NEWSLETTER A PUBLICATION FOR 1989 MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE ARMENIAN BAR ASSOCIATION

Volume 23, Number 1 Spring 2011

California Supreme Court Chief Justice Message from the Chair Tani Cantil-Sakauye To Headline t has been a true pleasure Armenian Bar Association’s Annual Iand honor for me to serve as the National Meeting In San Francisco Chairman of the Armenian Bar Association since May 2010. With Edvin Minassian the support of a great team of Board members as well as committee chairpersons, we have done our best to achieve the principal objectives of the ArmenBar. We have conducted public forums and lectures, engaged in pro bono programs, educated the Armenian community regarding their legal rights, sponsored amicus briefs in legal matters of utmost importance to the Armenian Nation, promoted the fair administration Transamerica Pyramid building in Downtown San Francisco of justice, provided professional special tour of the California professionals will be complemented education to our members to enhance Supreme Court followed by with an array of fun and exciting social their legal careers through skills a luncheon with Chief Justice events. The elegant Marriott Union development, while also providing A networking opportunities. Tani Cantil-Sakauye are the one-two Square will serve as the headquarters punch of a momentous start of the and host for the spectacular weekend. We had a superb Mid-Year Meeting Armenian Bar Association’s 22nd “I can think of no better place than in Providence, Rhode Island, which Annual National Meeting in one of San Francisco and no better time than See Message from the Chair, pg. 22 the world’s most beautiful places, San the warmth and promise of Spring to Francisco, from April 29 - May 1, 2011. bring together, family-style, all of our IN THIS ISSUE Leading the homeland’s team across the dear members and guests to participate Diaspora-to-Armenia bridge directly in a truly ground-breaking conference,” Providence Mid-Year Meeting Recap...... 2 into everyone’s favorite city will be said ArmenBar Chairperson Edvin U.S. Attorney Birotte honored at Reception....3 the Justice Minister of the Republic of Minassian. “We are delighted by the Members in the News...... 4 Armenia, Hrayr Tovmasyan. prospect of offering to our membership Conference in Las Vegas...... 6 In the rich tradition of the Association’s and community some real quality time Armenian Bar Honors Krekorian/McCoy...... 7 annual gatherings, fascinating with Supreme Court Justices, Armenia’s Federal Court Validates Recovery...... 9 Public Service Award Recepiant...... 10 discussions of broad and contemporary Corthouse to be Named after Deukmejian..13 interest to Armenian-American legal See Annual Meeting Preview, pg. 15 2 Spring 2011

Providence Hosts Mid-Year Meeting Featuring Rhode Island’s Attorney General, Warwick Mayor, And Family Court Chief Justice Bedrosian he ArmenBar’s Mid-Year Meeting, which convened Tin Providence, Rhode Island from October 8-10, 2010, proved to be a success both on profession- al and social levels. Conferees par- ticipated in a number of Armenbar sponsored seminars and visited many of New England’s historical sites relating to the American Rev- olution, the whaling industry, and the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution. Rhode Island Attorney General L-R Standing: Talar Iskanian-Hashasian, Gary Moomjian, Denise Darmanian, Harry Dikranian, Patrick Lynch delivered cordial re- ArmenBar Member, Robert Adourian, Sonya Nersessian, Edvin Minassian, Kathryn Ossian, Sarah marks at the welcoming reception Bederian, Jacklin Boyadjian, John Lulejian, and Nigol Manoukian. L-R Sitting: Christine J. Engustian, and Diana Okeov. at Camille’s Restaurant, a city din- ing icon for decades. Following the words that resonated deeply with 2010 as Deputy Assistant Admin- Attorney General’s address, Rhode conference participants. Warwick istrator of the U.S. Environmental Island’s Chief Judge of the Family Mayor Scott Avedisian described ”‘–‡ –‹‘ ‰‡ ›ǯ• ˆϐ‹ ‡ ‘ˆ - Court, Haiganoush Bedrosian, add- Warwick’s many attractions (along forcement and Compliance Assur- ed her own warm welcome and in- with many others in the state) and ance. Following Mr. Boghosian’s cluded references to her family’s welcomed conference participants presentation on legal issues tied to inspiring experiences in America, to see them for themselves, which environment protection, Jeff Ma- they were fortunate to be able to sarjian, Executive Director of The do. Finally, Rhode Island Bar As- Armenia Tree Project, Inc., focused sociation President Lise Iwon ex- on the social factors at work, and pressed the collective welcome of –Š‡ •’‡ –”— ‘ˆ „‡‡ϐ‹–• †‡”‹˜‡†ǡ the state’s legal community and when ordinary people take it upon praised Chief Judge Bedrosian’s themselves to work together to- excellent work. The array of spe- wards restoring the environment. cial guests on Friday evening was A third speaker, Rachel Brown, very impressive, and each one of spoke of her involvement in pro- them spoke eloquently. moting sustainable agriculture in Three conference panels con- the Republic of Armenia through vened on October 9. A featured the work of Heifer International, speaker on the environmental Inc. Žƒ™ ’ƒ‡Ž ™ƒ• –‘’ǦϐŽ‹‰Š– ‡˜‹”‘- Rhode Island’s Michael Varadian, mental lawyer, Matt Bogoshian. Executive Director of the Depart- Formerly California’s Deputy Sec- ment of Health’s Environmental retary of Law Enforcement respon- and Health Services Regulations, sible for California’s Environmen- spoke about national health re- tal Enforcement Initiative, he was Armenian Heritage Park, Providence, RI appointed by President Obama in See Mid-Year Providence, pg. 18 Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 3

Armenian Bar Honors United States Attorney André Birotte, Jr. lendale, California – Appointed and valuable lead- by President Barack Obama and ership position Gconfirmed unanimously by the in legal and local U.S. Senate to one of the most elite feder- institutions and al positions, United States Attorney An- causes. “It is im- dré Birotte, Jr. was the featured speaker portant to work at a sold-out gathering organized by the with our commu- L-R: Vice Chair Garo Ghazarian, Chair Edvin Minassian, U.S. Attorney Armenian Bar Association on February nity,” said Mr. Bi- André Birotte, Jr., and Assistant US Attorney/Boardmember John Lulejian 24, 2011. rotte and continu- ing with “coming star when both were Assistant U.S. At- With more than two hundred judges, torneys. lawyers and law students in attendance from Haiti, I would always remember at the Phoenicia restaurant, Mr. Birotte the emblem associated with their flag, In attendance was a full roster of judi- was recognized for his dedication to ‘With unity we build strength,’ and this cial leaders and law enforcement brass public service and for his sustained is a statement that lives with me today, on both the federal and state levels, commitment and contributions to law and will continue to. That saying has elected officials, as well as a wide spec- enforcement, victims’ and civil rights, been a major guideline in my life, and a trum of leaders and representatives public integrity, and the legal profession. major guideline we work by.” Mr. Birotte from the Armenian community, includ- looked to ArmenBar for helping bring ing Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen In the words of ArmenBar Chairman unity and strength to the Armenian Trutanich, Archbishop Hovnan Derde- Edvin Minassian, “The enthusiastic re- community. On a personal note, he ex- rian—Primate of the Western Diocese sponse of the capacity crowd reflects pressed great praise and respect for for- of the Armenian Church, former Los the Association’s deep devotion to pro- mer ArmenBar Board member Federal Angeles County District Attorney Rob- fessional excellence and, just as impor- Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Chooljian ert Philibosian, U.S. Magistrate Judge tantly, to our firm commitment to the who guided and mentored the rising Jacqueline Chooljian, and retired U.S. Armenian community and to the rule of District Court Judge Dickran Tevrizian. law.” Mr. Minassian expressed his orga- nization’s resolve and successful results Los Angeles County Superior Court in acting as the community’s gatekeep- Judges in attendance included Site Su- er for the protection of its rights and the pervising Judges of Los Angeles County education about its responsibilities. Superior Courts in the cities of Burbank and Glendale, Patrick Hegarty and Fred Garo Ghazarian, ArmenBar Vice- Rotenberg, respectively; Kevin Brazile, Chairman, and Dean of the Peoples Soussan Bruguera, Ruth Kwan, Mark College of Law, served as Master of Mooney, and ArmenBar past Chair- Ceremonies with a smooth and perfect man Zaven Sinanian. Brazile and Sina- blend of humor and respectfulness. The nian are on the Board of the California large gathering was addressed by Chair- Judges Association. Also in attendance man Edvin Minassian, Board members were Michael Garcia, the Chief Assistant Hovanes Margarian and Assistant U.S. City Attorney of Glendale, Gary Schram, Attorney John Lulejian, who delivered Chief of the Los Angeles City Attorney’s an inspiring introduction of Mr. Birotte. Bureau of Investigation and President Rising to the podium to a rousing of the California Police Officers’ Me- ovation, Mr. Birotte singled out the Ar- see Armenian Bar Honors, pg 17 menian Bar Association for its unique L-R: City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, Jacklin Boyadjian and U.S. Attorney André Birotte Jr. 4 Spring 2011 Members in the News and on the Move

Mark Mustian, of Tallahassee, County Bar Association. During a member of U.S. Foreign Rela- Florida, and Armenian Bar mem- the Fall 2010, she has made pre- tions Council. ber wrote a novel, entitled THE sentations on immigration law for GENDARME, about a 92-year old The American Bar Assn., Beverly Congratulations are in order for Hills Bar Assn., Australian Ameri- Armenian Bar Vice-Chair Chris- can Assn., and Southwestern Law tine Engustian who was honored School. by Boston University Law Alumni as the recipient of the 2011 Pro Former Chairman Vicken Si- Bono Alumni Award at a celebra- monian received the Covetted tion in Barristers Hall. Christine Public Service Award from the (JD ’84) was honored for her dedi- Consumer Attorneys Association cation to public service. of Los Angeles on December 9, 2010 for extraordinary service to Los Angeles City Council by a the community and the legal pro- motion brought by the President man who fought for the Turks in fession. of the City Council, Mr. Eric Garcet- WWI, was injured during the war The award was given by CAALA ti, and Councilmember from the and lost much of his memory. Late chairman Garo Mardirosian, in 2nd District, Mr. Paul Krekorian, in life he begins to recall some of attendance were past chairman celebrates the Lifetime Achieve- the things that happened at the Judge Zaven Sinanian and Armen ment of Professor Richard G. Hov- beginning of the war, including the Hovanissian, along with vice chair annisian father of Armenian Bar forced march of the Armenians Garo Ghazarian and treasurer founder ƒˆϐ‹Ǥ ‘˜ƒ‹•‹ƒ. In out of Turkey, and a young woman Sara Bederian. 1987, Professor Hovannisian was who was part of the group. The ƒ’’‘‹–‡† ƒ• –Š‡ ϐ‹”•– Š‘Ž†‡” ‘ˆ book is published by Amy Ein- Board member Robert Can- the Armenian Educational Foun- horn Books/Putnam in the U.S., nuscio, Vice Chair of the Intel- dation Endowed Chair in Modern with foreign editions forthcoming lectual Property Group of Drinker Armenian History and is current- in Spain, Italy, Greece, Brazil, Is- Biddle & Reath LLP, was a guest ly the Professor of Armenian and rael, Bulgaria, France and the U.K. lecturer for a course on Entrepre- Near Eastern History at UCLA. The novel is the fall hardcover neurship at Lehigh University’s “rep’s pick” for all of the Penguin business school. In hisOctober 25, Group’s imprints. It received a 2010, lecture, Robert addressed starred review from the Library the role of intellectual property Journal, and was reviewed in the assets in the creation and growth New York Times Book Review. of businesses. Robert was also Additional information is avail- recently elected as Vice President able at www.markmustian.com. of the Philadelphia Intellectual You can contact Mark at mmus- Property Law Association. Rob- [email protected] ert can be reached at Robert.Can- L-R: Aris Artunians, Garo Hovannisian, [email protected] Judge Zaven Sinanian, Armen Hovannisian, Alice Yardum-Hunter current- City Councilman Paul Krikorian, Prof. Richard G. Hovannisian, Ani Hovannisian, ly serves as 1st Vice Chair of the Former ArmenBar Board mem- City Councilman Eric Garcetti, Vice Chair Immigration Section, Los Angeles ber Sara Leah-Whitson became Garo Ghazarian, Vahe Messerlian Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 5

