“Guided by Precision, Driven by Purpose”
Ali Mousavi is a multifaceted legal professional whose career bridges law, entrepreneurship, and international experience. With a decade of combined legal and financial expertise, Ali exemplifies a rare blend of technical acuity and adaptive leadership. Based in San Francisco and originally from Iran, he has built a reputation as a sharp legal advisor, particularly within the fields of venture capital, construction, and real estate. From negotiating high-stakes term sheets to building operational legal frameworks for startups, his work reflects not only subject matter command but a deep commitment to fostering innovation and ethical growth.
Ali’s journey began with a strong academic foundation in Tehran, where he graduated from Allame Tabataba’i University, ranking 270th among nearly half a million participants in Iran’s national entrance exam. His early years in the legal profession were informed by a global perspective, further cultivated by his experience in Canada as a legal and financial director at a technology startup. There, he combined his legal knowledge with operational responsibilities, honing the practical skills that would later distinguish him in the highly competitive legal arenas of the United States.
After relocating to California, Ali pursued his Juris Doctorate at the University of San Francisco School of Law, graduating with honors in business law. He contributed to the USF Law Review as a staff editor and was awarded a merit-based scholarship for his scholastic excellence. It was during this time that he began to define his legal philosophy—one rooted in integrity, precision, and pragmatic problem-solving. These core values continue to guide his practice today.
Ali’s legal career in the U.S. spans a variety of firm and in-house roles, including pivotal positions at Ari Law, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, and most recently at the Chambers-ranked boutique firm Ralls Gruber & Niece. His legal work is deeply embedded in complex commercial litigation, construction law, and employment law. Whether navigating breach-of-contract claims or ensuring employment law compliance for business clients, Ali operates with a balance of strategic thinking and keen legal interpretation.
His versatility is especially evident in his current advisory positions. At GEX Ventures, Ali leads legal review and negotiation efforts for fund formation and venture capital investments. He works independently and in tandem with external counsel to ensure compliance and investor security. At FB Design Build, he brings clarity and efficiency to commercial real estate transactions, developing contract management systems that streamline operations and reduce risk exposure. His capacity to work across industries and with different stakeholders speaks volumes about his adaptability and business acumen.
Ali’s educational pursuits have extended beyond traditional legal studies. He earned an LL.M. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, graduating in the top 15% of his class. During his time at Berkeley, he contributed to the Berkeley Business Law Journal and completed specialized certifications in Generative AI for the Legal Profession and Corporate Finance. He also took part in the Venture Capital Deal Bootcamp—an experience that sharpened his insights into startup dynamics and the investor landscape.
Outside the courtroom and boardroom, Ali is a man of thoughtful interests. He is an avid chess player, enjoys writing short stories, and finds peace in hiking the California landscapes. These pursuits underscore his reflective and analytical personality, qualities that make him not only a strong advisor but a holistic thinker. He sees board service as both a platform to give back and an opportunity to elevate organizations through well-informed guidance.
Ali’s global perspective is one of his defining attributes. Fluent in Farsi and conversant in Arabic, he brings an international lens to his advisory roles, offering cultural and legal nuance that’s invaluable in an increasingly interconnected world. His international exposure—having lived and worked in Iran, Canada, and the United States—has equipped him to navigate diverse regulatory systems and communicate across cultural boundaries with fluency and ease.
While Ali has not yet served on a formal corporate board, his advisory experience is substantive and expanding. He has held two advisory roles, one in venture capital and another in real estate law, where he provides critical legal direction and compliance support. These roles reflect his readiness to contribute at the board level, offering sound judgment, rigorous analysis, and a collaborative spirit.
Ali’s long-term vision includes expanding his influence across multiple industries, particularly those at the intersection of law, technology, and infrastructure. He is particularly drawn to early-stage startups and innovative ventures where he can help shape legal strategy and governance from the ground up. With a decade of accomplishments and a passion for continuous growth, Ali Mousavi is poised to bring lasting value to any advisory or board engagement.
Character:
Ali embodies a principled approach to both life and work, grounded in honesty, respect, and cultural humility. His dedication to integrity and service makes him a trusted partner and advisor to clients and colleagues alike.
Knowledge:
With a robust legal education and certifications in emerging areas like generative AI and venture capital, Ali brings academic excellence and cutting-edge insight to every engagement. His command of business law, construction regulations, and venture financing is second to none.
Strategic:
Ali consistently delivers value by connecting legal rigor with business objectives, ensuring each decision supports long-term goals. His ability to foresee challenges and craft scalable legal frameworks makes him a true strategic asset to any organization.
Communication:
An articulate writer and clear communicator, Ali excels in simplifying complex legal matters for a variety of stakeholders. His multilingual abilities and cross-cultural experience enhance his effectiveness in diverse professional environments.