literature, which later influenced his cultural contributions in Iran.

Upon returning to Iran, Teymourtash quickly immersed himself in the country’s political and cultural spheres. His marriage to a politically influential family further solidified his position. He initially worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was crucial in informing European capitals about the ascendancy of a new Shah in Persia. His experience in Europe and Russia and his knowledge of Persian culture made him a unique figure in Iran’s modern parliamentary history. Teymourtash’s involvement in the Iranian Constitutional Revolution showcased his commitment to progressive ideals despite his aristocratic background and his father’s royalist tendencies.

Teymourtash’s political career was marked by various significant roles, including serving as the governor of Gilan and Kerman and minister of justice and public works. He was instrumental in the early Pahlavi era, contributing to fundamental bureaucratic reforms and shaping Iran’s foreign relations. His efforts in the judicial sector, advocating for modernization based on the French model, highlighted his vision for a legally reformed Iran. Teymourtash’s influence extended beyond politics into cultural realms, promoting Iranian literature and heritage. His tragic death in 1933, under suspicious circumstances in prison, marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to the modernization and advancement of Iran.

2. Mohammad Mosaddegh (1882–1967)

Mohammad Mosaddegh, born into a prestigious family in Ahmedabad near Tehran on June 16, 1882, was a pivotal figure in Iranian politics. His father, Mirza Hideyatu’llah Ashtiani, served as the finance minister under the Qajar dynasty, and his mother, Princess Malek Taj Najm-es-Saltaneh, was a descendant of the Qajar royal family. Mosaddegh’s early life was marked by royal privilege and intellectual rigor, setting the stage for his later political and legal contributions.

Educated in Europe, Mosaddegh was the first Iranian to earn a Ph.D. in Law from a European university, graduating from the University of Neuchâtel in Switzerland in 1913. His education abroad broadened his legal expertise and exposed him to political theories that later influenced his political ideology. Upon returning to Iran, he embarked on an academic career and soon transitioned into politics, deeply involved in Iran’s Constitutional Revolution and advocating for democratic reforms.

Mosaddegh’s political career peaked when he became Iran’s Prime Minister in 1951. A staunch nationalist, he is most renowned for nationalizing the Iranian oil industry, previously controlled by British interests through the Anglo-Persian Oil Company. This bold move, aimed at reclaiming Iran’s resources, significantly heightened tensions with the United Kingdom. His tenure as Prime Minister, marked by efforts to reduce royal authority and implement social reforms, ended abruptly with the 1953 coup d’état, orchestrated by British and American intelligence agencies. Following the coup, Mosaddegh was imprisoned and later placed under house arrest until his death in 1967, leaving a legacy as a symbol of Iran’s struggle for democratic governance and national sovereignty.

3. Sadeq Larijani (1961-Present)

Sadeq Larijani, born on March 12, 1961, in Najaf, Iraq, to Iranian parents, is a prominent figure in Iran’s judicial and political landscape. His father, Ayatollah Mirza Hashem Amoli, was a respected Mujtahid exiled by Mohammad Reza Shah, and the family moved back to Iran following the 1979 revolution. Raised in an environment steeped in religious and modern sciences, Larijani’s early education blended traditional and contemporary studies. He completed high school in 1977 and then pursued seminary studies in Qom, alongside teaching roles at Qom University, where he lectured on theology and comparative philosophy.

Significant roles and controversial decisions mark Larijani’s career in Iran’s legal and political arenas. He served on the Guardian Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran for eight years and was appointed the Chief Justice of Iran in 2009 by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Despite criticisms about his experience and juristic qualifications, his tenure saw him enact substantial decisions and appointments, such as assigning Saeed Mortazavi as deputy prosecutor general. Larijani’s term as Chief Justice ended in 2019, succeeded by Ebrahim Raisi. Currently, Larijani chairs the Expediency Discernment Council, continuing his influential role in Iran’s political and legal systems.

Larijani’s views and actions, especially during his judicial tenure, have sparked controversies and sanctions from international entities. His stance on the legitimacy of government, criticisms of former president Khatami’s reforms, and handling of protests following the 2009 presidential election defined his approach to law and governance. Sanctioned by the European Union and the United States for human rights abuses, Larijani has been a polarizing figure in Iranian politics. His scholarly work spans Islamic jurisprudence, philosophy, and ethics, contributing significantly to these fields and translating notable Western philosophical works into Persian.

