SPRING 1997 – VOL.8, NUM.1

Armenian Bar Association Annual Meeting

February 7 - 9, 1997, San Francisco

            The Armenian Bar Association held its Eighth Annual Meeting from February 7th through the 9th at the stately Sir Francis Drake Hotel in Union Square, San Francisco.  Association members from Armenia, Canada, and across the United States gathered to hear several outstanding speakers, review the Association’s accomplishments for the year and plan for the future.

            The meeting kicked off on Friday evening, when the Association welcomed attendees with a multi-ethnic buffet and reception at the Sir Francis Drake.

            On Saturday, San Francisco on-site meeting coordinator David M. Balabanian, managing partner of McCutcheon, Doyle, Brown & Enerson, welcomed the ABA and shared his enthusiasm for the Armenian Community in the Bay Area.

            Following Mr. Balabanian, Professor Richard M. Buxbaum of the University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law and Suzy Antounian of the American University of Armenia, (AUA), shared a wealth of information about the new law program at the AUA.  Professor Buxbaum explained that the current focus of the AUA Law program is to broaden the education of Armenian law graduates and practicing lawyers by offering courses in various aspects of the American and European legal systems and that the program draws on Buxbaum’s and Boalt Hall’s experience with similar legal education programs in Eastern Europe.  Professor Buxbaum has taught international trade, corporate law and a variety of other courses at Boalt Hall since 1961 and holds the School’s Ralston Chair.

Perhaps the highlight of the weekend was a presentation by Californian Ben J. Davidian, David Sargsian and David Shahzadeyan, Muskie Fellows from Armenia.  At a young age, Ben Davidian already has chaired and worked in several California agencies and commissions, served as Western Immigration and Naturalization Service Commissioner and worked with the national Republican Party.  Davidian spoke of the ways in which all Armenian-Americans can serve the public and their heritage - by taking every opportunity to be involved and to educate others about our Armenian heritage.  Davidian has put his credo into practice - by serving as an election monitor in 1991 in Armenia (and convincing non-Armenians from California to join him).  Davidian, who currently practices law with Wilke, Fleury, Hoffelt, Gould & Birney in Sacramento, motivated the Annual Meeting participants.

David Sargsian and David Shahzadeyan, gave two informative presentations in the afternoon.  Mr. Shahzadeyan spoke about banking law and the banking system in Armenia, helping Association members to understand issues ranging from who owns banks to how bankruptcies are handled.  Mr. Sargsian described the Armenian legal educational system and ideas for changes.  Sargsian is a Muskie Fellow at the University of Notre Dame Law School, and Shahzadeyan is a Muskie Fellow at the University of Georgia.

On Saturday night, participants took an excursion to nearby Chinatown to enjoy San Francisco’s famous, scrumptious Chinese delicacies amidst the revelry of Chinese New Year in the streets.

            During Sunday’s Board of Governors’ Meeting, the ABA offered its gratitude and standing ovation to outgoing Executive Director Vahe Messerlian.  The Association continues in good hands with new Executive Director Lousine Varpetian.  The ABA also elected its Board of Governors, led by Chair Ann Lousin, Harry Cherken, Jr., continues as Vice-Chair Hon. Jack Hoogasian continues as Secretary; and Vicken I. Simonian continues as Treasurer; Armen K. Hovannisian is Ex-officio chair and the newest Board Member at Large is the Honorable Aram Serverian.

            Of course, the weekend included more than speeches and business.  Association members enjoyed the lively Union Square scene and on Sunday relaxed in sparkling Sausilito and indulged in California’s fine Sonoma Valley vineyards.  The Association thanks all members who worked hard to make the Annual Meeting a success.  We look forward to the 1997 mid-year meeting!

The Report of the Chair

by Prof. Ann Lousin,

Chair of the Board of Governors

            The Chair (for the third year in a row) reports that the last year has been very eventful.  Perhaps too eventful.  The election in Armenia in September, 1996, and its aftermath have caused many discussions in the Diaspora.

            At the request of several members, the Executive Committee of the Armenian Bar Association sent President Ter Petrossian a letter simply asking him to observe the rule of law in the election recount and to continue Armenia on the path to democracy and freedom.  We also expressed our pride in Armenia’s achievements in the last five years.

            I mention this in particular because I know that our members are split on their views on the government’s actions.  Also, and contrary to some scurrilous press reports, ArmenBar did NOT take any part in the Alien Tort Claims Action brought against one of the President’s senior advisors.  The plaintiffs in that case are citizens of Armenia.  Their lawyer, a pro bono attorney with a human rights organization in the U.S., is a valued member of ArmenBar.