Amy Hoogasian Appointed US Joint Event to be held by Immigration Judge in San Francisco AAHPO and ArmenBar n November 2010, Amy Hoogasian joint event between Arme- was sworn in as an Immigration nian Bar and the AAHPO IJudge of the San Francisco A (American Armenian Health Immigration Court by the Executive ”‘ˆ‡••‹‘ƒŽ• ”‰ƒ‹œƒ–‹‘Ȍ ϐ‹”•– ˆϐ‹ ‡ˆ‘” ‹‰”ƒ–‹‘‡˜‹‡™Ǥ proposed in February is now sched- uled to take place in Manhattan on Attorney General Eric Holder Friday, June 10, 2011. appointed Judge Hoogasian in October 2010. Judge The event is a sit-down dinner with speaker for an estimated 70 Hoogasian received a Bachelor people representing both profes- of Arts degree in 1990 from the •‹‘•ǤŠ‡‡˜‡–™‹ŽŽƒ”–Š‡ϐ‹”•– University of Wisconsin-Madison and such joint event to take place with a Juris Doctorate in 1994 from John AAHPO on the East Coast. Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois. the Chairman of the State of Illinois Armenian Bar is looking for- Hoogasian has served as Chief Legal Pollution Control Board and was an Counsel of SAGIN LLC., was Senior ward to a successful event and the Assistant State’s Attorney at the Lake start of a long-standing tradition of Corporation Counsel for Uline, Inc., ‘—–› –ƒ–‡ǯ• ––‘”‡›ǯ• ˆϐ‹ ‡ ‹ and Assistant Chief Counsel for the joint participation in a social and Waukegan, Illinois. Judge Hoogasian substantive program with our col- Department of Homeland Security is a member of the Illinois State for the Immigration and Customs leagues in the health care profes- Bar. Hoogasian serves on the Board sion. For more information on this ˆ‘” ‡‡–‘ˆϐ‹ ‡‹Š‹ ƒ‰‘Ǥ —†‰‡ of Directors of the Armenian Bar Hoogasian worked as Attorney to event, please contact Denise Dar- Association. manian by email at NYFED@aol. com ”‡‹ƒƒ”‘‰”ƒ–—Žƒ–‡•‡„‡”•Š‡‹”‡™ ƒ‹Ž›††‹–‹‘• œ‹˜•ƒ Š‹›ƒ and her husband, Former Armenian Bar Treasurer Saro welcomed their new baby daughter, Kerkonian and wife Sylvia welcome Tatevik, on February 13, 2011. Tat- their new son Aris Jose Kerkonian on evik joins her big brother Armen. Of August 27th, 2010. Aris joins his sis- course, Tatevik is pure love as you ter Sevana. can tell from this photo. Azniv can Saro Kerkonian is a founding mem- be reached at azniv_ksachikyan@ya- hoo.com

Congratulations to Lori Asquith for her newborn Alexander Hovaness Asquith (pictured above). Alexander was born on October 13, 2010. Lori has been a member of the Armenian ber of the Armenian Bar Asscoiation, Bar association for several years and He has served 9 years on the board of was on the organizing committee Governors and is the current Arme- of the 2008 annual meeting in New nia Rights Watch chairman. He can York City. Lori can be reached at lori. be reached at [email protected] [email protected] 6 Spring 2011

Vartkes Yeghiayan And Arda Yemenidjian Honored At Armenian Bar Conference At The Tropicana In Las Vegas as Vegas, Nevada-Numerous attorneys, judges, law Lprofessors, and law •–—†‡–• ϐŽ‘ ‡† –‘ –Š‡ ‡™Ž› renovated, elegant Tropicana Hotel and Casino, as the Armenian Bar Association (ArmenBar) presented an outstanding group of legal experts on January 15, 2011. Vartkes Yeghiayan, who has gained acclaimed notoriety as a Genocide reparations pioneer, and Arda Yemenidjian, a community leader and philanthropist, received L-R: Chairman Edvin Minassian, Prof. Lee Crawford-Boyd, Prof. Michael Bazyler, special recognition at a luncheon Prof. Stan Goldman, Past Chairman Sonya Nersessian, Vartkes Yeghiayan in their honor. are just a few of the many new ”‡‹ƒǡ ƒ† –Š‡ ϐ‹”•– ‹ƒ•’‘”ƒ “The quality of the speakers upcoming attractions at the hotel. Armenian to become a member and the content of the lectures of the Armenian Parliament as equaled or exceeded any program Yeghiayan was introduced at the luncheon by U.S. Army Brigadier the head of the Heritage party. His offered in the legal community,” words regarding the honorees and said Edvin Minassian, Chairman General and accomplished trial lawyer Mark MacCarley. He the organization were thoughtful, of ArmenBar. “We were extremely inspirational and moving. proud to have been able to present received the coveted Lifetime such a distinguished group of legal Achievement Award, the group’s Preeminent attorney Yeghiayan scholars to our members, and highest honor. Arda Yemenidjian was joined by law professor Š‘‘”–™‘‘ˆ–Š‡ϐ‹‡•–‡„‡”• was introduced by Vicken Michael Bazyler, federal court of our community,” said Minassian. Simonian, past Chairman of international litigation expert ArmenBar, and received a Public Lee Crawford-Boyd and Setrak The event was held in the all Service Award. Both honorees Davuthan, a prominent community new Tropicana Conference Center. were given a standing ovation. attorney for Turkish Armenians. The Tropicana is undergoing a Garo Ghazarian, ArmenBar Vice- Two topics were presented as $180 million renovation under part of the program, including the direction of new owner Alex Chairman, and Dean of the Peoples College of Law, was the Master of “Legal Remedies, restitution or Yemenidjian, and is on its way to monetary compensation for the re-establishing its reputation as a Ceremonies at the luncheon. The group was addressed by Chairman dispossession of Armenians of pre- premiere Vegas destination. The Genocide communal and private newly remodeled guest rooms Minassian, Board members Hovanes Margarian and John property in their homeland” and have received recognition as “Best “Current State of Legal Affairs in Class,” and were given high —Ž‡Œ‹ƒ ƒ† –Š‡ ‘‘”ƒ„Ž‡ ƒˆϐ‹ K. Hovannisian. involving Armenians in Turkey.” marks by those in attendance. Attorneys attending the event Features such as Nikki Beach, Hovannisian is the founding earned four units of continuing The Las Vegas Mob Experience, ˆƒ–Š‡” ‘ˆ ”‡ƒ”ǡ –Š‡ ϐ‹”•– legal education credits. and a state-of-the-art sports book Foreign Minister of the Republic of See Tropicana Conference pg. 16 Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 7

Armenian Bar Honors Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian And Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge Charles W. “Tim” McCoy, Jr. On November 18, 2010 lendale, California-Los ArmenBar. career in the private sector before Angeles City Councilman Krekorian was elected to the Los •‡‡‹‰’—„Ž‹ ‘ˆϐ‹ ‡Ǥ GPaul Krekorian and Los Angeles City Council in 2009 after First appointed to the bench in Angeles Superior Court Presiding three successful years in California 1992, Judge McCoy became the Judge Charles W. “Tim” McCoy, Assembly. Elected to the California presiding Judge of the Los Angeles were the guests of honor as Assembly for the 43rd District in Superior Court in 2009. He the Armenian Bar Association 2006, he went on to serve as the previously served as a trial judge, (ArmenBar) hosted a reception at State’s Assistant Majority Leader. Managing Judge of the Complex the elegant Phoenicia Restaurant In 2003, he was elected to the Litigation Courts and Supervising on November 18, 2010. Los Burbank School Board, eventually Judge of the Civil Courts. He serves Angeles Superior Court Judge serving as President of that city’s on the California Judicial Council, Zaven V. Sinanian, past Chairman educational group, leading the was a member of the Governing of ArmenBar and a member of the ‰”‘—’‘—–‘ˆϐ‹ƒ ‹ƒŽ ‘ŽŽƒ’•‡Ǥ Board of California Center for Executive Board of the California Krekorian served on the Board Judicial Education and Research, Judges Association (CJA), was on and chaired several committees hand to introduce Judge McCoy. of Trustees of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, the of the CJA. He is the President “Judge McCoy and City Board of Trustees of the Los of the National Conference of Councilman Krekorian have had Angeles County Law Library and Metropolitan Courts. distinguished and exemplary the California State Legislature’s Prior to joining the bench, careers in public service. They are Task Force on Court Facilities. He  ‘› ™ƒ• ƒ ’ƒ”–‡” ‹ –Š‡ ϐ‹” both leaders with great integrity, earned his undergraduate degree of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter and and are committed to serving their from USC, and his law degree from ƒ’–‘ǯ• ‘• ‰‡Ž‡• ‘ˆϐ‹ ‡ǡ constituents. We were proud to U.C. Berkeley. He was a partner in where he practiced for 17 years, honor them for their many years –Š‡ ϐ‹” ‘ˆ ‹•Š‡” ƒ† ”‡‘”‹ƒǡ and served as Chief of Staff and of service to the community,” said and had a distinguished 20-year Chief Deputy to Hon. Matthew Edvin Minassian, Chairman of Fong ‘85, Vice Chair of the State Board of Equalization. Minassian and Vice-Chairman Garo Ghazarian, Dean of the Peoples College of Law, served as co-Masters-of-Ceremonies for the evening reception, brilliantly conducting the festivities with charm, humor and professionalism. They presented the honorees with original artwork from Seeroon Yeretzian, which included inscriptions acknowledging their many years of public service. See Krekorian and Judge McCoy L-R: Vice Chair Garo Ghazarian, Presiding Judge Tim McCoy, City Attorney Carmen Honored pg. 19 Trutanich, City Councilman Paul Krekorian, Chair Edvin Minassian 8 Spring 2011