4. Shirin Ebadi (1947-Present)

Shirin Ebadi, an influential Iranian lawyer, Nobel laureate, and human rights activist, was born to an educated family on June 21, 1947, in Hamadan, Iran. Her father, Mohammad Ali Ebadi, was a notable law professor and the city’s chief notary public, while her mother, Minu Yamini, was a homemaker. The family moved to Tehran when Ebadi was a child, where she pursued her education, attending the Anoshiravn Dadgar and Reza Shah Kabir schools and later the University of Tehran, where she earned her law degree.

Groundbreaking achievements and challenges have marked Ebadi’s career. In 1969, after graduating from law school, she passed her qualification exams and became one of Iran’s first female judges. She rose to prominence as the first female president of the Tehran city court in 1975. However, following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, she was forced to step down and was initially barred from practicing law. She turned to writing and academia during this period, eventually regaining her law license in 1993.

As a lawyer, Ebadi is renowned for her courage in defending dissidents, women, and children’s rights. She has taken on high-profile cases, often pro bono, representing families of political victims and activists. Her work led to her receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003, making her the first Muslim woman and the first Iranian to win the award. Since 2009, Ebadi has lived in exile in London, continuing her advocacy for human rights, democracy, and legal reform in Iran from abroad. Her contributions have significantly impacted the global understanding and advancement of human rights, particularly in Islamic contexts.

5. Abdolkarim Lahidji (1940-Present)

Abdolkarim Lahidji, born in 1940, is a respected Iranian lawyer and human rights activist. Academic pursuits and activism marked his early life. He studied law at Tehran University, where his advocacy for free expression and political dissent led to his arrest and imprisonment during his student years. Despite these challenges, he completed his doctoral degree in Private Law and began practicing as a lawyer in 1965. His commitment to human rights was evident from his youth, laying the groundwork for his later achievements.

Lahidji’s career has been defined by his dedication to human rights and legal advocacy. In the 1970s, he worked tirelessly to expose human rights abuses in Iran, collaborating with international organizations like Amnesty International and the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH). His efforts contributed to Iran signing the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1975. Lahidji played a pivotal role in defending political dissidents in Iran, both before and after the 1979 Revolution. He was instrumental in establishing the Iranian Association of Jurists and the Progressive Lawyers Group, advocating for judicial independence and the autonomy of lawyers from state control.

In exile in Paris since 1982, Lahidji’s influence in the human rights domain has only grown. He established the League for the Defence of Human Rights in Iran in 1983 and has been a prominent figure in the FIDH, serving as its vice president and, since 2013, as president. Lahidji has authored several books and articles on human rights issues in Iran, including gender and minority religious discrimination. Recognized for his commitment, he received the Human Rights Watch award in 1990. His work continues to focus on promoting human rights and providing critical analysis and information on the situation in Iran.

6. Mohammad Ali Dadkhah (1956-Present)

Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, a prominent Iranian human rights lawyer, has significantly impacted the legal field, particularly in advocating for human rights in Iran. Although details about his early life, including his birthplace and upbringing, are not widely publicized, his career as a lawyer and human rights activist has been well-documented. Dadkhah’s dedication to human rights became evident through his legal education and subsequent professional endeavors.

Dadkhah’s notable achievements include co-founding the Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC) alongside Shirin Ebadi, a Nobel laureate. This organization played a crucial role in promoting human rights in Iran but faced suppression by the Iranian government. Before the controversial 2009 Iranian elections, Dadkhah was actively involved in legal advocacy. However, his work as a human rights activist led to his disqualification from standing for Iran’s Central Board of the Bar Association in 2008, highlighting the challenges he faced in his career.

Following the disputed 2009 presidential elections, Dadkhah’s role as a human rights lawyer became even more significant. He represented numerous detainees, including high-profile cases like Youcef Nadarkhani, an Iranian Christian pastor facing a death sentence, and Ebrahim Yazdi, leader of the banned Freedom Movement of Iran. Dadkhah’s unwavering commitment to justice saw him arrested in July 2009, and in 2011, he was sentenced to nine years in prison on charges including membership in the DHRC and spreading propaganda. Despite these challenges, Dadkhah’s resilience and dedication to upholding human rights have made him a respected figure in human rights law.

7. Nasrin Sotoudeh (1963-Present)

Nasrin Sotoudeh, born in 1963, emerged from a religious, middle-class Iranian family. Her aspirations initially lay in philosophy, but she eventually pursued law at Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran. After her studies, Sotoudeh faced a prolonged wait before receiving her permit to practice law, a testament to her perseverance in a challenging environment.

Her unwavering commitment to human rights marks Sotoudeh’s legal career. She started working at the Iranian Ministry of Housing’s legal office and joined Bank Tejarat. Her efforts extended to the international arena, particularly in handling Iran’s legal disputes with the United States at The Hague. Her rejection by a journal for her first work on women’s rights only fueled her dedication to the cause.

