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

Volume 22, Number 1 Spring 2010 Federal Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan to be Message from the Chair Honored at Armenian Bar Association’s We have a c c o m p l i s h e d Annual Meeting in Chicago, May 14-16, 2010 much in the past two years! Since May, 2008, the financial well-being of this organization has Sonya Nersessian improved, with increased funds received from membership dues, sponsorships, and contributions to the Babayan Fund. The website has been upgraded, although it is always a “work-in-progress.” You have to The Armenian Bar National Meeting will be held in Glendale, CA- home to admit this new one is a definite the largest population of Armenians outside of Armenia. Above, the latest improvement over our old website! shopping and dining destination in Glendale, the Americana at Brand. Thanks to Armen Margarian, and our The historic skyline of Chicago is pictured above. The 21st Annual National chair, Martha Mensoian and vice- Meeting of the Armenian Bar Association will be held at the regal Union chair Hovanes Margarian, for all of League Club, in the Downtown Financial District. their ongoing work Samuel Der-Yeghiayan, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Some strategic planning has the first Armenian immigrant to be architectural river boat cruise, and begun, with our thoughts turning to appointed to the Federal bench in the a Chicago Cubs baseball game at how to position the organization for United States, will be an honored guest Wrigley Field. growth, both in membership and in at the Armenian Bar Association’s 21st The meeting will be punctuated leadership, and how to position it Annual National Meeting in Chicago, by legal seminars featuring outstanding as a relevant, vibrant organization the weekend of May 14, 2010. Der- speakers on topics of interest to the See Message from the Chair, pg. 18 Yeghiayan has been a United States Armenian legal community. Protection District Court Judge for the Northern of Armenian Cultural Heritage IN THIS ISSUE District of Illinois since 2003, having Worldwide is a topic which will been nominated for the position by include panelists Rachel Goshgarian, Annual Meeting Preview continued...... 2 President George W. Bush. Director of the Zohrab Center, Bedross Garo Mardirossian CAALA Installation...... 3 Those in attendance will Der Matossian, a professor of Middle Members in the News...... 4 be treated to a number of activities, Eastern studies at M.I.T, and Karnig Mid-Year Toronto Recap...... 7 including a tour of the Federal Court Kerkonian, Esq., the managing partner Hon. Carmen Trutanich Reception...... 12 John Lulejian Honored...... 14 Building with an in-chambers meeting of Kerkonian, LLC. Photos from NYC Mixer...... 15 with Judge Der-Yeghiayan, a tour See Annual National Meeting in Michael Bobelian Book Signing...... 17 of the new Modern Art Wing at the Chicago, pg. 2

Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 2 Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 3

enjoy all that the city has Annual National to offer. Garo Mardirossian Installed as President of the Consumer Attorneys Meeting in Chicago “We are delighted to return Association of Los Angeles by California Supreme Court Justice Baxter continued from pg. 1 to Chicago for our 2010 Annual BEVERLY HILLS - Decorated trial Western Armenia. He reminded the the promotion of legislation intended Meeting, and hope to attract attorney Garo Mardirossian was audience of the struggle the Armenians to protect the rights and interests of A panel on Electronic numerous Armenian attorneys sworn in as President of the Consumer endured, and what a tremendous consumers of the State of California. Discovery and Privacy Issues on the from throughout the country to Attorneys Association (CAALA) at the accomplishment Mardirossian’s Several members of Internet will include Jim Nahikian, participate,” said Sonya Nersessian, group’s 61th Annual Installation and elevation to the presidency of CAALA the California judiciary were in Principal of Nahikian Global Chairman of ArmenBar. “Our goal Awards Dinner at the posh Beverly is in light of those challenges. attendance, including Baxter, Carlos Intellectual Property and Technology is to energize our constituents in the Wilshire Hotel on January 23, 2010. Also joining the Board of Moreno, a fellow Associate Justice Law Group and Gregory Hoogasian, area, help facilitate the interaction of Marvin Baxter, the second Governors of CAALA for the 2010 of the California Supreme Court, two Vice President of Regulatory Affairs our members and exchange of ideas, most senior Associate Justice of the term were fellow Armenians Carney justices from the California Courts of for the Chicago Stock Exchange. and honor those at the top of our California Supreme Court, was on Shegerian and Armen Tashjian. In Appeal, and Federal Magistrate Judge An Armenia update will profession,” said Nersessian. hand to administer the oath to the attendance to support Mardirossian Chooljian. Forty-five judges from be presented by Sara Anjargolian, Prior to being appointed to incoming Board of Governors of were several Board members of the the Los Angeles County court system Esq. who will discuss economic, the Federal bench, Der-Yeghiayan CAALA. In what can only be described Armenian Bar Association, including were also present, including Presiding sociologic and legal perspectives. The had a distinguished career as a trial as an extremely proud moment for Vice-Chairman Edvin Minassian, Judge Charles McCoy, Assistant lecture will include a presentation of the Armenian legal community, Treasurer Sara Bedirian, Federal Presiding Judge Lee Edmon, Judge attorney, district counsel and district Samuel Der-Yeghiayan, the first Mardirossian acknowledged his Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Chooljian, Sinanian, who sits at the Stanley Mosk many of Ms. Anjargolian’s critically director handling immigration Armenian immigrant to be appointed Armenian background, the struggle of Garo Ghazarian, Dean of the People’s Courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles acclaimed photos documenting life matters. He received many awards to the Federal Bench in the United his parents and grandparents to survive College of Law, John Lulejian, Hovanes and Judge Keosian, who sits in the Van in Armenia. during his legal career including States, will be an honored guest at the Genocide, and his commitment to Margarian, Nigol Manoukian, Past Nuys courthouse in the San Fernando Rick Hartunian, a newly the Frank J. McGarr award of the the Armenian Bar Association’s 21st his community and the organization he Chairmen Armen Hovannisian, Vicken Valley. appointed U.S. Attorney from Federal Bar Association as the Annual National Meeting in Chicago, will now head. He introduced Baxter, Simonian, and Judge Zaven Sinanian, Also in attendance were Albany, New York, will be another Outstanding Federal Government the weekend of May 14, 2010. pointing out that in addition to being past Treasurer Saro Kerkonian and numerous politicians, including guest speaker and honoree at the Attorney in Chicago and the District the highest ranking judicial officer of Judge Gregory Keosian. On many California Secretary of State Debra meeting. valuable continuing legal education Counsel of the Year Award from Armenian descent in the United States, occasions, Mardirossian has been a Bowen, California State Controller The Union League Club of units. ArmenBar is a preferred the Commissioner of the INS and that both share their ancestry from the special guest speaker at Armenian Bar John Chiang, seven California Chicago, located in the heart of the Attorney General Janet Reno in provider of MCLE credits in California, Illinois, New York and region of Kharpert. meetings and seminars. State Senators and 18 members of downtown financial district with a 1998. Der-Yeghiayan will be the Baxter praised the great CAALA (formerly known the California State Assembly. Ara Pennsylvania. 130-year history of assistance to the meeting luncheon keynote speaker. work and mission of CAALA, and as the Los Angeles Trial Lawyers Najarian, City Councilman and former The meeting will be presided cultural, political and social growth In a special ceremony, he will receive emphasized that it was a special honor Association) was formed in 1949, Mayor of Glendale, was also in over by Nersessian, from Boston, of Chicago, will be the venue for the a plaque acknowledging his years of to swear in the Board, specifically and with nearly 3,000 members is the attendance. Najarian and Mardirossian meeting. The outstanding meeting service to the community. Massachusetts, who is in her second Mardirossian. Baxter also pointed out largest association of plaintiffs’ lawyers are first cousins. facility is within walking distance ArmenBar’s last meeting term as chair of the organization. The that his lineage extended from Khokh, in the United States. Among its many In 2000 Mardirossian was of many of the city’s attractions. The in Chicago was in 2004. Board meeting will provide an opportunity a village in the Kharpert region of goals, the influential group is active in voted CAALA’s “Trial Lawyer of meeting will include legal seminars, member Amy Hoogasian, who was a for the Board of Governors to meet, the Year.” He has been on the Board a meeting of the Board of Governors, guest speaker at that meeting, is the set the agenda of the organization, of Governors for 16 years, and is the receptions with local dignitaries, and organizing committee chairperson for update the membership on recent first person of Armenian descent ever other interesting activities. 2010. Hoogasian has assembled an activities and accomplishments, and to become president of the prestigious The mere mention of the excellent group of attorneys and law vote on issues of importance to the organization. Mardirossian and his name Chicago conjures up images professors to coordinate the event. organization. wife Kathy have been married for 23 of the Sears Tower, The Magnificent That group includes Ann Lousin, a A Friday evening reception years. Their daughter Ani is a junior at Mile, John Hancock Center, Navy professor at the John Marshall Law will be held at the Union League UCLA, Garo’s alma mater. Daughter Pier, Millennium Park, Civic School and the only three-term Chair Club, and a Saturday evening dinner Nora is a sophomore at UCSB, and their son Kevork is in the fourth grade. Opera Center, Shedd Aquarium, of ArmenBar along with former reception will take place at the Ani and Nora are both exceptional Buckingham Fountains and many Chair Lisa Esayan, a partner in the Armenian owned and award winning student athletes, achieving numerous other attractions. Chicago also has a prestigious law firm of Kirkland and NAHA Restaurant. For more Joining Garo Mardirossian (middle) at the CAALA installation were, from awards while attending Marymount reputation for fine dining, including information about the event, visit left: Edvin Minassian, Armen Hovannisian, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Ellis. High School in West Los Angeles. As a the world famous deep-dish pizza. As is customary, the meeting the Armenian Bar website at: www. Chooljian, Judge Zaven Sinanian, Mardirossian, Judge Gregory Keosian, Those in attendance will be able to will feature legal seminars offering armenianbar.org. Saro Kerkonian, Nigol Manoukian and John Lulejian. See Garo Mardirossian, pg. 9

Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 4 Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 5 More Member News Members in the News and on the Move continued from pg. 4

Katrina Abrahemian, and they are often time-consuming industry you are in, some or all of example, you may need to file for recently married to fellow attorney and costly. Below are seven key your business relationships may a patent, or register a trademark or George Woolverton, sang “God issues that often arise in these deals, not be documented—whether those copyright. To protect trade secrets, Bless America” at the Kings v. and any one of them can become a relationships are with your suppliers, you want to make sure that your trade Bruins game on January 16, 2010. major obstacle to closing your deal. customers, contractors or others. secrets are shared only with people Visit YouTube to hear Katrina sing. In addition, in a major transaction, However, to the extent practical, who have a “need to know” and who Just search “katrinasmusic1” to the business owners will be asked it is important to document those sign a non-disclosure agreement. find the video. Congratulations to to make certain representations and relationships. Doing so will help Your employees and contractors Katrina and her proud mom, Mania warranties about the business that preserve the value in your company also should sign an inventions or Abrahemian, also an Armenian Bar can make them personally liable and support the due diligence review “work for hire” agreement to make member. Katrina can be reached at for any breaches. Addressing these of your business that any investor sure that the sole owner of the IP is [email protected]. issues in advance can prevent them likely will undertake. your company and that employees Ara A. Babaian, with Ervin from becoming pitfalls. Manage your partners. If or contractors do not acquire rights Armenian Bar members in Glendale, CA had the opportunity to greet Cohen & Jessup LLP in Beverly Maintain reliable financial your business has more than one in the IP. Lisa Esayian during her visit to the Southland. Ms. Esayian was Past Hills, was quoted in an article on information. It is critical to work owner, it is important to make Review your lease and President of the Armenian Bar Association in 2001-2002. She is a Partner GreenGoPost.com about using the with your in-house financial staff sure that your partners are all on environmental matters. If you with Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Illinois. Attending a dinner at Phoenicia Internet to do a private placement. or your CPA to prepare financial board with respect to any decisions are considering a major deal, it is Restaurant were Armenian Bar members (Standing L-R): Deputy Los Please see it here: http://greengopost. information that you and other regarding the deal. A buy-sell important to ensure that the lease for Angeles City Attorney Michael Amerian; ArmenBar Past President, com/looking-for-the-green-money/. decision-makers can rely upon. agreement, shareholders’ agreement your business (1) is appropriate for Assistant Treasurer, and Pro Bono Co-Chair, Vicken Simonian; He also wrote an article in Business Developing effective audit and or operating agreement (if your the future needs of the business, (2) Administrative Assistant Lisa Boyadjian; Assistant US Attorney, Board & Corporate Law Reporter internal control procedures is an company is a limited liability is assignable in the context of your of Governors member and Newsletter Co-Chair John Lulejian. (Seated about key issues to consider in integral part of this effort. Doing company) can help you do this deal and (3) has acceptable terms L-R): ArmenBar Executive Director Betty Jamgotchian; Lisa Esayian; preparing a business for a major this will allow you to gauge how by imposing restrictions on the such as rent amount and term. In Armenian Rights Watch Chair, Saro Kerkonian; Vice Chair Edvin transaction—apropos for the New your business is performing and transferability of the shares and addition, a myriad of environmental Minassian; and Glendale Sr. Assistant Attorney, Glendale Bar President Year. “Business Topics: Part I - Key demonstrate its value to other providing for other management and zoning laws may apply to your and past Executive Director, Lucy Varpetian. Issues to Consider in Anticipation participants in the deal. Further, and decision-making mechanisms. business, and it is necessary from Department, where he will be of a Major Transaction,” can be it will show that your business is Maintain your corporate time to time to evaluate these laws teaching his very own course read here: http://www.ecjlaw.com/ organized and well-managed. records. Maintaining and updating to determine their impact on the Please send your job announcements, titled Communication Studies wp-content/uploads/2009/12/2009- Keep your employees the corporate records of your deal. press releases, articles and info. about 168: Free Speech in Advertising. 12BCLR-Babaian.pdf. And finally, through the transaction. Often a business on a regular basis saves a Complex corporate appointments and/or noteworthy cases Read the entire post at http:// below is an article Ara wrote on company’s value is closely tied with lot of time and prevents confusion transactions present many for publication to: thearmenianchronicles.blogspot. September 21, 2009 for a website the individuals whom the company during a major transaction. challenges and use up a lot of com/2009/12/raffi-kassabian- Editor in Chief: Vicken I. Simonian, called The Directive. Ara Babaian employs. Because a certain amount Worrying about these details in the resources. Addressing the issues [email protected] leader-litigator.html. Raffi can be can be reached at ababaian@ecjlaw. of confusion and uncertainty is midst of a complex deal will take presented above, along with any reached at [email protected]. com. involved with a major corporate away resources from the business particular issues that face your Senior Editor: Armen K. Hovannisian, It is with great pride that Preparing Your Business for transaction, it is critical to retain and the deal itself. business, will be a good start to [email protected] the Armenian Bar Association a Major Transaction: Seven Key these employees. One way to do Protect your intellectual smoothing the path for a successful congratulates member and seminar Associate Editor: John Lulejian, Issues to Consider that is by incentivizing them with property (IP). It is critical to business venture. [email protected] speaker Catherine Kessedjian Are you considering a major equity incentive plans such as stock protect your company’s IP (patents, Raffi Kassabian was on her Légion d’Honneur Award, transaction for your business, such option or other equity plans, so that copyrights, trademarks and trade featured in an Armenian Chronicles Assistant Editor: Betty Jamgotchian, France’s highest award, given to her as a sale, merger, private placement the employees are motivated to secrets). The actions that need to be blog post, discussing his return [email protected] on Feb. 4, 2010. or debt financing? These types remain employed by the company taken depend on the type of IP that to UCLA for a third time, not Production Editor: Taleen Ananian of deals are very important to the to the end of the deal and beyond. is important to your business. For as a student, but as a lecturer [email protected] stakeholders in your company and Document your in the Communication Studies See More Member News, pg. 10 to the future success of the business, relationships. Depending on the See More Member News, pg. 5

Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 6 Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 7 Two Armenian Bar Members Elected to the American Law Institute. Toronto Legal Community Hosts The Armenian Bar Association’s Professor Ann Lousin of The John Marshall Law School and Professor Mid-Year Meeting, October 2-4, 2009 Mark L. Movsesian of St. John’s University. The Armenian Bar Association (ArmenBar) made a triumphant return As Ann Lousin put it, “Now on Uniform State Laws. to Canada for its Mid-Year Meeting, on that’s got to be a record!” Professor Lousin joined the the weekend of October 2-4, 2009 in Professor Lousin will John Marshall faculty on February Toronto. The meeting was held at the concentrate on ALI’s new project, 1, 1975. She has concentrated upon elegant Hilton Hotel, and marked the “Principles of Government Ethics.” teaching the U.C.C. courses, especially third time in ArmenBar’s history that it “I am delighted because I think any Sales Transactions. She plans on has held a meeting in Canada. Vartkes discussion of government ethics participating in the ALI’s work with Yeghiayan, respected attorney, author requires the participation of an commercial law. As those of you and the architect of the New York Life Illinoisan because we have had so much who have been watching or reading and other Genocide reparation cases, experience with the lack thereof,” said her media interviews this past year was the keynote luncheon speaker. Professor Lousin. know, she is also an expert on the “Our hosts from Canada put The following is an Illinois constitution and Illinois state on a wonderful meeting. In addition to announcement from Dean John E. government. Her column on “Law and being able to reconnect with friends, Corkery of John Marshall regarding Public Policy” appears regularly in The and experience first-rate lectures, the Professor Lousin’s election: Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Board of Governors accomplished I am especially delighted much during two sessions,” said To all JMLS faculty, staff, and students: at Ann’s election because she is the ArmenBar members in Toronto for the Mid-Year Meeting. From Sonya Nersessian, Chair of ArmenBar. I am happy to announce that first member of the JMLS faculty “Special thanks go to meeting left: Vicken Simonian, Sara Bedirian, Nigol Manoukian, Christine Professor Ann Lousin was elected a to be elected to the ALI. She joins Professor Ann Lousin of The John organizers Robert Adourian and Harry Engustian, Sonya Nersessian, Amy Hoogasian, John Lulejian, Edvin member of The American Law Institute distinguished legal scholars, judges, Marshall Law School Dikranian.” Minassian, Saro Kerkonian and Harry Dikranian. on December 3, 2009. The ALI, as and practitioners from around the Toronto is Canada’s it is commonly known, is one of the country in their efforts to improve the one of the nation’s most important legal of Governors. Attorneys attending France. Nersessian and Kessedjian cultural, educational, financial, high- premier think tanks in the country. As law in a very practical way. While this communities. the meeting received continuing legal have been involved in extensive tech, commercial, industrial and we all know, it produces the various election is a great honor for Ann, it is “There’s something very education credits for an interesting and research on methods to achieve entertainment center. Its skyline boasts “Restatements of the Law” and the also reflects well on John Marshall. exciting about the classroom, about informative series of lectures, including redress for the Armenian Genocide in the CN Tower, the tallest structure in “Model Acts.” It also co-sponsors The Please join me in congratulating the opportunity to give of yourself and “Research on Genocide Reparations.” international courts and tribunals. The North American, and formerly the Uniform Commercial Code with The her for her many contributions, influence the way other people see the Yeghiayan was the keynote panel showcased new avenues for the tallest structure in the world. The National Conference of Commissioners including election to the ALI, and for world,” said Professor Movsesian. luncheon speaker, and gave a summary Armenian community in its efforts meeting headquarters at the Hilton is the national recognition she brings to “At the end of my clerkship, of over $52.5 million that has been to achieve retribution from Turkey walking distance from the CN Tower, our fine law school. I had to decide between teaching and recovered thus far in Genocide era including international arbitration as well as other popular attractions, ### practicing law in DC. Around that time, claims against New York Life Insurance forums. including the Canadian Opera, Rodgers Professor Mark L. Movsesian, I was reading Robert Bolt’s play, A Company and AXA Insurance. The Bobelian, an attorney and Centre, Air Canada Centre and Eaton Frederick A. Whitney Professor of Man for All Seasons. In the play, Sir current pending case against Deutche journalist, recently published his latest Centre. Those in attendance were able Contract Law, decided to follow in the Thomas More advises an ambitious Bank was also covered in his remarks. text entitled “Children of Armenia, a to take full advantage of the treasures footsteps of his professors at Harvard young lawyer that he should forgo In addition to Yeghiayan, Forgotten Genocide and the Century- Toronto has to offer, including dinner Law School and pursue a career in politics and take up teaching. Teaching, the list of guest speakers included Long Struggle for Justice.” He at Armenian-owned Barberian Zagat- teaching after finishing his clerkship he says, allows you to have an impact attorney and author Michael Bobelian, discussed the critically-acclaimed rated restaurant, which boasts a with Supreme Court Justice David H. on those you really care about. It immigration law specialists Chantal book and research which went into its spectacular wine cellar. Souter. sounds funny, I guess, but I took the Desloges, Caroline Mouralian and publication. Chronicled in the book is As is customary, the event Born and raised in Queens, advice as applying to me, and I chose Alice Yardum-Hunter along with law the story of Gourgen Yanikian, who in drew numerous legal scholars, law New York, Professor Movsesian grew academics. As it turns out, I now teach professors Katherine Kessedjian and 1973 killed the Turkish Consul General professors, historians, judges, lawyers, up very close to St. John’s Queens at a university with a church on campus David Nersessian. and Vice Consul from Los Angeles. He law students and politicians from campus. Although he remembers the dedicated to Thomas More. I must’ve The panel on Genocide stated that the purpose of the killings throughout the United States, Canada, University from his high school days, made the right choice!” Reparations featured Harvard Law was to demand justice for the Armenian France and Armenia. The conference he believes teaching at St. John’s School The ArmenBar wholeheartedly Professor David Nersessian and Genocide. The act sparked a wave was punctuated by legal seminars, Professor Mark L. Movsesian of of Law is more than just a return to his congratulates both Professors Lousin Catherine Kessedjian, Professor at the receptions, and a meeting of the Board St. John’s University Law School roots; it is an opportunity to be a part of and Movsesian on this milestone. University of Paris II, Pantheon-Assas, See Mid-Year Meeting Recap, pg. 8

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of Armenians in the immigration 2010 Mid-Year Meeting will be held in