Moving Photo Presentation and Armenian Journey, in Montreal ara Anjargolian captivated a standing room only audience Sof Montreal Armenian Bar Association and Canadian Armenian Business Council members with her thought- provoking photo presentation of Armenia.   –‘„‡” ʹ͸ǡ ʹͲͳͲ ϐŽ‘™Ǧ‹ to the east coast from California, Armenian Bar member Sara Anjargolian was in Montreal between presentations in Toronto and New York City. Sara provided a sensitive and meaningful portrayal of people’s lives on the margins of Armenian society. Her L-R: CABC President Paul Nahabedian with Judges Haig Basmadjian, Chahé Philippe presentation also focussed on Arslanian and Aïda Karibian, guest speaker Sara Anjargolian and Armenian Bar Board labor migration from Armenia to Member Harry Dikranian the west. “in order for us to focus our efforts appointed Haig Basmadjian, Judge in Armenia, it’s important to see at the Commission for Immigration where are some of the greatest and Refugees. ‡‡†•Ǥdz”Ǥ”•Žƒ‹ƒ™ƒ•–Š‡ϐ‹”•– Sara was introduced by Paul judge of Armenian descent named Nahabedian, Investment Advisor in Quebec. at RBC Dominion Securities and Also in attendance was Aïda President of the CABC. Paul also Karibian, Régisseure at the règie presented a gift honoring the d’alcools de course et de jeux, a lecturer and thanked the Armenian decision maker for all matters Bar Association for its partnership pertaining to restaurant alcohol to organize a successful dinner and bar licensing; as well, recently meeting.  Paul Nahabedian with Sara Anjargolian

In addition to attorneys, notaries, law students alongside many professionals and entrepreneurs, ˆ‘” –Š‡ ϐ‹”•– –‹‡ ‡˜‡”ǡ –Š‡ –Š”‡‡ Judges of Quebec tribunals were in attendance at a public function. Each expressed their admiration and appreciation for Sara´s work. Said Chahé Philippe Arslanian, coordinating Judge of the appellate Quebec Administrative tribunal, Attorneys, Law students, Judges and CABC members Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 9

‡†‡”ƒŽ ‘—”– ƒŽ‹†ƒ–‡• ”‡‹ƒ ‡‘ ‹†‡ ‡ ‘˜‡”› –ƒ–—–‡ n a recent order the court, by a positions taken by the Armenian our future entitlements,” stated 2-1 vote, not only granted the plaintiffs. Garo Ghazarian, Vice-Chair of the Irehearing but actually reversed “This is a monumental victory Armenian Bar Association. ‹–•‡Žˆǡ ϐ‹†‹‰ –Šƒ– –Š‡ ƒŽ‹ˆ‘”‹ƒ for the Armenian community. It The Armenian Bar Association’s statute was a valid exercise of the is a vindication of our history, amicus brief was organized and state’s power and that “there is no heritage, and legacy, and, undertaken on a pro bono basis by clearly established federal policy importantly, of the cherished and David M. Balabanian, Esq. and his forbidding state references to the valuable rights we enjoy under legal team at the international law Armenian Genocide.” the laws of the United States. The ϐ‹” ‘ˆ ‹‰Šƒ  —– Š‡ ǡ On December 10, 2010, in Armenian Bar Association salutes which included David B. Salmons, the case Movsesian v. Victoria the excellent work of Messrs. Esq. and Erin S. Conroy, Esq. in Versicherung, the Ninth Circuit Yeghiayan, Kabateck and Geragos,” –Š‡ƒ•Š‹‰–‘‘ˆϐ‹ ‡‘ˆ–Š‡ϐ‹”Ǥ United States Court of Appeals stated Edvin Minassian, Chair of Invaluable assistance on the brief upheld the validity of a California the Armenian Bar Association. He was provided by Kate Nahapetian, law which extends the statute of added: “David Balabanian, one of Esq. of the Armenian National Ž‹‹–ƒ–‹‘• –‘ ϐ‹Ž‡ Žƒ‹• ƒ”‹•‹‰ the nation’s premier litigators and Committee, Van Z. Krikorian, out of life insurance policies –Š‡ ϐ‹”•– Šƒ‹” ‘ˆ –Š‡ ”‡‹ƒ Esq. of the Armenian Assembly, issued to Armenian Genocide Bar Association, rose again to Dr. Rouben Adalian of Armenian victims. Reversing its own the challenge in leading Bingham National Institute, and George August 20, 2009 ruling which McCutchen’s support of Armenian Shirinian, Executive Director of had found the California statute and constitutional rights.” the Zoryan Institute. The effort to be unconstitutional because Sonya Nersessian, immediate to coordinate the participation it contradicted a U.S. federal Past Chair of the Armenian Bar of all the amici on the brief was policy against the recognition Association, welcomed the ruling undertaken by Past Chair, Sonya of the Armenian Genocide. The as well: “While we as Armenian- Nersessian, Esq. Armenian court now found that the law is Americans, and as members of Bar Association’s Rights Watch consistent with a proper exercise the Armenian Bar Association, Committee Chair Saro Kerkonian of the state’s power because “there are situated in geographically also made crucial contributions. is no clearly established federal diverse communities, we stand The brief was joined by the policy forbidding state references and work as one for the protection Armenian National Committee of to the Armenian Genocide.” of our national rights. Efforts must America, the Zoryan Institute for The initial case brought on continue to set the record straight Contemporary Armenian Research behalf of the heirs of Armenian in the face of the increasing attacks and Documentation, Inc., and Genocide victims was supported on our history, especially when the International Association of by the extensive legal work of those attacks come under the Genocide Scholars. The Armenian Brian S. Kabateck of Kabateck guise of American jurisprudence.” Bar Association’s amicus brief provided documentation of Brown Keller LLP, Mark J. Geragos “This case will cast broad and far- and Shelley Kaufman of Geragos multiple instances in which federal reaching effects on all Armenians entities used and embraced the & Geragos, and Vartkes Yeghiayan alike. We have a vested stake in of Yeghiayan Law Firm. On the term “Armenian Genocide.” Mr. ensuring the proper adjudication Balabanian’s efforts helped to appellate level, four amicus curiae of these types of matters which, (“friend of the court”) briefs establish for the court that there if they go unchallenged, carry is no established federal policy supplementing information and the risk of marginalizing our arguments provided to the Court collective past and jeopardizing See Federal Court Ruling, pg. 21 were submitted in support of the 10 Spring 2011

Armen Hovannisian To Receive Armenian Bar Public Service Award At Annual Meeting In SF Dz –ǯ•ƒ„‘—––‹‡Ǩdz‡š Žƒ‹‡†ƒˆϐ‹ K. Hovannisian, the founder of the Armenian Bar Association who went on to become independent ”‡‹ƒǯ• ϐ‹”•– ‹‹•–‡” ‘ˆ foreign affairs. He was sitting on a green bench at Liberty Square in Yerevan, an unlikely smile sweeping across his face on March Armen Hovannisian (right) with California Supreme Court Justice Ming Chin at the 22, 2011, the eighth day of his Armenian Bar Association Annual Meeting in Glendale in 2009 Fast for Freedom. He had just learned that his younger brother, California, Los Angeles—School Lebanon Civil War of 1975, Armen Armen K. Hovannisian, was set to of Law. He began his career at the has been a modest missionary for receive the Armenian Bar Public ‹–‡”ƒ–‹‘ƒŽŽƒ™ϐ‹”Šƒ†„‘—”‡ the Armenian Cause. In his college Service Award at the Armenian & Parke, where he chaired its Pro years, he conducted dozens of Bar’s annual convention planned Bono Committee and ultimately interviews with survivors of for the weekend of April 29 in San ”‡ ‡‹˜‡† –Š‡ ϐ‹”ǯ• Š‹‰Š‡•– Š‘‘” the Armenian Genocide and Francisco. for his continued representation of contributed them to UCLA’s oral pro bono clients. Appointed by the history collection on the Genocide, “Armen has never sought or California State Bar to its standing which was founded and organized received adulation for his pivotal committee on ethnic minority by his father, Professor Richard ‘–”‹„—–‹‘•–‘›Ž‹ˆ‡ǡdzƒˆϐ‹•ƒ‹†ǡ relations, he represented—and G. Hovannisian. He taught U.S. “and to the success of the Armenian defended—the interests of the Government and Civics at Holy community. He is the unnamed Armenian-American community. Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian co-founder of the Armenian Bar And later, as an expert of High School in Los Angeles. And Association. He is the unnamed co- environmental law, he served as then, sitting at his older brother’s founder of the Armenian Center for Assistant Vice-President at the dining room table in Los Angeles, National and International Studies, Markel Corporation. Today Armen he scoured the American legal –Š‡ ”‡’—„Ž‹ ǯ• ϐ‹”•– ‹†‡’‡†‡– is a leading member of a team of directories, searching for last research institution. He has been highly skilled and experienced names ending in –ian and –yan. the unnamed co-creator of all the litigators, retained by a subsidiary Š‡•‡™‡”‡–‘„‡–Š‡ϐ‹”•–‡„‡”• works I have realized over the of Berkshire Hathaway, to manage of the Armenian Bar Association. years.” complex insurance coverage “After the great vision of our Of course not all of Armen disputes. founder resulted in the formation Hovannisian’s accomplishments And yet, the better part of his of the Armenian Bar Association 21 have been off the record. For those work Armen has done quietly, years ago, it has been his brother who wish to follow the paper trail, almost in secret. From the earliest Armen who has carried the banner –Š‡› ƒ ‡ƒ•‹Ž› ϐ‹† –Šƒ– ”‡ †ƒ›•ǡ™Š‡Š‡ƒ†ƒˆϐ‹™‡–†‘‘” of the organization,” said Vicken graduated summa cum laude to door in Fresno, California, to Simonian, a founding member of from the University of California, collect money for victims of the Berkeley and the University of See Armen Hovannisian, pg. 20 Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 11

Asset Protection CLE Presented To Members At Loyola Law School n December 1, 2010, the which they can protect their clients’ ‹•–”‹ – ––‘”‡›ǯ• ‘ˆϐ‹ ‡ ƒ†Ȁ‘” –Š‡ Armenian Bar Association assets and shield them from liability, Federal Bureau of Investigation. Opresented a Continuing Legal whether through insurance, estate The program was held in the Education (CLE) seminar titled “Asset planning or business planning. Robinson Courtroom of Loyola Law Protection: Its Use and Its Pitfalls,” The panelists also highlighted the School. Due to the extent and depth of held at Loyola Law School, in Los improper ways to use asset protection questions and discussions, attendees Angeles, California. Moderated by Ara plans, including the use of offshore at the program stayed an hour after Babaian (a partner at Ervin Cohen & transactions. As the CLE handouts the program’s end to continue the Jessup LLP), the presentation hosted noted, asset protection is not intended conversation with the speakers and two distinguished speakers – Neal to “hide” assets or to avoid income the moderator. S. Salisian (a partner at Salisian Lee taxes. Instead, asset protection is LLP) and John M. Balian (a partner at about planning, not reacting, and its This CLE program was sponsored by Balian Law Group). The panel focused focus is on prudently protecting a the CLE Committee of the Armenian ‘ •’‡ ‹ϐ‹  ƒ••‡– ’”‘–‡ –‹‘ ’Žƒ• client’s assets. Planning entails risk Bar Association, which sponsors from the perspective of a litigator and exposure analysis, followed by plan legal seminars for the Association’s a trusts/estates/bankruptcy attorney, design, and then the implementation members in an effort to promote especially with respect to assets of structures utilizing a variety of professional growth.  common to all types of clients and legal tools, which depend on business income levels such as homes, bank and personal factors. and brokerage accounts, rental real The presentation also covered estate, businesses and professional the ways in which creditors can practices, and retirement plans. recover assets, such as through debt Asset protection incorporates collection, litigation, fraudulent methods available to protect assets transfer claims, and fraud claims, arising from liabilities. Attendees which may involve the participation L-R: Ara Babaian, Neal Salisian, Edvin learned about the proper ways in of the Internal Revenue Service, the Minassian and John Balian