            At our Eighth Annual Meeting in February, I asked Sarah Leah Whitson if she would report on the status of the case at the end of our session, time permitting.  She agreed and answered many questions from members present.  Unfortunately, a garbled version of the report and questions made it to the press.  You may have seen the newspaper articles that resulted.

            We hope that ArmenBar will be able to meet in Armenia soon, as we did in 1994, and that we can resume giving lectures and seminars at the universities.  We are deeply, deeply committed to doing whatever we can to help our cousins create a rule of law in the land we all think of as “the miracle that came true in our lifetime.”

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS AND ON THE MOVE . . .

David R. Ajemian is a principal consultant with Price Waterhouse L.L.C. in Los Angeles, California.  Mr. Ajemian provides consulting services to investment and securities companies.

Lisa Barsoomian has joined the Washington, D.C. office of 314-lawyer Arter & Hadden as a litigation associate.  Ms. Barsoomian’s practice focuses on business and insurance litigation and insurance counseling.  Ms. Barsoomian is currently serving on the Association’s Board of Governors.

Jackie Chooljian has accepted a one-year detail in Washington, D.C. to serve as Assistant Director of Criminal Programs in the Office of Legal Education, U.S. Department of Justice.  Ms. Chooljian has been an Assistant United States Attorney in Los Angeles since 1989 and served as the Chief of that office’s Training Section from June 1994 through September 1996.

Elise Demerjian presented a lecture on spousal abuse and domestic violence to a group of Armenian and Spanish speaking women on November 7, 1996.  The event was sponsored by the Glendale Unified School District and the Catholic Charities Center of Los Angeles.  Ms. Demerjian cited the staggering statistics of domestic violence, and explained the remedies available to victims of domestic violence.  Pamphlets in Armenian and Spanish, which incorporated many topics Demerjian discussed, were distributed to participants.  Ms. Demerjian is a family law practitioner in Glendale, California.

Anthony Jacob, a student member at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, was a member of a team that won the award for third best brief at the Albert R. Mugel National Tax Competition this winter.  He is also a member of the law review.

Karineh Khachatourian has accepted a litigation associate position at Peabody & Brown in Boston, Massachusetts, following her May 1997 graduation from The George Washington Law School.

Kimberlee A. Konjoyan joined the Century City, California office of Christensen, White, Miller, Fink, Jacobs, Glaser & Shapiro as a litigation associate.  Additionally, Ms. Konjoyan is serving a two-year term as President of Polytechnic School’s Alumni Association and as a member of the school’s Board of Trustees.

Edward Mamikonian participated in the Freedom Forum, focusing on legal and human rights, held in Atlanta, Georgia.  Mr. Mamikonian was an invited guest from the Republic of Armenia, where he is President of Avangard.

Prof. Mark Movsesian’s article, “The Persistent Nations‑State and the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act,” was published in 18 Cardozo Law Review in 1996.  Mr. Movsesian is a Professor of Law at Hofstra University School of Law where he serves as a faculty advisor to the Hellenic‑Armenian Law Students Association.

Leon Paroian was appointed by the Province of Ontario to prepare a report on the future of public education in Ontario, Canada.  His report was submitted to the Ministry of Education in October 1996.  Mr. Paroian currently is a partner at the Windsor law firm of Paroian, Raphael, Courey, Cohen & Houston.

Lousine Varpetian recently completed a two‑month judicial clerkship in Armenia with the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia, where she worked for the Chairman and three members of the Court.  Ms. Varpetian currently is serving as Chair of the Association’s Student Affairs Committee.

Please send your job announcements, press releases, and information about your appointments, publications and/or noteworthy cases for publication to Editor, Lisa Barsoomian, Esq., Arter & Hadden, 1801 K Street, N.W., Ste. 400K, Washington, D.C. 20006 Fax: (202) 857-0172

Washington, D.C. Reception

in Honor of the Honorable Gagik Harutunian

Chairman of the Armenian Constitutional Court

            The Honorable Gagik Harutunian, Chairman of the Armenian Constitutional Court, was the honored guest at a Washington, D.C. reception sponsored by the Armenian Bar Association, the American Bar Association—Section on International Law & Practice, and the Armenian Network on May 21, 1996.  Mr. Harutunian formerly was the Vice-President of the Republic of Armenia.

