When lawyers Amanda Ovaici and Mani Peydayesh partnered up to start a private practice, they knew the kind of workplace they wanted to build. As lawyers practicing in Family Law, Employment Law, and Civil Litigation, they started OP Lawyers LLP to line up with personal values of integrity, advocacy, and client-focused service. It was a business match that was a long time coming, and Amanda says she knew Mani was the right partner from the time they were opposing counsels on a few files.
“Mani and I first found ourselves on opposite sides of a high-conflict family law matters,” Amanda says. “What stood out to me was the integrity he brought to the files, the natural banter between us, and the fact that, despite advocating strongly for our respective clients, we were both genuinely focused on resolution. There was an ease in the way we worked opposite one another that is rare in litigation. Our personalities were different but complementary, and I walked away from that file knowing he was someone I wanted to build a firm with.”
While Mani was initially reluctant to leave his role, Amanda kept circling back to the idea with a persistence she now jokingly refers to as ‘borderline recruitment stalking.’ Eventually, the two of them set up shop.
“We had to have the same vision in terms of what we wanted out of opening a firm,” Mani explains, “What we wanted for our staff and our clients.”
The partnership expanded to create OP Lawyers LLP, a Calgary-based boutique law firm with a 6 person team. At the root of their partnership is an opposite (but complimentary) set of skills.
“We’re very different from each other in many ways,” Mani adds. “But the first part of it was the human connection and ability to relate to each other in different areas of life.”
Amanda would agree. “I would argue we’re complete opposites, but that’s actually our secret sauce.”
Together, Amanda and Mani have been intentional about building a legal practice with heart. In family and employment law, clients often come to the firm during some of the most difficult, stressful, and uncertain periods of their lives. They may be overwhelmed by conflict, frustrated by the process, and unsure of what comes next. Amanda and Mani believe part of a lawyer’s role is to absorb some of that pressure for the client to help shield them from unnecessary conflict, bring clarity to an emotionally charged situation, and create a sense that they do not have to carry the weight of the litigation alone. That philosophy extends beyond the lawyers themselves. OP Lawyers has deliberately built a team that is compassionate, patient, and understanding of the circumstances clients are navigating, because the way a client is treated throughout the process can significantly ease an already difficult experience.
At the same time, Amanda and Mani recognize that litigation can be demanding and emotionally taxing for their staff. For that reason, they have been equally intentional about creating a workplace that is supportive, collaborative, and, despite the pressures of legal practice, genuinely fun to be part of.
“Having a fun environment is important,” Amanda explains. “The objective of me and Mani opening our own firm was to deviate from the normal legal structure in traditional law firms.”
She says many traditional law firms operate within a more formal, top-down structure, but Amanda and Mani have been intentional about building something different. “The work we do is serious and at times can feel heavy, but that doesn’t mean every part of the day has to feel serious,” Amanda says.
That might mean an unpromoted Nerf-gun battle, a prank between colleagues, or simply making time to check in with the team and start the day on a positive note. For them, a strong firm is not only about exceptional legal work, but also creating a workplace where people feel supported, connected, and genuinely enjoy coming to work.
The end result is a firm that is focused on providing real value for its clients. OP Lawyers doesn’t primarily focus on billable hours, and Amanda and Mani’s team focuses on resolution and getting the client in and out of the legal process quickly where possible. This helps their lawyers feel more invested in the client’s best interest, and spend more of their time doing meaningful work.
“If you’re in the industry for the right reasons, which is authentically to help people, the goal is to try and get your clients in and out of the legal system as soon as possible. It’s not to drag it on in perpetuity, because that has different financial, legal, and mental ramifications in the long run. That’s not healthy for anybody.”
Mani would agree. “We are not the type of lawyers who will tell a client what they want to hear. From the outset, we set expectations clearly and candidly, because there is a great deal of uncertainty in law and only so much that can be controlled.” That commitment to being genuine about the facts, realistic about how the law applies, and honest about both the strengths and limitations of a client’s position is what builds trust and ultimately, a stronger and more productive solicitor-client relationship.
As for the future, Amanda and Mani would like to continue expanding, fostering a supportive team, and contributing to community initiatives.
“Continue having fun, building a community, and creating a team that can rely on each other,” Amanda explains. “That’s a huge component of OP.”
A big part of this long term goal is learning, mentorship, and continuing to improve.
“The greatest disservice a lawyer can ever do is making a presumption that they know everything,” she adds. “There’s certain principles that you can rely on but don’t close your mind to learning.”
Amanda and Mani both agree that mentorship is an important part of their working style, and it’s an obligation within the legal industry to support and provide guidance for other lawyers.
“Often we are learning from our students,” Mani explains. “They come from a different perspective. In law you’re constantly learning. It’s important for us to provide mentorship. We have an open door policy for questions because it saves a lot of time for anyone that is searching for an answer, working collaboratively is essential and it helps us obtain better results for our clients. But at the same time, we always have to be open for growth.
Outside the office, Mani has a keen interest in the outdoors, remaining active, spending quality time with family, and travelling whenever possible.
Amanda balances fitness, her other business ventures, and time with her husband and daughter.
At work, their focus remains the same: continuing to build something meaningful and impactful, together.
“We would like to see our staff members grow and better their lives by working here,” Mani says.
Amanda would agree. “It brings real value to know the positive impact you’re having on people’s lives by creating an environment they enjoy coming to, especially in the legal industry.
I also enjoy occasionally walking into Mani’s office with an unprompted Nerf-gun attack or prank,” she laughs. “It keeps him on his feet.”
Writing Contributor | BRAND & Family Psychology Magazine
Kristen Campbell is the Editor-in-Chief for BRAND and Family Psychology Magazine, bringing extensive experience in strategic communications and editorial leadership. With a background in English and professional writing, she excels at crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Kristen is dedicated to elevating both publications through high-quality storytelling, innovative content strategy, and a commitment to community-focused journalism.