Mid-Year Meeting process. Yardum-Hunter has been an Athens, Greece, Sept. 16-19, 2010. Scenes from Toronto Mid-Year Meeting contiued from pg. 8 Recap continued from pg. 7 immigration specialist for 30 years. She Meeting attendees enjoyed a has written and lectured extensively on Saturday evening five-star dinner at the subject, and has been recognized Reds restaurant, followed by a walk of attacks against Turkish diplomats as a “Super Lawyer.” The lecture in the downtown area to observe and throughout the world in the 1970’s dealt with the hot topic issue of cross participate in the Nuit Blanche, a and 1980’s. Yeghiayan’s two-decade border immigration in North America, massive participatory celebration of quest to bring the New York Life class immigrant visas and other issues. contemporary art. action lawsuit to light is also covered The meeting was be presided ArmenBar will next meet in in the book. Yeghiayan gave a warm over by ArmenBar Chair Sonya Chicago, the weekend of May 14- introduction of the author. Nersessian from Boston, Massachusetts. 16, 2010 for its 21st Annual National Desloges, Mouralian and A Friday evening welcome reception Meeting. Yardum-Hunter are all experts in the allowed the hosts to welcome everyone area of immigration law. Desloges is the to the meeting, and allow friends and From left: Raffi Akelian, Alex C. Kolandjian, Evelyne Perez Luncheon keynote speaker founder of the immigration and refugee colleagues to reconnect. The Board Youssoufian, Harry Dikranian, Robert Adourian, Sonya Vartkes Yeghiayan law free advice clinic in Ontario. of Governors met twice during the Nersessian and Ara Arzoumanian. Mouralian has offices in Quebec and weekend, and among many decisions See Scenes from Toronto Mid-Year Lebanon, and has assisted hundreds made, the Board resolved that the Meeting, pg. 9 Garo Mardirossian continued from pg. 3

possible precursor to following in her father’s footsteps, Nora is a member of a law fraternity and competed in moot court. In 2009, Kevork was named in a select group of “Athletes of the Year” in the Palisadian Post, the Pacific Palisades local newspaper, for his feats in football and basketball. The Mardirossians are the managing partners of Mardirossian and Associates, a seven-lawyer boutique ArmenBar members in Toronto for the Mid-Year From left: Edvin Minassian, Catherine Kessedjian, personal injury firm, where Mr. Meeting. From left: Lisa Esayian and Amy Hoogasian. David Nersessian and Sara Bedirian. Mardirossian achieved multi-million Joining Garo Mardirossian (middle) at the CAALA installation were, dollar jury verdicts in several cases over from left: California Supreme Court Associate Justices Marvin Baxter his 28 year career. Notably, a $24.85 and Carlos Moreno. million judgment rendered in the case of Dole v. County of Los Angeles in Salpy Akaragian. Several awards were presented 1995 remains the largest police brutality “I am honored to lead this by CAALA at the banquet, and included: verdict ever achieved in California. As great organization of trial lawyers,” Justice Laurence Rubin, Appellate recently as May, 2009, Mardirossian said Mardirossian. “During my term as Justice of the Year; Bruce Minto, Trial obtained a judgment of $21.6 million in President, I will work with the Board Judge of the Year; Arash Homampour, the case of Pannu v. Land Rover North of Governors to continue our efforts to Trial Lawyer of the Year; Sharon Arkin, America, Inc. In that case, Mardirossian increase our membership, form liaisons Appellate Lawyer of the Year; Amy proved that a defective design in the with other Bar Associations and defend Solomon, Ted Horn Memorial Award Land Rover resulted in an accident the rights of the citizens of California for significant contributions to the causing his client to become paralyzed. against special interests seeking to organization. From left: Caroline Mouralian, Chantal Armen Akaragian, Mardirossian’s erode the rights of the consumers of this As a special treat, and in light Desloges, Alice Yardum-Hunter. nephew, and an associate in the firm, great State,” he said. Randy Mc Murray of Mardirossian’s avid support of From left: David Nersessian, Catherine Kessedjian and assisted in trying the Pannu case, and of the Cochran Law Firm the outgoing UCLA and its athletic program, the Isabel Kaprielian-Churchill. was on hand at the CAALA reception, President of CAALA introduced UCLA Marching Band was on hand along with his mother, Garo’s sister, Mardirossian at the reception. to perform several numbers, including “The Mighty Bruins.”

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More Member News bodies. necessary to prevent the opponents Professor Ann When she died suddenly in 1966, whether judges should be elected or continued from pg. 5 The federal constitution is a of one part of the main draft from her colleagues searched for a way appointed and how the members of good example. Although several combining to defeat the entire work Lousin’s Speech to honor her memory. Partly to the Illinois House should be elected- Professor Ann Lousin delegates withdrew from the 1787 product. continued from pg. 10 honor her and partly to settle the --were so bitter and divisive that spoke on the Illinois constitutional Philadelphia convention, the The third constitutional issue, the legislature voted almost the convention had almost broken experience at a conference “Getting convention was able to effectuate convention took place during unanimously to put the question of apart over them. The separate to Reform” in Sacramento, several major compromises and the civil war, in 1862. It was run the draft, and the voters rejected it a call for a convention on the ballot submissions meant that much of on October 14, 2009. The garner the support of almost all of by the Democratic Party, which wholeheartedly. in November, 1968. the debate between the time the conference, which was closed the delegates. From what we know then espoused a racist, often anti- In the next half-century This was the opportunity that convention adjourned on September after 400 participants signed up, of the convention, the delegates Lincoln, anti-Union agenda. It was those who sought constitutional the reformers had been seeking. 3, 1970, and the referendum on was sponsored principally by the were aware that they needed to a partisan Democratic convention, revision in Illinois learned from Although many legislators thought December 15, 1970, centered Hewlett Foundation and Stanford compromise among themselves which produced a document that these experiences. By the time the issue would not pass, few upon the four separately-submitted University’s Bill Lane Center for and that they needed to draft a the voters rejected decisively. The the sixth constitutional convention actively opposed the call. The issues, not upon the intricacies of the Study of the West. constitution that the ratifying Democrats were incredibly stupid. met on December 8, 1969, some leaders of both political parties and the document itself. The topic was how to conventions of at least nine states The fourth constitutional observers were saying that it was most civic and bar leaders supported Another way the delegates address California’s governmental would find acceptable. convention took place in 1869- “pure dumb luck” that Illinois had the call. The call passed: preparation resolved issues was to delay the crisis, especially through revision The Illinois constitutional 1870. This time it was a bi-partisan another convention. had met opportunity. effective dates for several key of the state constitution. The experience has mirrored the federal convention that sought to bring But “luck” should be defined The few legislators who were provisions. For example, the organizers wanted to hear about one. The first convention produced together the factions of Illinois as what happens when preparation actively involved in shaping the convention abolished the much- recent experiences in constitutional the 1818 constitution in only three life, including the Democrats in the meets opportunity. I don’t believe statutes governing the election hated ad valorem tax on personal revision. Lousin was a research weeks. There was only one real southern part and the Republicans that any state can hold a successful of delegates and the organization property, but it was mindful of assistant at the 1970 Illinois purpose: to set up the rudiments in the northern part of the state. convention without having months, of the convention really wanted the difficulty local governments constitutional convention, which of a state government in a way that To put it bluntly, the result was indeed years of preparation before the convention to succeed. They and school districts would have in produced the current Illinois the United States Congress would a constitution that enabled the the delegates meet. knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime adjusting to the loss of revenue. constitution. Below is her speech at find acceptable and vote Illinois in leaders of the two political parties Beginning soon after World opportunity. For example, they Therefore, it delayed the effective the conference. as a state. Again, the delegates had to run state government and control War II leaders of both parties, of the made the election of delegates a date of the abolition until 1979. It The Illinois Experience to agree among themselves, which future constitutional revision. In bar, and the academy commenced non-partisan election, meaning that was an elegant solution. with Constitutional Revision as it meant they had to compromise, effect, if the leaders of the two serious efforts to revise the Illinois candidates could run without party What does the Illinois experience Relates to California in the Twenty- and they had to draft with an eye to parties had brokered a deal, had constitution. They were able to labels and that when the convention mean for California? I think you First Century persuading the ratifying body, the made a compromise, any proposed get the legislature to propose and met, there would not be the formal would have to reflect carefully Friends, each state is different U.S. Congress, to agree to the draft. constitutional amendment was sure the voters to adopt an amendment party structure inherent in the before holding a convention. from the other 49 states. Therefore, The second constitutional to pass. that made it somewhat easier to legislature. More specifically, all of the I am not here to tell you how to convention took place in 1848 and For various reasons, the amend the Illinois constitution. The As I recall, most of the players, including the citizens of transplant the Illinois experience produced what I call the Jacksonian system broke down in the 1890’s. reformers, who were---and this is delegates also understood these California, will have to consider into California. However, all of the Democracy Constitution. By this It became clear that no amendment crucial---a bi-partisan group, had lessons. They understood the two which basic problems in the state’s 50 states seem to be experiencing time, the population of Illinois had would ever pass unless it had just a few more successes, notably steps for success I mentioned a constitutional structure really need similar problems in their structures spread north and there was already near-universal approval by the in restructuring the judiciary. few minutes ago: a convention to be addressed. In Illinois, during of state government. I am here to a city called Chicago on Lake party leaders, the legislators, The breakthrough came in must produce a draft supported by the 20th century, that huge issue was relate some of the Illinois experience Michigan. The 1848 delegates had and the voters. Illinois was in a 1964, when a federal decision the majority of the delegates, and the tug and pull between the giant that might be useful to California. to compromise on issues of state constitutional stalemate. on redistricting state legislatures a convention must produce a draft city of Chicago, with its expanding My view is that a successful powers and economic development. The fifth constitutional forced candidates for the Illinois supported by the majority of the metropolitan area, and the rest of constitutional convention requires They also had to produce a draft convention took place in 1920- House of Representatives to run voters. the state. success at two steps: First, it must that the voters, by then the ratifying 1922. The Republicans seized on an at-large basis. Many of Of course there were From what I can gather, the produce a draft constitution that body, would accept. control of the agenda and ran the state representatives elected compromises on major issues. Of comparable problem in California has the enthusiastic support of a To obtain the voters’ it as if it were a caucus of the were new to state government. course no delegate got everything might be what I call your “tri- majority of the members of the approval, the delegates submitted Republican Party. They would not Some were willing to consider the he or she wanted. But in the end, cameral government.” Most convention and does not have several “hot-button issues” of compromise; they would not even heresy of holding a referendum only one or two delegates refused to states have a bicameral legislative undying opposition from the the day separately from the main listen to others. The Republicans on whether to call a constitutional support the draft constitution. process: the Senate and the House. dissenters. draft. This practice of “separate were as incredibly stupid as the convention. One of them was a One way the delegates Through your extensive initiative, Second, it must produce submissions” for separate votes Democrats had been in 1862. The former President of the League resolved issues was to submit referendum, and recall system, a draft constitution that will be has been a feature of Illinois delegates were unenthusiastic about of Women Voters of Illinois. At four hotly-contested issues to the you have added a third chamber: constitutional conventions ever her urging, the legislature created public separately from the main adopted by the ratifying body or See Professor Ann Lousin’s Speech, See Professor Ann Lousin’s Speech, since. It is a political compromise a constitution study commission. document. Two of those issues--- pg. 11 pg. 12

Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 12 Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 13

alone. the majority of the delegates can Professor Ann As you make your decisions, support. Trutanich Reception Lousin’s Speech I ask you to remember these four And fourth, the convention continued from pg. 13 continued from pg. 11 points that you could take from the must produce a document that the the City of Los Angeles through Illinois experience: majority of California voters will programs and initiatives instituted First, consider which basic problems approve. since his election. He supervises over the voters, who regularly initiate in the California constitutional AND, if you do hold a and enact legislation outside of the structure really need to be addressed. convention, I’ll be happy to come 700 attorneys handling both civil and California legislature. I could make Second, prepare for a convention back and share some thoughts with criminal cases. observations on how I think that has carefully by commissioning studies, you, based on my experiences. I am “We are proud to have affected your legislative process, determining what the key players available as a consultant. hosted a reception with so many your constitutional amending and the citizens would like or at distinguished guests in attendance,” process, and your discourse on least accept. said Edvin Minassian, Vice- public policy issues. But I won’t. Third, the convention Chairman of ArmenBar. “We See More Member News, pg. 19 That is a decision for Californians must produce a document that also will make an annual effort to acknowledge the bright new Armenian Bar Honors from the Republic of Armenia to civil justice system of greater Los members of the Armenian legal Los Angeles and ArmenBar Founder Angeles were all in attendance. He community.” L.A. City Attorney Raffi Hovannisian, a member of then introduced Cooley, currently Parliament of the Republic of serving a third term as District Above, ArmenBar members who Carmen Trutanich Armenia. Attorney, who presented Trutanich. attended the Trutanich reception in Glendale on Oct. 21 were GLENDALE, CA - Newly-elected Philibosian, was co-master The new City Attorney thanked greeted by Aleen Balabanian, Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen of ceremonies with ArmenBar Board Philibosian for his extensive Assistant to the Executive Director Trutanich was the guest of honor member and Dean of the People’s assistance during his campaign, and Lisa Boyadjian and Executive as the Armenian Bar Association College of Law, Garo Ghazarian. for being the head of his transition Director Betty Jamgotchian. (ArmenBar) hosted a reception at Ghazarian offered welcoming team. Trutanich also thanked Cooley the elegant Phoenicia Restaurant on remarks, introduced the judges in for encouraging him to run for the At left: Karnig Dukmajian, Janet October 21, 2009. Also recognized attendance and presented the proud office, and being a mentor in the Yavrouian, Maria Shakelian, were a new crop of attorneys of new attorneys, encouraging them to process. Armen Hovanissian and Taline Armenian descent recently admitted distinguish themselves in the legal Trutanich updated the Kizirian-Boyamian. to the California State Bar. Over community. Philibosian introduced audience on his efforts to improve the honored guests, pointing out that 120 judges, lawyers, law students See Trutanich Reception, pg. 13 and members of the public were in the top officials of the criminal and attendance. Trutanich was elected on May 19, 2009, defeating Jack Weiss, SAVE THE DATES and replaced Rocky Delgadillo as the Sept. 16-18, 2010 Los Angeles City Attorney. Joining Trutanich at the reception as guests Armenian Bar Association of ArmenBar were Los Angeles Mid-Year Meeting in District Attorney Steve Cooley, Athens, Greece! former District Attorney Robert Philibosian, Michael Judge, Chief CLE meeting will begin Public Defender for the County of Thursday, Sept. 16, and will Los Angeles, Acting County Counsel continue September 17-18 with Robert Kalunian, Los Angeles a joint meeting of a coalition County Superior Court Presiding ArmenBar members present a plaque to L.A. City Attorney Carmen of Armenians, Assyrians and From left: Acting Los Angeles County Counsel Robert Kalunian, Los Judge Charles McCoy, Grigor Trutanich. From left: Edvin Minassian, Garo Ghazarian, Carmen Greeks Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge Charles McCoy and Los Hovanesian, the Consul General Trutanich and Robert Philibosian. Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich.

Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 14 Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 15 John Lulejian Receives the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Scenes from the ArmenBar Mixer in New York City, Nov. 17, 2009 Service by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr. at the Bourbon Street Bar & Grill WASHINGTON, D.C. - On October 21, 2009, at the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr. recognized employees of the United States Department of Justice for their distinguished public service at the 57th Annual Attorney General Awards Ceremony. Among the recipients was John J. Lulejian, who received the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service, Diana Demirdjan, Nick Kamparosyan, Lucy the Department of Justice’s second Greg Keshishian, Paul Garjian, and guests. Magardichian and Rudy Dermesropian. highest award for employee A guest with Prof. performance. Mark Movsesian “It is my privilege to honor (St. John’s Law these recipients for their outstanding School). service and commitment to our country,” Attorney General Holder said. “Each of these dedicated servants has carried out the important John Lulejian and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr., in D.C. on mission of the Department of Justice Oct. 21, 2009, where ArmenBar member Lulejian received the Dept. of and has done so with excellence Justice’s second highest award for employee performance. and distinction. Their varied in the United States District Court, Washington, Mr. Lulejian prosecuted accomplishments have advanced the during which the seven non-English the first American charged under a interests of justice on behalf of the speaking Cambodian child victims 2003 statute that made it illegal for A guest with Gahmk Markarian and Thelma American people, and I’m proud to testified through interpreters. A Los United States citizens and permanent Loshkajian. call them my colleagues.” Angeles jury convicted Mr. Pepe of residents to travel to foreign countries The Department of Justice all seven counts of Engaging in Illicit and sexually exploit children. He honored Mr. Lulejian and his Sexual Conduct in Foreign Places in has traveled to Cambodia three times colleagues for their dedication and just one and a half hours. for the Department of Justice. outstanding performance in the Mr. Lulejian is an Assistant Mr. Lulejian is a member investigation and prosecution of United States Attorney with the of the Board of Governors of the Michael Joseph Pepe, a United States United States Attorney’s Office for Armenian Bar Association and is citizen who traveled to Cambodia the Central District of California, active in several local and national and purchased young girls, ages 9 where he specializes in prosecuting bar associations. Aside from his to 13 years, from their impoverished violent and organized crime. He professional activities, he is an active parents, then drugged, gagged, also was an Assistant United States member of the Western Diocese of bound, beat, and raped the children Attorney in the Western District of the Armenian Church, the Knights of over the course of ten months at his Washington, where he prosecuted Vartan, and the Triple X Fraternity. compound in Phnom Penh. Through international drug trafficking and He also serves as the Vice President the efforts of the prosecution team, money laundering organizations in of the Harvey Mudd College Alumni Mr. Pepe was arrested and returned addition to persons who sexually Association Board of Governors. Event organizers Gary Moomjian, Lori Asquith and Diana to Los Angeles for a three-week trial exploited children. While he was in Jason Capizzi and guest. Demirdjan.

Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 16 Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 17 Supreme Court Justices Marvin Baxter and Carlos Moreno Honored at Armenian Bar Association Co-Sponsors Book Signing and Lecture Reception in Los Angeles by ArmenBar and Latino Comp on Children of Armenia, a Forgotten Genocide and The Century-

LOS ANGELES - The Armenian Long Struggle for Justice By Michael Bobelian Bar Association, in conjunction with Latino Comp, hosted a dinner Children of Armenia, a reception honoring California Forgotten Genocide and the Century- Supreme Court Associate Justices Long Struggle for Justice, a book by Marvin Baxter and Carlos Moreno Michael Bobelian, was the subject at the regal Los Angeles Athletic of the Glendale Public Library’s free Club in Downtown Los Angeles on lecture series on September 29, 2009. October 6, 2009. The reception was A crowd of over 70 people packed attended by over 70 attorneys and the lecture hall to hear the author community members. describe the book and the extensive The event was a collaboration research that went into writing the ArmenBar members attend a reception in L.A. for Supreme Court between ArmenBar and Latino text. The event was co-sponsored by Justices Marvin Baxter (second from left) and Carlos Moreno. From left: Comp, an organization of workers’ the Armenian Bar Association, the Sara Bedirian, Justice Baxter, Edvin Minassian and Saro Kerkonian. compensation specialists of Hispanic Center for Armenian Remembrance, and the Friends of the Glendale descent. Vice-Chairman Edvin of workers’ compensation law. They 1991. Prior to his appointment, he Public Library. Minassian and Rights Watch Chair provided insightful advice, while served as the appointments secretary Bobelian went into detail Saro Kerkonian were co-masters of fielding the questions presented. for Governor George Deukmejian ArmenBar members, including Judge Zaven Sinanian and his daughter about the topics covered, and ceremonies, along with Ed Ortega of “We are truly fortunate to and an Associate Justice of the Lori, get a copy of Michael Bobelian’s book signed by the author at a collecting data for the book. The Latino Comp. Kerkonian provided a have such distinguished justices California Court of Appeal for the fifth special event co-sponsored by ArmenBar. book examines the difficult quest heartwarming introduction of Justice such as Baxter and Moreno, who are district. He is an Honorary Member for recognition of the Armenian Moreno, while Ortega introduced willing to devote their time, energy of ArmenBar, and mentioned that Chronicled in the book is the purpose of the killings was to Genocide and the efforts within the Justice Baxter. and wisdom for the benefit of our he was very proud to have that the story of Gourgen Yanikian, who demand justice for the Armenian Armenian community, the American The justices thanked both organizations, said Minassian, a distinction. He praised the Mexican in 1973 killed the Turkish Counsul Genocide. The act sparked a wave government, and international groups for their generous remarks certified specialist in workers comp American legal community for its General and the Vice Counsul from of attacks against Turkish diplomats community for acknowledgment. and praise. They answered questions law. advocacy of qualified candidates to Los Angeles. Yanikian stated that throughout the world in the 1970’s from the audience, mainly related to Justice Baxter was appointed the bench in California. and 1980’s. recent decisions effecting the area to the California Supreme Court in Justice Moreno was Also chronicled in the book appointed to the California is the two-decade quest of attorney Supreme Court in 2001. Prior to Vartkes Yeghiayan to bring light his appointment, he served as a Los Genocide era insurance claims Angeles County Superior Court against New York Life Insurance and Judge and a Federal Court judge. He other companies. Yeghiayan gave was the keynote luncheon speaker warm introductory comments about at the ArmenBar Annual Meeting Bobelian at the event. in 2007 in Santa Monica, and is the Bobelian was a guest speaker former president of the Mexican at the Armenian Bar Association’s American Bar Association. Midyear Meeting in Toronto on “We plan to continue our October 2, 2009, again discussing involvement with other ethnic bar the book using a power point associations, to present and honor ArmenBar members attend a special book signing for Michael presentation. The author was well From left: Mario Cruz, Edvin Minassian, Ed Ortega, Justice Marvin worthy speakers to our members,” Bobelian (second from left). From left: Judge Zaven Sinanian, Michael received at both events, and took time Baxter, Justice Carlos Moreno and Saro Kerkonian. said Minassian. Bobelian, Vicken Simonian, Lucy Varpetian, Vartkes Yeghiayan and to sign books and answer questions. Rita Yeghiayan.

Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 18 Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 19