            The reception, held at the American Bar Association’s Washington, D.C. office, attracted members of all three sponsoring organizations and individuals from the U.S. Department of State, USAID and members of the Armenian community.

            Mr. Harutunian spoke about the creation, functions, and structure of the Constitutional Court, which he explained is based upon a European model.  Mr. Harutunian looks forward to active cooperation with the Armenian Bar Association and expressed hope that the Association would continue its practical role in providing assistance to the Armenian judiciary, noting the judicial conference in Armenia in July 1995, co-sponsored by the Association and Virginia-based Technical Assistance for the Republic of Armenia (TARA).

            The attendees asked Mr. Harutunian numerous questions about the history of the Constitutional Court and its jurisdiction.  Mr. Harutunian’s responses included a comparative discussion of the constitutional laws of more than ten countries.

            We thank Lisa Barsoomian and Dan Maljanian (Armenian Bar Association), Shoushan Demirjian (American Bar Association) and Peter Tatian (Armenian Network) for organizing the reception.

Mid-Year Meeting Held in Toronto, Canada

            During the weekend of October 11-13, 1996, members of the Armenian Bar Association gathered in Toronto, Canada for the Association’s Mid-Year Meeting.  The Armenian Community Center located in the North York area of Toronto, with its spacious meeting room, modern design and prominent Armenian Cathedral, served as the host for the weekend’s events.

            On Friday evening, members were invited to a welcoming wine and cheese reception at the Center.  The Association’s Canadian Liaison and organizing committee chairperson Robert Adourian, welcomed over fifty members, community leaders, and their friends and family to the meeting.  Welcoming remarks were also made by Koko Chitilian, president of the Center.  The evening was highlighted by the appearance of Sarkis Assadourian, a member of Canada’s Parliament.  After welcoming the guests to Canada, Mr. Assadourian reminded the audience of the recent tragic events that occurred in Armenia following the Presidential elections that took place in September, 1996.  He called on the Association to take an active role to ensure that democratic principles are maintained and the rights of individuals are preserved.  Attendees enjoyed the remainder of the evening talking with the special guests and old friends.

            On Saturday, events began with a legal education seminar presented by respected Canadian corporate counsel John Kazandjian, a partner at McMillan Binch.  Kazandjian gave an informative review of issues that arise in cross border mergers and acquisitions.  Kazandjian compared Canadian and U.S. business / legal environments, and spoke about the requirement of Canadian resident directors, securities/corporate finance, and the coordination of counsel and investment bankers in Canada and the United States.  The lecture sparked numerous questions of Kazandjian from the audience.

            Following the lecture, the Association held its business meeting chaired by Ann Lousin.  During the meeting, the Association passed a resolution granting Honorary Life Membership to United States District Court Judge Dickran Tevrizian (C.D. Cal.), who has been a long time member and supporter of the Association.  The Board also established a new $50 dues fee for members who have been admitted to practice for two years or less, and selected San Francisco as the site for its Eighth Annual Meeting.  Lisa Barsoomian was appointed the new editor of the Association’s Newsletter, and the Board approved a letter to President Levon Ter Petrossian regarding the events in Armenia following the presidential elections.  This portion of the meeting included a robust and thorough discussion by the membership before the vote of approval.

            The business meeting adjourned and members gathered for a luncheon, where the guest of honor was the Honorable Garnik Nanagulian, Armenia’s Ambassador to Canada at that time.  A well-spoken, seasoned diplomat, Nanagulian, devoted his comments to the turmoil and unrest in Armenia from the government’s perspective, rather than his originally planned speech on investment opportunities in Armenia.  He spoke of the effect the presence of Western media had on in Armenia, the status of opposition detainees and the desire of the government to form a coalition government, including members of the opposition, despite the disturbances that took place.  He urged the Association to use its enormous potential to assist Armenia, particularly its judiciary and to use care in the messages it sends.  Participants directed numerous questions to the Ambassador following his presentation.

            Following the luncheon, the Board of Governors continued its business meeting.  On Saturday evening, Association members were treated to an exciting night on the town by their Canadian hosts.  The evening began with dinner at Ed’s Warehouse Restaurant in Toronto’s Theatre District and included tours of the city.

            The Association thanks the organizing committee for a fantastic job in preparing the Mid-Year Meeting, including Robert and Sylvia Adourian, Kirk Apel, Ara Arzumanian, John Kazandjian, Leon Palvetzian, and Barry Papazian.

Family and Friends Enjoy Association’s First

Picnic in Pasadena To Benefit Students

            More than 200 Bar Association members and their family and friends gathered in Brookside Park, next to the world famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena, on October 6, 1996 for the association’s first family picnic.

