Zain A. Shirazi

Zain Shirazi is a battle-tested lawyer and former senior counsel to Vice Chair Jocelyn Samuels at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). During his tenure at the EEOC, he played a pivotal role in shaping national policy on workplace discrimination, advised on litigation strategy, and developed legal frameworks around emerging issues, including the intersection of artificial intelligence, civil rights, and DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility).

Earlier in his career, Zain served as an Assistant Public Defender in Maryland, where he first or second chaired more than 15 jury trials and 100 bench trials, and advocated for individuals facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Now based in the firm’s Minneapolis office, Zain brings a mission-driven, client-centered approach to his practice, along with a rare blend of litigation experience, public policy expertise, and years of public service.

Zain’s experience was recently highlighted in The New Yorker’s piece, “We Are Considering You As Being Terminated,” which details how he began his mission to promote equity through the law. Zain’s passion for defending the rights of workers and individuals makes him a perfect addition to ZR.