Message from the of Law Initiative program (ROLI – year after year. Lastly, my thanks to More Member News Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor. subject of “Griswold v. Driscoll: The the successor program to CEELI) Betty Jamgotchian, our Executive continued from pg. 12 Lucille Boston has just Massachusetts Board of Education Chair continued from pg. 1 and Board member Amy Hoogasian Secretary, and Lisa Boyajian, who published a book entitled, “Preventing Lawsuit and the Armenian Genocide.” will be chairing a Committee to work make this organization run smoothly. Real Estate Theft.” The book covers The conference was organized as fulfilling its mission and assisting its closely with ROLI. Stay tuned for I wish the Armenian Bar The Honorable Armand protection of real estate rights in the a partnership by The University members. more on this initiative. Association the best in the years to Arabian was featured in a Special USA and Mexico. A second novel of St. Thomas Journal of Law and Regarding the leadership of As a reminder, our Annual come! Edition of Volume 37 of the is pending based on Ms. Boston’s Public Policy and The International Meeting will be in Chicago this the organization, we have modified Pepperdine Law Review, The personal experience with identity Institute for Genocide and Human year on May 14-16. The Chicago Sonya Nersessian, Chair our nominations process and are Justices Speak: Reflections. Judge theft. Ms. Boston can be reached Rights Studies (a Division of the Planning Committee, chaired by the considering nominations for Board Arabian’s essay was entitled, “The at [email protected]. Zoryan Institute). This conference indefatigable Amy Hoogasian, has positions from outside of the United Sexual Assault Counselor-Victim Mark Fleming of the Boston featured such distinguished scholars States. been working hard to showcase the Privilege: Jurisdiction Delay into an office of Wilmer Hale and one of as M. Cherif Bassiouni, Vahakn Regarding the growth of the best that Chicago can offer. The actual Armenian Bar Unclaimed Sanctuary.” The Special the authors of the Amicus Curiae N. Dadrian, William A. Schabas, organization, a membership drive meeting will feature legal luminaries from the Chicago area and some very Association to Edition contains reflective essays brief in the First Circuit case of and Roger W. Smith. The papers in United States, Canada and the from the following Justices of the Republic of Armenia has started. For impressive panels. Plans for a dinner Griswold v. Driscoll, was a speaker presented at the conference will be Award Graduate United States Supreme Court: The those of you who are new members of at the noted Naha restaurant, and side at the Zoryan Institute Conference published in a special issue of the Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr., The the Bar, we welcome you to join us. events including an architectural tour Scholarships in held at the University of St. Thomas law school’s journal in May 2010. Honorable Clarence Thomas, The For those of you who are longstanding and perhaps a Cubs game are also Law School of Law in Minneapolis on Fleming can be reached at Mark. attorneys, perhaps dues-paying being considered. This has all the Honorable Sanuel A. Alito, Jr. and The Feb. 5, 2010. Fleming spoke on the [email protected]. The Armenian Bar Association members in the past but not in the signs of a meeting you will not want is pleased to announce that it present, please take another look at to miss! is accepting applications for Armenian Bar Association Participates in Southwestern Law School this organization and consider joining And for those of you who are its Fifth Annual Scholarship our ranks. Our dues remain $125 per planning to be present at the Mid- “Bar Association Fair” Year Meeting in Athens, Greece, Program. The Program is year, with first-year attorneys having designed to support meritorious please mark the dates of September the gift of membership at no cost for students of Armenian descent LOS ANGELES - Betty of 62, and several 16-19 in your calendars. The Athens their first year as an attorney. attending, or accepted for Jamgotchian, Executive Director of attended the event. Planning Committee, chaired by Under the conscientious admission to, an approved the Armenian Bar Association, along Students signing chairmanship of Saro Kerkonian, the Edvin Minassian, is already busy with law school in the United with Board Executive Secretary Sara up for membership Armenia Rights Watch Committee has arrangements for that meeting. You States, Armenia or elsewhere. Bedirian and Past Chairman Vicken were given a coffee been extremely active. It has overseen will be hearing more about the details Recipients must demonstrate Simonian, were on hand to meet, cup and pen with soon. the filing of not one but two amicus an outstanding academic record greet and encourage law students the ArmenBar It has been my privilege to be briefs for cases on appeal, one in the as well as a strong commitment at Southwestern University School logo, as well as the Chair of this organization for the case of Movsesian v. Versicherung to the Armenian community, of Law to become members at the a recent copy of past two years. particularly in humanitarian and/ A.G. in the Ninth Circuit in California, schools annual “Bar Association the ArmenBar I want to thank the Executive or law-related endeavors. and one in the case of Griswold Fair” on February 10, 2010. newsletter and v. Driscoll in the First Circuit in Board: Edvin Minassian, Sara Approximately 30 bar other goodies. Massachusetts. If you are interested in Bedirian, Christine Engustian, and Students interested in applying associations participated in the “We were reading the briefs, you can find them Frank Zerunyan, for all of their wise for an ArmenBar scholarship event on a beautiful, sunny Southern very pleased with on the website. The Massachusetts counsel and support. And I want to should use the application appeal will be argued on March 2. The thank the members of the Board of available on this website. California day. A little known fact the turnout at our Committee also followed a potential Governors for all of their hard work, Deadline for submitting the is that the event was the brainchild table at the fair,” application and supporting hate speech issue with a local radio much of it behind the scenes, their of Lucy Varpetian, former Executive said Jamgotchian. documents is March 31, 2010. station in California, as well as a support and continued commitment Director of ArmenBar. Varpetian “The law students Betty Jamgotchian, Executive Director of the human rights case involving an ethnic to the organization. Thanks also is a graduate of the prestigious law we met were bright Armenian Bar Association, along with Executive to the Committee Chairs who The application must either school, and convinced the university and engaging, and Armenian denied his rights in Javakh, be postmarked by March 31, Board Treasurer Sara Bedirian and Stella enthusiastically set goals and diligently to initiate the annual event in 1997 Georgia. 2010 or if e-mailed, it should be See Bar Pogosyan, encouraged law students at the completed their tasks – you know who A relationship has begun with received no later than midnight while a student there. Southwestern University School of Law to become you are. A special thanks to Vicken Association Fair, the American Bar Association Rule (PST) of March 31, 2010. Southwestern Law School members at the school’s annual “Bar Association Simonian who crafts our Newsletter pg. 20 has an Armenian student population Fair.”

Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 20 Armenian Bar Association Newsletter 21 Bar Association Fair Armenian Bar Association Chair Sonya Nersessian meets with continued from pg. 19 members in D.C., New York and Chicago in 2009 we were happy that all were willing On April 28, 2009, lawyers to join our organization. We don’t from the Chicago area met with like to brag, but the Armenian Bar Armenian Bar Association Chair Sonya table seemed to have the most to Nersessian for a luncheon at the Sayat offer,” said Jamgotchian. Nova restaurant. The primary purpose Stella Pogosyan, the of the meeting was to honor longtime President of the Southwestern Armenian Bar Association member Law School Armenian Law Professor Ann M. Lousin, of the Student Association (ALSA), was John Marshall Law School, who was in attendance and helped with announced as the soon-to-be recipient introductions between students of the Armenian Bar Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Local In Washington, D.C., from left: Dean Shahinian, a law student from and the ArmenBar representatives. attorneys and others attended including: the Republic of Armenia, Jacob Bournazian, Sonya Nersessian, Talin On behalf of the ALSA, Pogosyan Amy Hoogasian, Claudia Hoogasian, Haroutunian, Rick Nishanian and Susan Karamanian Members of the Armenian Student Association of Southwestern Law pledged to work with ArmenBar to Greta Doumanian, Rudy Minasian, organize future events connecting School, including President Stella Pogosyan (far right), visited the Raffi Sarrafian, Zaven Peter Tokatlian, Member and Past Chair Attorney of the Armenian Bar Association met the two groups. Armenian Bar table at Southwestern’s Bar Association Fair. and Leona Lousin Mirza. Gary Moomjian of Moomjian and with Chair Sonya Nersessian at the Since the meeting in April, Waite; Attorneys Chris Parnagian, of Acadiana Restaurant. In attendance Chicago now has representation on O’Hare Parnagian; Grace Kurdian, of were Attorneys Jacob D. Bournazian, V. Thank You to our Annual Meeting Sponsors the Armenian Bar Association Board McCarter English; Denise Darmanian, Rick Nishanian and Talin Haroutunian; of Governors as Amy Hoogasian of Gallo & Darmanian; and Arsineh Associate Dean of George Washington Platinum Sponsors $5,000 was elected to a three-year term Kazazian of Wiggin & Dana. Law School, Susan L. Karamanian, at the Armenian Bar Association’s Meetings were also held with and a law student from Armenia; 20th Annual Meeting, which Board of Governors members Taline and Senior Counsel to the US Senate Babayan Fund occurred on May 8-10 in Glendale, Festekjian and Martha Mensoian. Committee on Banking, Housing and Sonya Nersessian, Esq. California. On September 24, 2009, Urban Affairs, Dean V. Shahinian. P.O. Box 1356, Dedham, MA 02027-1356 The Annual Meeting site for Washington attorneys and members 2010 was also decided upon: Chicago T: 781-899-7866, F: 781-899-7959, E: [email protected] will host the 21st Annual Meeting of the Armenian Bar Association in the spring of 2010. Armen Margarian On July 2, 2009, Armenian Bar T: 877-990-1416, E: [email protected], www.NexusLab.com Association Chair Sonya Nersessian met with members of the Armenian Bar Association and others in New York. At The Law Offices of Hovanes Margarian the luncheon were Board of Governors Hovanes Margarian, Esq. T: 866-975-3666, www.DealerFraud.org

Gold Sponsors $2,000 Above, in New York: Arsineh Kazazian, Chris

Bedirian & Associates, Inc. Mardirossian & Associates, Inc. Parnagian, Gary Moomjian, Sonya Nersessian, Grace Sara Bedirian, Esq. Garo Mardirossian, Esq. Kurdian, and Denise Darmanian. 275 South Beverly Drive, Suite 202, 6311 Wilshire Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Beverly Hills, CA90212 Los Angeles, CA 90048-5001 Left, in Chicago: Claudia Hoogasian, Rudy Minasian, T: 310-288-9797 T: 323-653-6311, F: 323-651-5511 Amy Hoogasian, Greta Doumanian, Leona Mirza, Raffi E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Sarrafian, Sonya Nersessian, Zaven Peter Tokatlian, and Ann Lousin.