(CLE) credit. Business Startup CLE Features Babaian The Armenian Bar Association is And Eisaian At Phoenicia Restaurant committed to providing its members and the professional community at n September 9, 2010, business Co-Founder and former Executive large a series of educational and high attorney Ara Babaian and Chairman of Integrien Corporation, caliber events such as this one. Its Oentrepreneur Al Eisaian discussed starting businesses in the March 2010 Professional Networking discussed topics related to starting United States and Armenia from Evening had approximately 300 a business in the United States and an entrepreneur’s perspective. He attorneys, judges and business in Armenia. Mr. Babaian, who is stressed the importance of creating professionals in attendance. The June a partner at the Beverly Hills law opportunities in Armenia, which is 2010 Dinner Reception honoring ϐ‹” ‘ˆ ”˜‹ ‘Š‡ Ƭ ‡••—’ ǡ a country that boasts a talented and City of Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian discussed setting up and managing driven work force. and L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca the growth of a small or mid-sized The presentation was made to was attended by over 150 legal company, including how to manage members of the Armenian American professionals and community leaders. relationships with investors and Chamber of Commerce and the Prior to the presentation, the business partners, how to protect a Armenian Bar Association, and ƒ‘ ƒŠ›ƒ  ‹‡–‹ϐ‹ Ǧ—Ž–—”ƒŽ company’s intellectual property, and was held at Phoenicia Restaurant Center made a special presentation how to deal with employee issues. in Glendale, California. Eligible to attorney Vartkes Yeghiayan of the Mr. Eisaian, President, CEO and attendees received one and a half Hamo Sahyan Award, named after the Co-Founder of IconApps, Inc. and hours of Continuing Legal Education Armenian poet and translator.  12 Spring 2011

First Tree Lighting Ceremony Highlights Western Diocese 7th Annual Christmas Ball urbank, California - The contingent of Armenian Bar City of Burbank was aglow members attended the Christmas Bon the night of December Ball in support of our Chairman, 4th as approximately 350 guests Edvin Minassian,” said Vice- gathered around a beautifully Chairman and former recipient of decorated Christmas tree in the the award, Garo Ghazarian. center of the Turpanjian Plaza of The tradition to honor and the newly constructed St. Leon recognize the accomplishments Cathedral. The occasion was the of young professional American- 7th Annual Christmas Ball of the Armenian men and women was Western Diocese of the Armenian established by His Eminence Church of North America. Guests Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, were greeted and blessed with an Primate, and has continued for the Opening Prayer by His Eminence past seven years. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Chairman Edvin Minassian with an artistically carved Khatchkar ƒ† –Š‡ǡ Ž‡† „› ƒˆϐ‹ ‡†‹”Œ‹ƒǡ Following are the 2010 honorees: Peter Abajian, Philanthropist Chair of the Christmas Ball, joined Armenian Bar Association; and and Executive Director of the in a breathtaking countdown Vicken Sonentz-Papazian, Esq., Paros Foundation of Armenia; from ten to zero as the tree lights Executive Director, Western Harry Balian, M.D., FACC. FSCAI, glistened throughout the plaza. Division, Armenian National Interventional Cardiologist; Sonia Committee. Following this spectacular Boyajian, jewelry designer; Armen opening reception, guests were Cherik, M.D., MBA, Neurologist; The Primate presented the awed by the grandeur of the Aida Gharakhani, fashion designer Š‘‘”‡‡• ™‹–Š ‡”–‹ϐ‹ ƒ–‡• dazzling decorations as they under the name of Nicole Bakti; of Recognition and a special entered the Nazareth and Sima Arbi Ghazarian, M.D., Family artistically carved Khatchkar. The Kalaydjian Banquet Hall, which Practitioner; Vatche Mankerian, excitement continued with the had been turned into a Winter renowned pianist and composer; presentation of a special cake to Wonderland. Avedis Markarian, Bank Executive; celebrate the Primate’s Birthday “We are proud that a strong Edvin Minassian, Esq., Chairman, „›–Š‡Šƒ‹”ǡƒˆϐ‹‡†‹”Œ‹ƒǡƒ† members of the Christmas Ball Committee. Champagne toasts were made and everyone sang a joyous Happy Birthday to the Primate. Plaudits and congratulations were extended to the Christmas Ball Committee by the Primate for their exemplary service and –‘ƒˆϐ‹‡†‹”Œ‹ƒˆ‘”Š‹•‡ˆˆ‡ –‹˜‡ leadership and direction. Guests danced the night away to the delightful music of Koko Armenian Bar Members and Friends join Chair Edvin Minassian at Diocese Ceremony Hayitian and his band.  Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 13

New Long Beach Courthouse to be Named integrity and intelligence.” Los Angeles County Supervisor ˆ–‡” ‘”‡” ‘˜‡”‘” ƒ† ‘‘”ƒ”› Don Knabe described the former Life Time Member of the Armenian Bar governor as a “respected bridge ••‘ ‹ƒ–‹‘ ‘Ǥ ‡‘”‰‡‡—‡Œ‹ƒ builder,” whose abilities to bring political factions together had hief Justice Tani Cantil- jurists who serve in Long Beach served him well in politics. Sakauye touted the ™‡”‡ ‡ƒ•‹Ž› ‹†‡–‹ϐ‹ƒ„Ž‡ „‡ ƒ—•‡ Knabe then turned to Deukmejian, Ccommencement of they were “the ones with the and drew an appreciative laugh construction for a new court facility biggest smiles on their faces.” from the audience by noting when in Long Beach at a groundbreaking Administrative Director of the Deukmejian served as governor, ceremony yesterday as proof of the Courts William C. Vickrey told the he succeeded Jerry Brown. “I just foresight and effective leadership audience that the project “really thought I’d throw that out there,” of the branch. demonstrates that the government he said. In what the chief justice said is does work on behalf of the public After being presented with a Ž‹‡Ž› ƒ ϐ‹”•– ‹ –Š‹• ‘—–”›ǡ –Š‡ that it serves” and represented framed artist’s rendering of the project is being overseen by the the “potential of what we hope to building, Deukmejian commented †‹‹•–”ƒ–‹˜‡ˆϐ‹ ‡‘ˆ–Š‡‘—”–• replicate across California.” that he was “glad it’s a long „—– ϐ‹ƒ ‡† „› ƒ ‘•‘”–‹— Sen. Alan S. Lowenthal, D-Long building, because I have a long from the private sector. That Beach, suggested the project name.” demonstrates how the judiciary was also “a direct repudiation” He received a standing ovation “is always taking innovative of the idea that Democrats from the audience as he took leadership ideas and executing and Republicans are unable to the podium, where he joked he them” and willing “to try things in cooperate, and shows “if we work thought “the only two ways to get new ways,” she said. together with a common purpose, your name on a building” were Cantil-Sakauye claimed the we can do great things.” to “donate a lot of money” or “be “genesis of this project” was the Assemblywoman Bonnie dead.” Deukmejian said he did not “foresight” of the 2002 Court Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, called have $500 million, as evidenced Facilities Act, which turned over the project “a testament to by the fact that he drives a 15-year courthouse management to the optimism and all that is best about old car with “more miles on it than state, and said she was a “grateful California.” She has been a recent Willie Nelson’s tour bus.” observer” of “the extraordinary vocal critic of Vickrey and AOC “I’m not dead either,” he added, leadership that brings this project governance, and unlike the other “but that could change.” to bear.” speakers, did not bestow any Deukmejian appeared to grow Her remarks were delivered to praise upon court leaders in her more somber as he discussed an assemblage of several hundred remarks. his upbringing as the son of guests including Supreme Court All of the speakers, however, immigrants and how he “came Justices Ming W. Chin and Marvin commended former Gov. George west in search of opportunity” as R. Baxter; Los Angeles District Deukmejian, in whose honor the a young man. Attorney Steve Cooley, Alternate courthouse has been named. Public Defender Janice Fukai, and “I never dreamed this day would ƒ„‘—––™‘†‘œ‡„‡ Š‘ˆϐ‹ ‡”•Ǥ Alan Lowenthal said Deukmejian come,” he said. After 23 years of “is truly an idol, and worthy of our public service and 83 years of Los Angeles Superior Court respect and our love,” while Long life, Deukmejian suggested, “I can Presiding Judge Lee S. Edmon, Beach Mayor Bob Foster called him ϐ‹ƒŽŽ› •ƒ›  †‘ǯ– –Š‹ –Š‡›ǯŽŽ who served as the master of a “man of impeccable capability, ceremonies, quipped that the See Long Beach Courthouse, pg. 20 14 Spring 2011

Armenian Bar Association Joins The ANC And Neighborhood Legal Services To Present Third Installment Of Free Legal Clinic lendale, California - The Armenian Bar Association G(ArmenBar), in conjunction with the Armenian National Committee of Glendale (ANCG) and Neighborhood Legal Services (NLS), held their third installment of a free legal clinic at the Glendale Youth Center on October 20, 2010. Despite less than perfect weather, the clinic was attended by a solid number of community members who were able to consult with volunteer attorneys regarding a wide range of legal issues. “One of the critical public Armenian Bar attorney volunteers at free legal clinic in Glendale service roles for the Armenian Bar Association is to provide attorneys included Varoujan needed, the volunteers also served legal counsel and education to Agemian, Benjamin Aydindzhyan, as interpreters. the Armenian Community at Sarkis Babachanian, Garbis The legal topics covered at large. This legal clinic gave us a Ekmekjian, Armen Hovannisian, the clinic included immigration, unique opportunity to provide past Chairman of ArmenBar, landlord/tenant, civil, small legal information to individuals Raymond Hovsepian, Alice claims, family law, workers’ rights, on a pro bono basis with the Yardum-Hunter, Saro Kerkonian, criminal matters, trusts, wills and added bonus of working with Hovanes Margarian, ArmenBar estates. After the intake process ANCG and NLS that enabled us to Chairman Edvin Minassian, was completed, individuals were reach a wider audience,” stated ANCG Co-Chairman Sarkis assigned to meet with and discuss ArmenBar Chairman Edvin Ourfalian, Garo Ghazarian, Dean their issue with an attorney having Minassian. Thanks are in order to of the Peoples College of Law and special expertise in that area of law. the ANCG, NLS, and the numerous current ArmenBar Vice-Chairman, The volunteer attorneys offered attorneys who donated their time Vicken Simonian, Hagop Tashjian, information and assistance only. to help our community,” said Arek Nizamyan, Anahid Oshagan, Where a referral was requested, Vicken Simonian, past Chairman Marina Manoukian, and Aris an approved list from the Los of ArmenBar. “Special thanks Artounians. Angeles County Bar Association are in order to Jacklin Boyadjian, A number of volunteers from and Glendale Bar Association was Executive Director of ArmenBar, ArmenBar, the ANCG and NLS, provided. Sarkis Ourfalian, Co-Chair of the as well as a group of students Helpful information handouts ANCG, Elen Asatryan, Executive from Loyola Law School were were also furnished to the Director of the ANCG, and Alina on hand at the clinic to greet the community members, including Azizian of NLS for their tireless community members, help them legal information pamphlets work in organizing the clinic,” said ϐ‹ŽŽ ‘—– ƒ ‹–ƒ‡ “—‡•–‹‘ƒ‹”‡ǡ in Armenian from NLS and Simonian. then take them to the appropriate ArmenBar.  The volunteer ArmenBar attorney for assistance. Where Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 15