Sotoudeh’s significant contributions as a human rights lawyer include defending journalists, activists, and minors facing the death penalty. Her role in the Defenders of Human Rights Center, alongside Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, underscored her commitment to legal advocacy under challenging circumstances. Despite facing arrest and harsh sentencing for her activities, Sotoudeh’s resilience and dedication to justice have made her an influential figure in human rights law. Her recognition as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2021 and the subject of the documentary “Nasrin” highlight her global impact.

8. Mehrangiz Kar (1944-Present)

Mehrangiz Kar, born on 10 October 1944 in Ahvaz, Iran, has established herself as a notable human rights lawyer, author, and activist. Her upbringing in southern Iran led her to pursue legal studies, culminating in a degree from the College of Law and Political Science at Tehran University. Her early career involved working for the Institute of Social Security and contributing over 100 articles on social and political issues, laying the foundation for her lifelong advocacy.

Kar’s legal career is distinguished by her courageous stance against the Islamization of gender relations following the 1979 Iranian Revolution. She emerged as one of the first female attorneys in Iran to vocally oppose these changes, advocating for women’s and children’s rights. Her work extended beyond the courtroom, as she lectured extensively in Iran and internationally on political, legal, and constitutional reform, the promotion of civil society and democracy, and the dismantling of legal barriers impeding women’s and children’s rights.

Kar’s commitment to human rights led to her arrest in April 2000 for participating in a Berlin conference on Iranian reform. The charges against her, including “actions contrary to national security” and violating the Islamic dress code, resulted in a four-year prison sentence, highlighting the peril faced by human rights defenders in Iran. Her sentence was later reduced, and she continued her advocacy abroad, becoming a scholar at prominent institutions like the Woodrow Wilson International Center and Harvard University. She currently works at Brown University’s Pembroke Center and teaches courses on women’s rights in Iran, continuing her lifelong dedication to human rights and legal reform.

9. Ahmad Sayyed Javadi (1917–2013)

Ahmad Sayyed Javadi, born in Qazvin on 24 June 1917 into a family with deep religious and clerical roots, pursued a path that diverged from his family’s tradition. His academic journey in law and political science led him to earn a law degree and a Ph.D. His upbringing, influenced by a family of Shiite clergy and merchants, played a crucial role in shaping his perspectives.

Javadi’s career was marked by his active engagement in the political and legal spheres. He was a founding member of the Liberation Movement of Iran in 1961, alongside prominent figures like Mehdi Bazargan. Javadi’s commitment to judicial activism and anti-corruption efforts was evident during his tenure as Tehran’s prosecutor under Prime Minister Ali Amini. His opposition to the Shah’s regime and advocacy for Islamic societal reform underscored his deep involvement in Iran’s political discourse.

Post-1979 Revolution, Javadi’s influence extended to forming the new Islamic Republic. He contributed to the draft of the Constitution, served in the Revolutionary Council, and was a member of the Islamic legislative assembly. As the first interior minister and later as justice minister in Mehdi Bazargan’s interim government, Javadi played a pivotal role in Iran’s transitional phase. His later years were marked by opposition to the regime, leading to his arrest and criticism of the government’s policies, including writing critical letters to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Javadi passed away at 95 on 31 March 2013 in Tehran, leaving a legacy of political activism and legal reform.

10. Mehrangiz Manouchehrian (1906–2000)

Mehrangiz Manouchehrian, born in 1906, emerged as a pioneering figure in Iran’s legal and feminist movements. Her journey, breaking through the barriers of her time, began with a strong educational foundation, ultimately leading her to become Iran’s first female lawyer and Senator. Her contributions in these roles were professional milestones and pivotal in shaping women’s rights in Iran.

Manouchehrian’s legal acumen was instrumental in drafting the Family Protection Act, a landmark set of laws to enhance women’s rights in marriage. Her work as a Senator was defined by her commitment to extending these rights, showcasing her dedication to advancing women’s legal status in Iran. Despite facing significant opposition, including threats to her safety, she persisted in her advocacy, highlighting her resilience and courage.

Her legacy extends beyond her legislative achievements. In 1968, Manouchehrian was honored with the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights, a testament to her impactful work promoting women’s rights. She also played a central role in the Women’s Organisation of Iran. Manouchehrian passed away on 5 July 2000, leaving behind a legacy celebrated in the book “Senator: the Work of Senator Mehrangiz Manouchehrian in the Struggle for Legal Rights for Women,” which won the Latifeh Yarshater Book Award in 2004. Her life’s work remains a beacon for women’s rights activists in Iran and worldwide.