Board of Governors and Committee Chairs 2010 Executive Committee Nigol Manoukian Armenian Rights Watch Chair - Chair - Sonya Nersessian Manoukian & Associates Saro K. Kerkonian Sonya Nersessian Law Office 1101 N. Pacific Ave., Suite 303, Glendale, CA 91202 Tennenhouse, Minassian & Adham P.O. Box 1356, Dedham, MA 02027-1356 T: 818-240-1199 F: 818-240-1120 1101 N. Pacific Avenue, Suite 200, Glendale, CA T: 781- 899-7866, F: 781- 899-7959 E: [email protected] 91202 E: [email protected] T: 818-551-9990, F: 818-551-0273 Hovanes Margarian E: [email protected] Vice-Chair - Edvin E. Minassian The Law Offices of Hovanes Margarian Tennenhouse, Minassian & Adham 13425 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 303 Continuing Legal Education Co-Chairs - 1101 N Pacific Ave., Ste. 200, Glendale, CA 91202 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 The Honorable Jacqueline Chooljian T: 818-551-9990, F: 818-551-0273 T: 818-990-0418, F: 818-990-1418 and Antranig Kzirian E: [email protected] E: [email protected] ANC Executive Director 104 N. Belmont, Suite 208, Glendale, CA 91206 Treasurer - Sara Bedirian Martha Mensoian T: 818- 500-1918, E: [email protected] Bedirian & Associates Capstone Holdings Group, LLC. 211 S. Beverly Blvd., #214, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 44 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005 Grants Co-Chairs - Christine J. Engustian T: 310-288-9797, F: 310-288-9798 E: [email protected] and Amy Hoogasian E: [email protected] Gary T. Moomjian Membership Development Co-Chairs - Secretary – Christine J. Engustian Moomjian, Waite, Wactlar & Coleman, LLP Nigol Manoukian and Hovanes Margarian 1 Grove Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914 100 Jericho Quadrangle, Ste. 225, Jericho, NY T: 401-434-1250, F: 401-434-2934, E: [email protected] 11753 ARMENIA: Vahan Bournazian T: 516-937-5900, Ext. 47, F: 516-937-5050 Assistant Dean, AUA Law Ex-Officio – Honorable Frank V. Zerunyan E: [email protected] Yerevan, ARMENIA 375010 Council Member, City of Rolling Hills Estates, CA T: 374-10-51-27-55, E: [email protected] , And Principal & General Counsel Datev K. Shenian CALIFORNIA: Ellin Davtyan Public-Private Community Development LLC Shenian Law Group 333 S. Grand Ave., Ste. 1670, L.A., CA 90071 608 Silver Spur Road, Suite 290 500 S. Grand Ave, 22nd Floor, L.A., CA 90071 E: [email protected] Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 T: 213-455-3510, F: 213-455-3510 or (213) 341-2253 CANADA: Harry Dikranian, E: [email protected] T: 310-971-5219 E: [email protected] CHICAGO: Amy Hoogasian E: [email protected] NEW YORK: Taline Festekjian Melineh B. Verma WASHINGTON, DC: Melineh B. Verma BOARD OF GOVERNORS WilmerHale LLP EXTERNSHIPS: The Honorable Zaven V. Sinanian 1875 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. , Washington D.C. Members at Large T: 202-663-6855, F: 202-663-6363 Newsletter Chair - E: [email protected] Vicken I. Simonian The Honorable Jacqueline Chooljian 131 N. El Molino Ave., Suite 310, Pasadena, CA U.S. Magistrate Judge Advisory Board 91101 US District Court for the Central District of California T: 626-584-0043, F: 626-795-6138 312 North Spring Street Honorable Larry A. Burns E: [email protected] Los Angeles, CA 90012 United States District Court E: [email protected] 880 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101-8900 Co-Chairs - T: 619-557-5874 Armen K. Hovannisian and John J. Lulejian Taline Festekjian E: [email protected] LyonRoss Capital Management LLC Pro Bono Co-Chairs - Garo B. Ghazarian 150 East 52nd St., 26th Floor, New York, NY 10022 Honorable Dickran Tevrizian and Vicken I. Simonian T: 212-218-3916, F: 212-218-3959 United States District Court Judge (Retired) E: [email protected] JAMS, 707 Wilshire Blvd., 46th Fl., Los Angeles, CA AD HOC Committees 90017, T: 213-620-1133 Garo. B. Ghazarian Genocide Project Committee Chair - Law Office of Garo B. Ghazarian Executive Director Professor Ann M. Lousin 15915 Ventura Blvd., Suite 203, Encino, CA 91436 Betty A. Jamgotchian The John Marshall Law School T: 818-905-6484, F: 818-905-6481 Armenian Bar Association 315 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL 60604 E: [email protected] P.O. Box 29111, Los Angeles, CA 90029 T: 312-987-1434, F: 312-427-8307, E: 7lousin@jmls. T/F: 323-666-6288, E: [email protected] edu Amy Hoogasian 5354 N. Ashland, Chicago, IL 60640 Administrative Assistant Development/Fundraising Chair - Sara Bedirian E: [email protected] Lisa Boyadjian Armenian Bar Association Nominations Committee Co-Chairs - Gary Moomjian Armen K. Hovannisian P.O. Box 29111, Los Angeles, CA 90029 and Vicken I. Simonian 15456 Valley Vista Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 T: 323-666-6288, E: [email protected] T: 213-233-9662, E: [email protected] Website Committee Co-Chairs - COMMITTEES Martha Mensoian and Hovanes Margarian John J. Lulejian 1500 United States Courthouse Armenia Programs Chair - Vahan Bournazian 312 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 60012 Assistant Dean, AUA Law T: 213-894-2434, F: 213-894-3713 Yerevan, ARMENIA 375010 E: [email protected] T: 374-10-51-27-55, E: [email protected] A AIMS AND STRUCTURE R ACTIVITIES AND BENEFITS M The Armenian Bar Association is a non-profit, E non-partisan organization, formed in 1989 to enable Some of the Association’s operations include: N attorneys of Armenian heritage to better serve the law, I the legal profession, and the Armenian community. • Worldwide Network of Attorneys A The Association provides pro bono services and • Continuing Legal Education, Seminars & N legal education in Armenian communities across the Workshops country and sponsors programs to promote democracy • Pro Bono Program B and the rule of law in the Republic of Armenia. • Rule of Law Projects in the Republic of A Coming together socially and professionally, Armenia R members from around the world have the opportunity • Armenian Rights Watch to learn from one another as they join their different • Annual National Meeting A backgrounds and experiences in Association activities. S The Association is a democratic organization. It is • Newsletter S supported and directed by its members, who approve • Membership Directory O its bylaws, elect its Board of Governors, nominate • Amicus Curiae Submission on Issues of Interest C prominent jurists as honorary members, and set the • Topical and Regional Practice Groups I Association’s annual goals and policies. • Cooperation with other bar associations and A The Armenian Bar Association is committed to lawyers’ societies T serving the profession of law, addressing the legal I concerns of the Armenian community and fostering O respect for human and civil rights. N COMMITTED TO SERVE

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