Annual Meeting Preview on the Bay Area’s Mount Davidson litigated recovery efforts of Genocide- continued from pg. 1 and preparing exemplary amicus briefs era assets to the use of the phrase, in federal courts from coast to coast Armenian Genocide. The discussants in matters dealing with Genocide will be David Balabanian of Bingham education and asset recovery. McCutchen LLP, Professor Lee On Saturday, April 30, 2011, after Crawford-Boyd, Steven Dadaian of the the Association’s business meeting Armenian National Committee, Brian during which committee reports will Kabateck of Kabateck Brown Kellner be rendered, future plans discussed, LLP, and Harut Sassounian, Publisher and new Board members elected, of the California Courier and President WKH ÀUVW RI WZR H[SHUW SDQHOV ZLOO EH of the United Armenian Fund. Each assembled. The topic of discussion RI WKH SDQHOLVWV ZLOO RIIHU ÀUVWKDQG is entitled “Armenia On The Road experiences and innovative thoughts on To Judicial Independence And Legal Reform” and the panelists will be Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye Professor Ruben Melikyan of Yerevan Justice Minister, and a bevy of talented State University, author and Professor and dedicated practitioners.” of Journalism Garin K. Hovannisian, ArmenBar Honorary Lifetime and ArmenBar Vice-Chairperson and Member Marvin Baxter, Associate Professor of Law Garo B. Ghazarian. Justice of the California Supreme Court, Each of the panelists is in a unique will usher in the weekend’s activities position to recognize the challenges and on Friday, April 29, 2011, with a accomplishments in Armenia’s legal personalized tour of the Supreme Court and judicial systems. Ideas about the facilities. The Association will then Association’s involvement in meeting be recognized by the Judicial Council some of those challenges and being part of California which will be in session. of the accomplishments will be shared. The Judicial Council, led by Chief The Saturday gala luncheon will be Justice Cantil-Sakauye and Associate keynoted by Justice Minister Hrayr Justice Baxter, is the policymaking Tovmasyan, a young, articulate, Associate Justice Hon. Marvin Baxter body of the California courts, the largest forward-looking cabinet member of court system in the nation. The private the Republic of Armenia. His presence the issue. luncheon with the Chief Justice in the and participation will be the latest court complex will cap off the day-time footprint on the highway connecting the $ IXQÀOOHG QLJKW LV SODQQHG IRU events. Association with Armenia. Over the Saturday evening, beginning with a group dinner in Little Italy or China The festivities will kick off on Friday last 22 years, the Association has hosted Town and then continuing among the evening at the Marriott Union Square at the annual meetings and established city’s charming and eclectic gathering with a welcome reception atop the professional relations with Armenia’s places. On Sunday, May 1, 2011, after pemier hotel in the heart of the city. best, brightest and most deserving, WKH QHZO\FRQVWLWXWHG %RDUG·V ÀUVW The reception—billed as the Bingham including its Constitutional (Supreme) meeting during which the Association’s Reception—will pay special tribute to Court Justices, prosecutors and public H[HFXWLYH RIÀFHUV ZLOO EH HOHFWHG WKH champion litigator David Balabanian defenders, human and civil rights bow on the weekend package will be a DQGKLVODZÀUP%LQJKDP0F&XWFKHQ practitioners, and university faculty and lovely excursion and luncheon either to LLP for the pivotal role they have played students. Sausalito or Napa Valley. in protecting Armenian rights and the The second expert panel on Saturday United States Constitution in American afternoon is dubbed “A Rose By For further and registration courts. Their pro bono work on behalf Any Other Name: The Armenian information, please contact Lisa of the Armenian Bar Association and *HQRFLGH·V /HJDO 6LJQLÀFDQFH LQ Boyadjian at [email protected] or the community includes successfully Recovery Litigation” and centers on visit www.ArmenianBar.org  ÀJKWLQJ EDFN HIIRUWV WR UHPRYH D the legal and other consequences, both Genocide memorial plaque and cross positive and negative, of anchoring the 16 Spring 2011 Tropicana Conference continued from pg. 6 The legal remedies discussion was moderated by Yeghiayan and included Bazyler, a Chapman University School of Law professor and Crawford-Boyd. Bazyler is a leading authority on the use of the American and European courts to redress genocide and other historical wrongs. Boyd is of counsel with the Past Chairman and Pro Bono Chair Vicken Simonian and Chairman Edvin Minassian Žƒ™ ϐ‹” ‘ˆ ‘™ƒ”–Š Ƭ ‹–Š ‹ recognizing Arda Yemenidjian with Community Service Award. Los Angeles. She is an adjunct professor at Pepperdine Law is a lawyer for the foundations involved in a case against the School teaching international law, of the Armenian community in Turkish government and two complex litigation and human Istanbul. He led the precedent Turkish banks to recover $63 rights. As a litigation consultant, setting legal effort for Armenian million dollars for land improperly she specializes in federal court Foundations in Istanbul before seized from Armenians during the complex cases and international the European Court of Human Genocide, including land which is relations. Rights, successfully recovering currently occupied by the strategic The panelists discussed the real property seized in 1936 from Incirlik airbase utilized by the U.S. wide array of Genocide aftermath Samatya Surp (Saint) Kevork military. recoveries, including lawsuits Armenian Church Trust and the Arda Yemenidjian is the wife of against insurance companies, Surp Pirgic Yedikule Hospital Alex Yemenidjian, the former CEO European banks, companies that Foundation. Davuthan has of MGM Studios and current owner employed slave labor, museums represented the community in a of the Tropicana.Arda is one of the who hold looted artwork and diverse number of cases including ϐ‹”•–•–—†‡–•‘ˆ–Š‡ ‡””ƒŠ‹ƒŠ‹‰Š governments holding improperly the rights of Turkish Armenians to • Š‘‘Ž‹ ‹‘ǡ–Š‡ϐ‹”•–”‡‹ƒ seized land. Past and current cases elect a new Patriarch and the rights school in California. She has been involving Holocaust and Genocide of children of Armenian citizens to ‹˜‘Ž˜‡†‹–Š‡Ž‡‰ƒŽϐ‹‡Ž†ˆ‘”ƒ› claims were discussed, including attend private schools in Turkey. ›‡ƒ”•ǡƒƒ‰‹‰–Š‡ƒ™ˆϐ‹ ‡‘ˆ legislation to extend the statute of He discussed these issues, and Terenik Koujakian, her brother. limitations. the challenges of litigating civil She has been involved with a Also addressing the audience rights cases for minority class number of Armenian charities and was Loyola law professor Stan citizens of Turkey. Yeghiayan was ‘Ǧ’”‘ϐ‹–‘”‰ƒ‹œƒ–‹‘•ǡ†‘ƒ–‹‰ Goldman. Goldman teaches a responsible for initiating, and was her time and resources to worthy class at Loyola, with Bazyler, lead counsel, in the landmark case Armenian causes. on post-Genocide remedies. of Marootian v. New York Life. As a Board member of UNICEF, He is the faculty advisor to the The class action lawsuit sought to she helped the group focus on Loyola Armenian Law Students recover life insurance proceeds helping under-privileged children Association. relating to victims of the Armenian in Armenia and Lebanon. As Genocide. The case resulted in a Board member of the Marie The discussion regarding the a $20 million dollar settlement, state of legal affairs involving Manoogian school, she promoted and touched off a series of cases the highest standards of education. Armenians in Turkey was involving recovery of Genocide- delivered by Setrak Davuthan. He She was honored for her lifelong related claims. He is currently commitment to public service.  Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 17

Armenian Bar Honors U.S. Attorney continued from pg. 3 morial Fund, Wayne Williams, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, Briane Grey, Associate Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Jon Goldberg, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Adjutant to the Glendale Chief of Police, Ser- geant Thomas Lorenz, Sergeant John Gilkerson, and Sergeant Tigran Topad- zhikyan of the Glendale Police Depart- L-R: John Lulejian, Nigol Manoukian, Vicken Simonian, Chairman Edvin Minassian, City ment, Lawrence Middleton, Chief of Attorney Carmen Trutanich, U.S. Attorney André Birotte Jr., Vice Chair Garo Ghazarian, Hovanes Margarian, and Judge Zaven V. Sinanian Public Corruption and Civil Rights Divi- sion of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Felipe public defender in Los Angeles. He is the California Supreme Court, includ- Plascencia, President of the Mexican a graduate of Tufts University and the ing Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye American Bar Association’s Political Pepperdine University School of Law. and Justice Marvin Baxter. This year’s Action Committee, Ara Najarian, cur- The 22nd Annual National Meeting other very special guest will be Hrair rent mayor of Glendale, Consul Gen- of the Armenian Bar Association is be- Tovmasyan, the Justice Minister of the eral Grigor Hovhannissian and Deputy ing held from April 29, 2011 to May 1, Republic of Armenia. Last year’s an- Consul General Mesrop Shaboyan from 2011, at the Marriott Union Square, in nual national meeting which was held the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles, San Francisco, California. Among the in Chicago drew an affluent audience Rafi Manoukian, past two-term Mayor special attractions will be the atten- of lawyers and jurists and the 22nd An- of Glendale, and a current Commission- dance and participation of members of nual National Meeting in San Francisco er of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena will continue that high standard.  Airport Authority, and Nayiri Nahabe- dian, Board Member of highly regarded Glendale Unified School District. In September 2009, President Obama appointed Mr. Birotte to the top federal prosecutor post in all of Southern Cali- fornia, whose district includes seven counties, Los Angeles, Orange, River- side, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura, and a pop- ulation that is the largest of any district in the country. For much of the past decade, Mr. Birotte has served in capaci- ties of increasing responsibility in the Los Angeles Police Commission’s Office of Inspector General. Before assuming his administrative duties as Inspector General, Mr. Birotte served as Assistant L-R: Vice Chair Garo Ghazarian, Chairman Edvin Minassian, Judge Zaven V. Sinanian, United States Attorney and as a deputy Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Judge Kevin Brazile 18 Spring 2011

