Past Events

ARMENIAN BAR HOSTS “AN EVENING WITH LOS ANGELES CITY ATTORNEY ROCKY DELGADILLO” AT THE USC GOULD SCHOOL OF LAW, APRIL 4, 2007

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Los Angeles, California–Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, was a special guest of the Armenian Bar Association, which presented an evening in his honor on April 4, 2007. The event which drew over 70 attendee, was held at the University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law and was co-sponsored by the USC Institute of Armenian Studies, the USC Armenian Alumni Association and the USC Law Career Services Office.

Delgadillo is a rising star in California politics, and has made a significant impact in Los Angeles since taking office in 2001. As part of his mission, he has reached out to ethnic bar associations in Southern California, and was glad to have the opportunity to exchange ideas and strategies with an audience of attorneys, law students and other members of the Armenian legal and academic community. The event also allowed Delgadillo to discuss issues such as contracting and job opportunities with the City Attorney’s office for students and practitioners.

Delgadillo was elected to office at the age of 41. He earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his Law degree from Columbia. He was an outstanding student and athlete, who was a varsity letterman in football at Harvard. Since being elected, he has made significant strides in improving life in Los Angeles, specifically, leading the campaign to reduce street gangs and violent crimes. His office handles both criminal and civil matters.

City Attorney Delgadillo has also been a champion of issues important to the Armenian community. In April, 2006, he partnered with The Genocide Education Project, to host a teacher training at City Hall for Los Angeles Unified School District teachers to learn about the Armenian Genocide. In conjunction with the teacher training, he also hosted an exhibit and reception at City Hall entitled “iwitness: Portraits and Oral Histories of Armenian Genocide Survivors.” Previously, Delgadillo hosted an exhibit and reception featuring photography from Armenia. He has also reached out to Armenian civic and community leaders, and to the Armenian Church.

Included in the ranks of the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office are a dozen lawyers of Armenian descent, and many were on hand at USC to participate. Sara Anjargolian, a Policy Advisor to Delgadillo and a Deputy City Attorney, was a key organizer of the event. Also in attendance from the City Attorney’s office were Deputy City Attorneys Raffi Astvastadoorian, Sandy Bedrosian, Alin Sahagian, Jim Terzian, Ben Karabian, Lisa Markarian, and law clerk Taleen Terzakian.

Armenian Bar Association past Chairman Vicken Simonian served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. He introduced, Professor Hrair Dekmejian, the Director of the USC Institute, who praised the City Attorney and ArmenBar, which has collaborated with the institute on presenting other legal seminars.

Treasurer Edvin Minassian introduced Delgadillo to the audience. Hovannes and Armen Margarian, Co-Presidents of the USC Armenian Alumni Association also played a major role in organizing the event, and sponsored a delicious array of Armenian delicacies and Armenian wine.

Following an informative overview of his background and the efforts of the City Attorney’s office to better the community, Delgadillo answered questions from those present. Minassian presented the City Attorney with a vintage bottle of Saint Grigor Armenian brandy as a token of ArmenBar’s appreciation for his attendance. Guest were able to share ideas informally with Delgadillo after the speeches.