Past Events

FEDERAL AND CALIFORNIA STATE JUDGES PARTICIPATE IN JUDGES’ FORUM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

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Los Angeles,California-The Armenian Bar Association in conjunction with the University of Southern California (USC) Institute of Armenian Studies, hosted an Armenian-American Federal Judges’ Forum on August 13, 2006. The judges’ forum was attended by over 130 attorneys, students, and members of the public.

The judges on the panel were Dickran Tevrizian (U.S. District Court, Central District, Los Angeles), Samuel Der-Yeghiayan (U.S. District Court, Northern District, Illinois), Jacqueline Chooljian (Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, Central District, Los Angeles), Ronald Sohigian (Los Angeles Superior Court, Central District, Los Angeles), Alice Altoon (Los Angeles Superior Court, Central District, Los Angeles), and Zaven Sinanian (Los Angeles Superior Court, North Central District, Burbank).

Hrair Dekmejian, a professor of political science at USC and the Director of the Institute of Armenian Studies, opened the forum by welcoming those in attendance and giving some background information about the insititute. He was followed by Charles Galian, who introduced the speakers.

Armenbar Chairman Frank Zerounyan, a Councilman for the City of Rolling Hills Estates on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles, spoke on behalf of the organization, praising the judges in attendance for their participation, and updating those in attendance about upcoming events and activities.

Judge Tevrizian served as moderator for the forum. While the event was billed as a Federal Judges’ Forum, Tevrizian noticed Judges Altoon, Sinanian and Sohigian in attendance, and invited them to participate in the panel. The addition of the three experienced state court judges enhanced the afternoon presentation and proved a welcomed addition for the audience.

The panelists discussed various issues of interest to the Armenian community, including immigration, organized crime, gangs, social security, retirement, housing, health care and elder abuse issues. The judges also gave tips to prospective law students and attorneys based upon their own experiences and diverse backgrounds. The panel discussion was followed by several questions from the audience.

Following the panel discussion, the Dean of the College of Letters and Science at USC offered words of praise and encouragement for the Institute and its director. All in attendance were treated to complimentary refreshments at a reception following the forum at the Davidson Conference Center on the USC campus, which also served as the meeting room for the event.

Helping with the organization of the event was Lucy Varpetian, a graduate of USC, and the former Executive Director of the Armenian Bar Association.

Lawyers who attended the forum will receive two units of MCLE credits.