Mid-Year Providence continued from pg. 2 form and the recently- enacted Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPAXA). He addressed selected aspects of the health re- form legislation including regula- tions affecting health insurance coverage mandate, eligibility for medicaid and social security dis- ƒ„‹Ž‹–›„‡‡ϐ‹–•ǡƒ ‡••–‘ ƒ”‡ƒ† licensing and discipline of medical professionals. Garry Giragosian, the Rhode Island General Assem- L-R Margaret Laurence, Esq. (RI Bar Association member), Vice Chair Christine Engustian, Lise Iwon (President of the RI Bar Association), Chair Edvin Minassian bly’s legal counsel, then provided insights into the prospective im- tended the closing dinner at the dedicated to “the 1,500,000 Ar- pact the PPACA will have on state Waterman Grille, followed by the menian martyrs massacred by governments and their employees, signature event in Providence— the Turkish government during and spoke about social security Dzƒ–‡”ϐ‹”‡dzǦǦ ƒ •‘—† ƒ† Ž‹‰Š– the 1915 genocide.” The memo- and disability issues. production during which a hun- rial, which was sponsored by the Another panel discussion was †”‡† ϐ‹”‡• ‹ŽŽ—‹ƒ–‡† –Š‡ ‹–›ǯ• American-Armenian community devoted to social medial landmines rivers and bridges while music, of Rhode Island, was dedicated in and the legal implications of social including Armenian music, was 1919. It consists of a domed arch, networking. Kathryn Ossian, a played over loudspeakers to the ϐŽƒ‡†„›–™‘‹• ”‹’–‹‘•–‘‡•Ǥ member of ArmenBar’s Board of awestruck public. Approximately  Governors and a principal at the 40,000 people attended the Wa- Žƒ™ ϐ‹” ‘ˆ ‹ŽŽ‡” ƒϐ‹‡Ž† ‹ ‡- –‡”ϐ‹”‡‡˜‡–Ǥ troit, addressed a number of issues Providence is also home to two related to this emerging technol- major memorials to the Arme- ogy, including intangible property nian people. The Armenian Heri- Newsletter Editorial Staff rights, privacy rights, employment tage Park, founded 15 years ago matters, defamation, and, not un- and located on public grounds Editor in Chief: Vicken I. Simonian, [email protected] expectedly, criminal behavior. Ms. within the city limits, is dedicated Ossian has extensive experience in to “our forefathers who searched Senior Editor: Armen K. Hovannisian, negotiating and drafting software for freedom and human dignity … [email protected] licensing agreements, distribu- wherever Armenian is spoken or Associate Editor: John Lulejian, tion and maintenance agreements written Armenia lives.” The monu- [email protected] and other information technology ment, a free-standing inscription- Associate Editor: Harry Dikranian agreements, as well as in comput- stone elevated on circular steps, [email protected] er law, advising clients in internet was donated by Providence’s Ar- Assistant Editor: Betty Jamgotchian, law and intellectual property dis- amian family. The stone’s location [email protected] pute resolution. is designated Armenian Heritage Production Editor: Adiss Elshamaa After the completion of the Park. [email protected] Mid-Year Meeting’s professional The Armenian Martyrs’ Memo- continuing-education compo- rial Monument, located in Provi- nent, many of the participants at- dence’s North Burial Grounds, is Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 19

Hon. Haiganush R. Bedrosian Sworn In As Chief Judge Of R.I. Family Court ARWICK — The new Bedrosian studied hard, gradu- chief judge of Rhode Is- ated from Cranston High School Wland’s Family Court, a East and received a bachelor of daughter of Armenian immigrants arts degree from Pembroke Col- who grew up in Cranston, gradu- lege, the former women’s school of ated from Brown University and Brown University. She earned her Court. He vividly described what later sat on the bench for three de- law degree from Suffolk University he referred to as the “emotional cades, took her oath from Gover- Law School. strain” of the job, saying that doing nor Carcieri Friday December 17, She worked as a prosecutor and it correctly typically means that 2010 at Warwick City Hall. later in a practice specializing in none of the parties will be happy. Her name, Haiganush R. Bedro- family law. She was appointed to He, too, agreed with the sugges- sian, provided a rhetorical tool to the bench in 1980. Bedrosian has –‹‘ –Šƒ– ‡†”‘•‹ƒǯ• ϐ‹”•– ƒ‡ more than one of the people who served as the Family Court’s acting aptly describes her personality. spoke at the event, addressing a chief judge since the retirement Dz –Š‹–Šƒ–ϐ‹–•›‘—˜‡”›™‡ŽŽǡdz large group of friends, family, pro- of Jeremiah S. Jeremiah Jr. in late Suttell said, shortly before he fessional colleagues and state of- June. Bedrosian, a Warwick resi- kissed Bedrosian on the cheek.  ϐ‹ ‹ƒŽ•Ǥ dent and longtime friend of Ave- “The word Haiganush when disian, said that the recent renova- Councilman Paul translated means ‘sweet Arme- tion of the city’s council chambers ”‡‘”‹ƒƒ† —†‰‡ nian woman’ and nothing could be had provided a nice setting for the more true today,” Warwick Mayor event. All 480 seats in the cham- ‹ ‘› ‘‘”‡† Scott Avedisian said when he wel- bers were occupied. continued from pg. 7 comed the crowd. Bedrosian, a “It takes a special jurist to serve —‡”‘—• ’—„Ž‹  ‘ˆϐ‹ ‹ƒŽ•ǡ former school teacher, became the successfully in the Family Court,” judges and dignitaries were ϐ‹”•–™‘ƒ–‘•‡”˜‡‘–Š‡ ƒ- said Senate President M. Teresa among the 200 in attendance. Los ‹Ž›‘—”–„‡ Šƒ†•Š‡‹•–Š‡ϐ‹”•– Paiva Weed, D-Newport. Angeles County Superior Court Judges in attendance included woman to lead the court. Firm but compassionate, she Kevin Brazile, Soussan Bruguera, During her remarks, she prom- said. Tough-minded but kind- Gregory Keosian, Ruth Kwan, ised to carry out new reforms hearted, she added. Bedrosian has Mark Mooney, Fred Rotenberg –‘ „”‹‰ ‰”‡ƒ–‡” ‡ˆϐ‹ ‹‡ › –‘ –Š‡ already provided such qualities and ArmenBar past Chairman court system. She recited some of during her many years in the sys- Zaven Sinanian. Brazile and Robert Frost’s poetry and she also tem, she said. Sinanian are on the Board of the quoted her parents. Her mother House Speaker Gordon D. Fox, California Judges Association, in and her father, she said, had found D-Providence, also characterized which Brazile currently serves ”‡ˆ—‰‡ ‹ †‰‡™‘‘† ƒˆ–‡” ϐŽ‡‡‹‰ Bedrosian as a sweet Armenian as Vice-Chairman. Rotenberg is their homeland to escape the “ter- woman and said she does her job the site Supervising Judge Of the rors of the time,” a reference to the “with a grace and steely determi- Glendale Courthouse. genocide and persecution of Ar- nation to get to the facts.” menians early in the 20th century. “We will continue to honor Rhode Island Supreme Court those individuals who have “This is America,” they told her. Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell said distinguished themselves by “Follow your dreams. In America that he served with Bedrosian serving our community,” said all things are possible.” during 13 of her 30 years in Family Minassian.  20 Spring 2011

”‡ ‘˜ƒ‹•‹ƒ and he has a keen understanding of the diaspora community and its Long Beach Courthouse continued from pg. 10 continued from pg. 13 relationship to Armenia.” the Armenian Bar, who along with summon me for jury duty.” Saro Kerkonian and a small group Indeed it is under Armen’s Edmon, however, quickly of dedicated lawyers, oversaw leadership that the Armenian dissuaded him of this idea, the Armenian Bar’s evolution Bar Assocation has become telling Deukmejian: into a formidable and highly increasingly active in the development of the law in the “Sorry, we summon ‹ϐŽ—‡–‹ƒŽ ‡–™‘” ‘ˆ Žƒ™›‡”• everybody.” and judges. “Armen has attended homeland. More and more often every meeting, participated in in the past few years, members In addition to such levity, the every pro bono activity, and has of ArmenBar have been deployed ceremony was also punctuated both organized and lectured at to Yerevan on mission to nurture by strong gusts of wind, which countless legal seminars. He is a ties with both private and public prompted Foster, Knabe and tireless worker for the Armenian organizations of Armenian Alan Lowenthal to leave their community who is blind to petty jurisprudence. seats on the dais to hold onto differences between political and As it happened, the latest poles supporting the tent social groups.” such mission was organized to where the festivities were monitor the civil rights violations taking place at the intersection For this reason, perhaps, of Magnolia Avenue and Third Armen has come into a new role committed against Armen’s brother, who—as of this writing— Street in downtown Long of late. He has presided over Beach. community events across the was still on his bench at Liberty country, and established himself— Square. The six-acre site is slated —™‹––‹‰Ž›Ȅƒ• –Š‡ †‡ϐ‹‹–‹˜‡ Soon Armenian Bar’s Vice Chair to be developed with a spokesman for Armenian unity Garo Ghazarian would arrive in 31-courtroom, 650,000 square and pride. Those thousands who the capital—he would support foot court facility, targeted ƒ––‡†‡† –Š‡ —‹ϐ‹‡† ‘—‹–› his friend and raise fundamental for occupancy in 2013. This requiem and remembrance issues of international convention new building will replace the program dedicated to Hrant Dink and law in meetings with the Chief current courthouse, which at the Glendale Civic Auditorium of Police, the Minister of Justice, was built in 1959 and suffers in March 2007, for example, and the Ombudsman—but for now ˆ”‘ Dzˆ—†ƒ‡–ƒŽ ϐŽƒ™•ǡdz were left in awe and wonder ƒˆϐ‹ ‘˜ƒ‹•‹ƒ ™ƒ• ›‡ƒ”• ƒ† overcrowding, dilapidation and over the mesmerizing master of hemispheres away from the life he a failure to meet accessibility ceremonies: the startling power had left behind. He was shaking requirements,” according to an of his character, the depth and hands and giving interviews and AOC release. elegance of his patriotism. An exchanging promises with the tens ------extraordinary leader had been of thousands of citizens who were Reprinted in its entirety from revealed to them. pouring into Liberty Square to visit the Metropolitan News Press Of course this came as no him. And in odd moments, he was By SHERRI M. OKAMOTO surprise to friends and colleagues ”‡ϐŽ‡ –‹‰ ‘ Š‹• „”‘–Š‡” ƒ† –Š‡ Friday, April 8, 2011 in the Armenian Bar Association. organization they built together. “Armen has been and continues “Armen has taken the shadow –‘„‡–Š‡ ‘ϐ‹†ƒ––‘ƒŽŽǡ–Š‡ ‡–‡” •‡ƒ–ǡdz ƒˆϐ‹ •ƒ‹†ǡ •‹Ž‹‰ ‹ –Š‡ and clearinghouse of ideas and sunlight. “But he has been the Join the Armenian Bar Association today! engine and I the mere technician issues,” said Judge Zaven Sinanian. For more information, visit “He is the resident historian and at the steering wheel.”  www.armenianbar.org today. the backbone of the Armenian Bar, Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 21

Federal Court Ruling Steve Dadaian (ANCA and common cause of achieving continued from pg. 9 Armenian Bar attorney) and Seto recognition of and reparations for Boyadjian (ANCA National Board). the Armenian Genocide,” stated against the legislature’s use of the Through these types of efforts the term “Armenian Genocide.” Armenian Bar Brings public has remained informed and Attorney General, now current engaged in the process. On The Holiday Cheer Governor, Edmund Gerry Brown Nearly sixteen months after he Armenian Bar Jr. led an amicus brief on behalf the initial negative court ruling Chairman Minassian.Association  celebrated of the State of California arguing on the matter, the diligent efforts the Christmas season that the court’s interpretation T and collaboration of the plaintiffs’ at the legendary Sidebar in ‘ˆ ‘ϐŽ‹ – ’”‡‡’–‹‘ —†‡” counsel and the amici curiae Glendale, California, with nearly the foreign affairs doctrine was resulted in the December 10, 100 members and friends in unprecedented and overly- 2010 positive court decision. The attendance. It was a wonderful expansive and that it was improper defendant insurance company night, with a steady stream of to hold that the mere words used may now try to persuade the high spirits and warm exchanges in a state statute may invalidate entire Ninth Circuit Court of shared by so many energized the statute under principles of Appeals to rehear the case or and eclectic people. Joyful laughs preemption. Congressman Adam request the U.S. Supreme Court ƒ† ’Ž‡ƒ•ƒ– †‹• —••‹‘• ϐ‹ŽŽ‡† Ǥ  Š‹ˆˆ ϐ‹Ž‡† Š‹• ‘™ ƒ‹ —• to review it. Otherwise, the case the place to capacity. „”‹‡ˆ ƒ† ˆ—”–Š‡” Žƒ”‹ϐ‹‡† –Š‡ will proceed and the plaintiffs will lack of congressional or executive “In addition to the serious work have the opportunity to obtain branch actions to preempt state undertaken by the Association redress for their claims against the action on insurance claims or in the name and interests defendants. statutes of limitations relating of Armenian communities to claims arising from the loss of This marks the latest worldwide, it is important for Armenian lives and property from success achieved as a result of —• ƒŽ•‘ –‘ •Šƒ”‡ ‹ ˆ—Ǧϐ‹ŽŽ‡† 1875-1923. The amicus brief collaboration among leading and social get-togethers,” stated of human rights organizations Armenian organizations, truth- ArmenBar Chairman Edvin EarthRights International and the seeking friends of the Armenian Minassian. He was particularly Center for Constitutional Rights community and advocates of pleased at the great number presented additional arguments humanity. of young professionals in advancing the contention that “While these cases are litigated attendance. mere lack of consistent use of the on an individual level and do With the New Year around term “Armenian Genocide” by not speak for all Armenians the corner, the members of the federal government does not everywhere, the stakes are high the Armenian Bar raised their ‘•–‹–—–‡ •—ˆϐ‹ ‹‡– ‰”‘—†• –‘ for so many of us. When the time glasses toasting to the success claim the existence of a federal comes, we must, do and will of 2010 and to the promise policy against use of the term. continue to remain united. The that 2011 would be even more On September 23, 2009, in the Armenian Bar Association intends fruitful.  aftermath of the decision declaring to help assure the proper legal the California statute invalid, the course in these matters in light Armenian Bar Association held of its being the legal and non- a town hall community forum partisan entity for all Armenians,” on this issue. Harut Sassounian, stated Chairman Minassian. publisher of the California Courier, “We will continue our moderated the discussion between collaborative efforts with all Mark Geragos (plaintiffs’ counsel), attorneys and entities in the ArmenBar members and friends at Sidebar Christmas Party 22 Spring 2011

Message from the discriminatory policies and procedures. representatives. Garo also served as the truly masterful Keeping in mind that one of our Chairman Master of Ceremonies during several of key charitable objectives involves continued from pg. 1 our major events including the honoring VFKRODUVKLSVDZDUGHGWRKLJKO\TXDOLÀHG of Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee students of the law, our Scholarship Baca and Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian took place on October 9, 2010. It Committee led by Christine Engustian on June 24, 2010. Garo also shined big would not have been possible without and the Hon. Amy Hoogasian was hard and bright during the reception/dinner the efforts of our Vice Chair Christine at work. They selected outstanding honoring Los Angeles City Councilman Engustian to whom I and the Board are students for scholarships that we have ÀUVW $UPHQLDQ HYHU  3DXO .UHNRULDQ grateful for undertaking the leadership awarded. and the outgoing Presiding Judge of the needed to organize an exemplary LA Superior Court, Charles Mc Coy, While we can always improve on it, program. We had great speakers and Jr. on November 18, 2010, before a our treasury is in good shape thanks to panelists, including but not limited to capacity crowd comprised of Armenian the prudent stewardship of our Treasurer the Attorney General of Rhode Island, lawyers, guests from other ethnic Sara Bedirian and Assistant Treasurer Scott Avedisian, the Mayor of Warwick, bar associations (including our great Vicken Simonian. 0DWW %RJRVKLDQ D WRS RIÀFLDO ZLWK friends from the Mexican American I must thank our new Executive the Enforcement Unit of the EPA, Bar Association, MABA), as well as Director Jacklin Boyadjian for her Jeff Masardjian of the Armenian Tree many judges from the Superior Court. dynamic and energetic work on behalf Project, our very own Kathryn Ossian Garo Ghazarian serves on the MABA- of our organization and Administrative (a top- notch expert in intellectual PAC Board and we have also improved Assistant Lisa Boyadjian for continuing property law who lectured on the legal our engagement and interactions with to serve with diligence and superb implications of social networking), other bar associations by attending their competence. Michael Varadian, Executive Director annual dinners and other functions. of the Department of Health in Rhode As part of our pro bono program, Island, Gary Giragosian, Legal Counsel Garo Ghazarian also served as the we teamed up with two organizations, to the State General Assembly, and Master of Ceremonies during the the Armenian National Committee and our pride and joy, the Honorable standing-room only dinner reception Neighborhood Legal Services, to hold Haiganoush Bedrosian, Chief Judge of we held honoring U.S. Attorney for the three free legal clinics during the year. the Family Court of Rhode Island. In Central District of California, André Over twenty attorneys volunteered addition to Christine Engustian, I must Birotte, Jr. It is my pleasure to thank our their time at each clinic, where several WKDQNRXUH[RIÀFLR6RQ\D1HUVHVVLDQ Board member and Asst. U.S. Attorney hundred Armenian community members for her crucial support and assistance in John Lulejian for playing a key role in EHQHÀWHG IURP WKH OHJDO LQIRUPDWLRQ securing some of the great speakers we organizing the event, along with Asst. that was provided to them. The reach were able to attract. It is also appropriate U.S. Attorney and our CLE Committee of our organization, however, extended to mention here that Sonya Nersessian, member Tamar Kouyoumjian. As with even farther as our members, including our Immediate Past Chair has been all Armenian Bar events that take place Messrs. Ghazarian, Hovannisian, there every time we needed her during in Southern California, I must thank Kerkonian, Simonian, Margarian and this year. I will also remain grateful for Board member Hovanes Margarian for I, as well as Ms. Boyadjian, appeared her enthusiasm and support. I consider his critical assistance and organizational on Armenian television programs, both myself lucky to have her as our ex- skills. The event had great coverage in-studio and on location, which were RIÀFLR in the press and Mr. Birotte expressed broadcast locally and worldwide. In genuine pleasure at being invited. He addition, our involvement in community I am just as lucky and privileged to gave a very warm speech and we look activities and programs was widely work with my Vice Chair Garo Ghazarian forward to a productive relationship. reported in domestic and foreign press whose energy and relentless pursuit of During my speech, I addressed Mr. publications and broadcasts. every project that involved the mission %LURWWH DQG H[SUHVVHG P\ FRQÀGHQFH of the Armenian Bar Association and Consistent with our philosophy to that he would be an ally in the ongoing the civil rights of Armenians anywhere team up with diverse organizations ÀJKW WR HUDGLFDWH GLVFULPLQDWLRQ DQG is legendary. Led by his efforts, we within the Armenian community, we ethnic prejudice towards Armenians. tackled numerous civil rights issues look forward to the joint event with This event was attended by 200-plus in the City of Glendale and actually AGBU-YP that shall take place on attorneys and judges, as well as media achieved correction of some potentially See Chair’s Message, pg. 23 Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 23

D VLJQLÀFDQW UROH LQ HVWDEOLVKLQJ DQ of Police, Members of Parliament and, Chair’s Message Armenian Legal Defense Fund, whose most importantly, with thousands of continued from pg. 22 time has come. Armenia’s proud citizens. You can get more information regarding those May 19, 2011, in Pasadena, involving Our Continuing Legal Education efforts and the position of the Armenian networking and a discussion regarding Chair Ara Babaian has organized Bar on our website. the juris doctorate degree. Through the several important legal seminars, efforts of Denise Darmanian, a joint centering on legal issues involved in Assisting efforts to combat domestic dinner with the Armenian Bar and the business formations, tax planning, violence in Armenia has been a top AAHPO (Armenian American Health asset protection and litigation featuring priority of my administration. We Professionals Organization) will be VSHFLDOLVWVLQWKRVHÀHOGV:HDUHPDNLQJ have joined with prominent Armenian held on June 3, 2011, in New York City, a great effort to serve a broader segment organizations such as the Tufenkian which I look forward to attending. We of our membership by diversifying legal Foundation, AIWA, AYF and others in have also visited with and offered our subject matters. More CLE events are that crucial endeavor. Drafting of key counsel and services when necessary to planned and the committee has been legislation, training of prosecutors and the Primate and Prelate of the Armenian expanded. responsive law enforcement are areas Church in Western United States, During the month of September, I was where the Armenian Bar will make Archbishops Hovnan Derderian and joined by Vice Chair Garo Ghazarian a key contribution, while shelters, Moushegh Mardirossian, respectively. as well as Past Chairs Armen K. job training programs, childcare and ÀQDQFLDO DVVLVWDQFH ZLOO EH SURYLGHG We also joined with the ANC Hovannisian and Hon. Zaven Sinanian by our partners. I had the honor to be to provide our community with in a visit to Armenia. We had the honor selected as the Chairman of the group information regarding the status of and the privilege to be welcomed as I represent the Armenian Bar, while the litigation that is pending before by the founder of the Armenian Bar Sonya Nersessian has been making the Ninth Circuit of the U.S. Court of $VVRFLDWLRQ 5DIÀ . +RYDQQLVLDQ efforts on the East Coast that will Appeals. I had the honor to speak on minority leader of Armenia’s Parliament. support the overall effort. behalf of the Armenian Bar, whose We then had the distinct pleasure of efforts were led by David Balabanian meeting with Chief Justice Gagik We held a special meeting in Las DQGKLVODZÀUP%LQJKDP0F&XWFKHQ Haroutounian and had a very productive Vegas during the Martin Luther King It was a very lively session and members dialogue at Armenia’s Supreme Court. weekend in January. Once again, superb of the community were provided with Mr. Ghazarian, a prominent criminal legal panels were presented to our extensive information regarding the defense attorney, also lectured to law attending members along with CLE current status and background of the students at Yerevan State University. credits. The legal topics included the case. The Armenian Bar has also played I also had meeting with the ABA/ legal remedies available for the great a key role through its amicus briefs in CEELI program representatives and dispossession of property during the the Griswold case which was resolved established a good working relationship Genocide and the current legal rights in favor of the Armenian position in an with Chairman Ruben Sahakyan of and issues of concern to Armenians in opinion issued by the Retired Supreme the Chamber of Advocates. Recently, Turkey. The organization also honored Court Justice David Souter, sitting by Garo Ghazarian made a second trip veteran attorney Vartkes Yeghiayan by assignment with the First Circuit of U.S. to Armenia as part of our efforts to bestowing on him the highest honor we Court of Appeals. We are grateful to ensure recognition of civil rights and can, the Lifetime Achievement Award. Mark Fleming who led our legal team as civil liberties, including freedom of We were also inspired by the powerful ZHOODVRXUH[RIÀFLR6RQ\D1HUVHVVLDQ expression for all citizens when he VSHHFK JLYHQ E\ RXU IRXQGHU 5DIÀ for these results. Our Rights Watch MRLQHG 5DIÀ . +RYDQQLVLDQ GXULQJ K. Hovannisian, during the luncheon Committee Chair Saro Kerkonian will 5DIÀ·VGD\)UHHGRP)DVWZKLFKWRRN during which we also honored Arda provide further detail regarding these place in Liberty Square. Mr. Ghazarian Yemenidjian with our Service to the legal cases. I must mention that there has HQJDJHGLQVLJQLÀFDQWPHHWLQJVZLWKWKH Community Award. EHHQDVLJQLÀFDQWLQFUHDVHLQOLWLJDWLRQ Republic of Armenia’s highest echelons This year has been a busy and that is directly and indirectly related to of government, including with the Chief challenging one. Thanks to the the Armenian Genocide. The battles will of Staff of the President, the Justice outpouring of support from our continue and are getting more intense. Minister, the Ombudsman, the Senior membership and high quality of Our Board is greatly concerned and Advisor to the Speaker of Parliament, one of our projects includes playing the United States Ambassador, the Chief See Chair’s Message, pg. 24 24 Spring 2011

Chair’s Message Report From Vice Chairman in Armenia continued from pg. 23  ƒ” Š ͳͷǡ ʹͲͳͳǡ ƒˆϐ‹ Ǥ ago, Mr. Ghazarian met with U.S. committed Board members, we have Hovannisian—the founder of the Ambassador Marie Jovanovich to been able to achieve some of our ”‡‹ƒƒ”••‘ ‹ƒ–‹‘ǡ–Š‡ϐ‹”•– discuss the current state of affairs. objectives. We would like to think of ourselves as the legal counsel to the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Below, for your information, are Armenian Nation, as if its constituents Armenia, and a current member ”Ǥ Šƒœƒ”‹ƒǯ•™”‹––‡”‡ϐŽ‡ –‹‘• were the shareholders of a corporation. of Armenia’s Parliament—began ‘ˆŠ‹•ϐ‹”•–ˆ‡™Š‘—”•‹‡”‡˜ƒǤ We take that self-imposed duty seriously what has become known as the It is 3:30am Sunday morning in and, as Chairman, I am committed to our “Freedom Fast” which is aimed at Armenia , March 27, 2011. neutral but effective leadership role in bringing awareness to the serious WKHOHJDOÀHOGZKHQLWFRPHVWRPDWWHUV challenges faced by Armenia’s I am in Armenia . of importance to Armenians. We would citizens in their enjoyment of ƒ™‹–Šƒˆϐ‹Ǥ ‘˜ƒ‹•‹ƒǤ like this to continue into the future and democratic rights. Mr. Hovannisian I am with his son and the mother we work on identifying the Armenian has continued, peacefully and Bar’s next generation of leadership. It of his children, Armine, the angel uninterruptedly, the Freedom is with that in mind that we have set up of the needy, the less fortunate, the 20 Best Armenian Lawyers under Fast in Yerevan’s Liberty Square and the disadvantaged and 40 Award. Please check our website for two weeks during which a disenfranchised in Armenia . major cross-section of society has for further information regarding that I am with the scores of people come out to express their support program. who are here in the cold… and trust and solidarity. Until this week, We have every reason to feel proud of me, it’s cold… singing nationalistic however, both the citizens’ rights our past and present and look forward songs. to the future when we continue to to public access and assembly GHÀQH RXUVHOYHV ZLWK D FRPPLWPHQW and their freedom of expression, I was greeted by Armenian to excellence, further increase our as well as Mr. Hovannisian’s basic authority personnel, who treated PHPEHUVKLSDQGVWUHQJWKHQWKHÀQDQFLDO rights to humanitarian treatment, me like I was, a VIP. Personally, I foundations for our vital programs. had been compromised. In would’ve preferred a modest tent We hope that you will join us in these response to these conditions, on ˆ‘”ƒˆϐ‹ͳʹ†ƒ›•ƒ‰‘ǡ”ƒ–Š‡”–Šƒ efforts and look forward to seeing you March 19, 2011, the Armenian Bar my reception this evening. all in San Francisco during our Annual Association’s Board of Governors Meeting from April 29-May 1, 2011. I asked, and my request to unanimously approved the release „‡ –ƒ‡ †‹”‡ –Ž› –‘ ƒˆϐ‹ ™ƒ• of a statement on human and respected and complied with. I Sincerely, civil rights in Armenia, which was was energized as I was greeted by Edvin Minassian, widely reported and published in Chairman  ƒˆϐ‹ǯ••‘ǡ ƒ”‹ǡ™Š‘ƒ••—”‡†‡ various media outlets. A copy of –Šƒ–ƒˆϐ‹™ƒ•‘ƒ›Ǥ that statement is attached. We walked the short distance On March 26, 2011, Vice-Chair from the Opera House to the of the Armenian Bar Association, backside of the circular building, Garo B. Ghazarian, arrived in ™Š‡”‡ ƒˆϐ‹ǡ ‹ › ’”‡•‡ ‡ǡ Yerevan where he has met with completed his 12th day of Mr. Hovannisian, in addition to continuous and uninterrupted one-on-one meetings with the vigil, the Freedom Fast - Hunger Chief of Staff of the Armenian Strike. President, Armenia‘s Justice There is a tremendous lump in Minister, Yerevan’s Police Chief, L-F: Vice Chair Garo B. Ghazarian, my throat. It’s been there since I ”‡ƒ” ˆ‘—†‡” ƒˆϔ‹ Ǥ ‘˜ƒ‹•‹ƒ and other high-ranking members walked up to him… he standing to and U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Marie L. of Armenia’s government. Hours Yovanovitch in Liberty Square See Vice Chair’s Report, pg. 25 25 Spring 2011

Vice Chair’s Report especially since his journey wasn’t retired for the evening, after an continued from pg. 24 for days, rather for many months. ambulance came by and checked him out with what I take issue greet me, we hugging one another, It is surreal. We walked, he and I together, so that I may use the ™‹–Šǥ •’‡ ‹ϐ‹ ƒŽŽ›ǡ ƒ •›„‘Ž‹  I not letting go… mostly because check up, which I hope is replaced I do not want the moment to end, restroom. I used the restroom. Yet, as I took my time, and though with a far more comprehensive ƒ† ’ƒ”–Ž› „‡ ƒ—•‡  ƒ ϐ‹ŽŽ‡† one real soon. with a rush like no other, and I am he could have walked back to his ϐ‹‰Š–‹‰–‘•—’’”‡••–Š‡–‡ƒ”•Ǥ ƒ bench with Garin who had followed I have come from far away to be ˆ‘” –Š‡ ϐ‹”•– –‹‡ ‹ › ‡‘”›ǡ —•ǡ  ‡š‹–‡† –Š‡ ”‡•–”‘‘ –‘ ϐ‹† ™‹–Š ƒˆϐ‹Ǥ  ‡–ǡ ƒ– –Š‹• ‘‡–ǡ ‹†‡‡†‹›‡–‹”‡Ž‹ˆ‡ǡϐ‹ŽŽ‡†™‹–Š him standing there, with an eye at ͳͲͲΪ›ƒ”†•ƒ™ƒ›ǡ‹–Š‡ ‘ˆ‘”–‘ˆ emotions, eyes welled up with the door, waiting for my return, so all the amenities surrounding me tears, and I feel as though I now that we may walk together back to in this apartment, I think I need truly know, that my moment is not the crowd. The walk back was not to narrow the gap by 99 ½ yards, lost in time. It is a long, strong, and without the supporters along the and return to Liberty Square . a “belonging” moment…belonging way, the well-wishers, the advice- So, I shall take a shower (a luxury to something sacred. Next to a givers, and those who offered their ƒˆϐ‹Šƒ•†‡’”‹˜‡†Š‹•‡Žˆ‘ˆȌǡƒ† living legend, I am a witness to ™‹ŽŽ‹‰‡•• –‘ Š‡Ž’Ǥ  ƒˆϐ‹ ™‹•Š‡† shall return to “Mr. Liberty” at history in the making. them all to be well, to think wisely, Liberty Square , which I’ve already and to be supportive merely by ”‡ƒ‡†Dzƒˆϐ‹ǯ•Žƒ ‡Ǥdz A human being like this doesn’t being true to themselves and to come around in a generation or their true ideals. It is a cause which is so simple, two. No, it doesn’t. We are so very yet made so complicated by some. ˆ‘”–—ƒ–‡–‘Šƒ˜‡ƒˆϐ‹Ǥ‡”‡ƒŽŽ› By now I am tired. The journey Sometimes the answers to serious do not know how fortunate we has been a long one for me. It puts issues are indeed simple. I bid truly are. This man, when even ‹–‘ ’‡”•’‡ –‹˜‡ ƒˆϐ‹ǯ• •ƒ ”‹ϐ‹ ‡Ǥ you a good Saturday night in Los noble mottos such as “Partsratseer, It is the beginning of day 13 for Angeles , and do so by sharing with partsratsour” drive Armenian ƒˆϐ‹Ǥ  – ‹• ʹͻͲ Ϊ Š‘—”• •‹ ‡ Š‡ you the Serenity Prayer: Žƒ•–ƒ–‡ǡƒ†Š‡•’‡––Š‡ϐ‹”•–ʹͶͲ boy and girl scouts throughout “God, grant me the serenity to the world, moves with a motto Ϊ Š‘—”• ™‹–Š ‘ •Š‡Ž–‡”ǡ •Ž‡‡’‹‰ on a metal bench, a narrow bench, accept the things I cannot change; best described with one word, the courage to change the things I “Partsratsour.” in far colder weather than tonight. As for tonight, it was tolerable at can, and the wisdom to know the I have never met someone who ϐ‹”•–ǡ „—– ƒˆ–‡” ƒ„‘—– ƒ Š‘—”ǡ ‹– difference.” I hope each of us has a not only treats all with respect, was not. In fact, it was unbearable. sliver of the courage to change the but makes each and every one he That’s when one begins to sense things that we can individually, and comes into contact with (and I sat what it must be like to endure 290 much more collectively. But, for a there on that bench, to his left, arm ΪŠ‘—”•ǡ‘–Œ—•–—†‡”–Š‡‘’‡ collective to be formed, multiple in arm, and witnessed old, young, sky, but also with the seemingly ’‡”•‘•—•–ϐ‹”•–ƒ•™‡”–Š‡ ƒŽŽ children and teenagers come up never-ending arrivals of people. for action. to him, and he was just superb to Strangers and others just keep on There can be no spring with each of them) feel as though they coming. ‘‡ϐŽ‘™‡”ǡ‘”ƒƒ”›™‹–Š‘‡ are his equal, and then some. I am now sitting on the kitchen soldier. May we each come to know I am reminded of our dear Zaven’s –ƒ„Ž‡ ‘ –Š‡ –Š‹”† ϐŽ‘‘” ‘ˆ ƒ ‘—””‡•’‡ –‹˜‡’ƒ–ŠǡŒ—•–Ž‹‡ƒˆϐ‹ [Los Angeles Superior Court Judge building, in Garin’s apartment. has known, walked, and continues Zaven Sinanian] own journey to be I’m overlooking the Opera House to walk his path. ™‹–Šƒˆϐ‹‹–Š‡ ‘”‡‹‰‹‹•–”› about 100 yards away, behind Garo Barkev Ghazarian  20 years ago, and it makes me ™Š‹ Šǡ ‹ ‹„‡”–› “—ƒ”‡ǡ ƒˆϐ‹ that much more proud of Zaven, 26 Spring 2011

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