            Vahe Messerlian welcomed everyone and introduced U.S. District Court Judge Dickran Tevrizian.  Messerlian congratulated Judge Tevrizian for being selected an Honorary Life Member of the Association, noting the Judge’s commitment to the Association and contributions to the Armenian community.  Judge Tevrizian addressed the participants, encouraging members to be more involved in the Association.  Justice Armand Arabian also urged greater participation in the Association and Armenian community organizations.

            Two special guests from Armenia then took the microphone.  Ara Kubanyan, a visiting student at the University of Southern California Law School, and David Karapetyan, a visiting student at Southwestern University School of Law.  Both students are taking classes in criminal, constitutional and civil law during the 1996‑1997 school year.  They thanked the Association and particularly Judge Tevrizian, who was the driving force in bringing them to the United States to learn about the American legal system, and spoke about the challenges they faced as new generation lawyers in Armenia.  The proceeds of the picnic were donated to the students to help defray their living expenses.

            The picnic was catered by Burger Continental, a popular Armenian and Mediterranean restaurant in Pasadena.  While attendees enjoyed their delicious meals, they listened to traditional Armenian music by a three‑piece ensemble, led by clarinetist and Association member Armen Tashjian.

            The Association thanks the picnic organizers, Judge Tevrizian and attorney Raffi Nahabedian.  The Association also thanks Burger Continental co‑owner Gary Hindoyan and member Armen Tashjian and his musical ensemble for making the picnic a success.

Judge’s Corner

The Armenian Bar Association welcomes the membership of the following distinguished judges and encourages other judges to join them in forming the Association’s Bench Group.

The Honorable Jacob Adajian

Los Angeles Municipal Court Judge

Los Angeles, California

The Honorable Armand Arabian - Honorary Life Member

Former Justice, California Supreme Court

Van Nuys, California

The Honorable Alice E. Altoon

Los Angeles Municipal Court Judge

Van Nuys, California

The Honorable Richard Amerian

Former Justice, California Court of Appeal

Sherman Oaks, California

The Honorable Marvin Baxter

Honorary Life Member

California Supreme Court Justice

San Francisco, California

The Honorable Spurgeon Avakian

Retired Superior Court Judge

Santa Cruz, California

The Honorable Y. Gladys Barsamian

Plymouth, MI

The Honorable Ruth Essegian

Municipal Court of San Fernando Valley

Van Nuys, CA

The Honorable Jack Hoogasian

Circuit Court Judge, 19^th Judicial District

Waukegan, Illinois

The Honorable Haig Kehiayan

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge

Los Angeles, California

The Honorable Richard C. Mesrobian

Social Security Administration Judge

Cleveland, Ohio

The Honorable Arjuna T. (Vic) Saraydarian

Riverside County Superior Court Judge

Perris, California

The Honorable Aram Serverian

San Mateo County Superior Court Judge

Redwood City, California

The Honorable Ronald M. Sohigian

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge

Los Angeles, California

The Honorable Kaye Tertzag

Circuit Court Judge, Third Judicial Circuit Court

Detroit, Michigan

The Honorable Dickran Tevrizian

Honorary Life Member

U.S. District Court Judge, Central District of California

Los Angeles, California

STUDENT-MENTOR

PROGRAM UNDERWAY

            The Armenian Bar Association’s Student Affairs Committee annually conducts a Student-Mentor Program to give students an opportunity to consult with members of the bar for general advice relating to the legal profession or counsel in a particular area of law.  This program permits attorneys to interact with students and help make students’ transitions into the legal profession easier.  Students specify their areas of interest or career goals and the Association, through its vast network, matches the student with an attorney with experience in that field.

            This year, numerous students participated in the program and have received the guidance of attorneys and judges across the country.  Students and attorneys are invited to contact the Association to participate in the Student-Mentor Program.

Employment Opportunities

CEPRA Armenia

            With the assistance of the IRIS Center, the Armenian Ministry of Economy and the American University of Armenia formed an organization called CEPRA Armenia (Center for Economic Policy Research and Analysis) in 1994.  CEPRA was developed to be a focal point for conducting current policy research and analysis on economic issues relating to Armenia; provide publications and briefings based on its research; and to host fora where economic issues could be publicly discussed.  Postings are to Yerevan, Armenia.  Two long-term (12 month) positions are available:

            1 economist with a background in macro-economic modeling.

            1 lawyer with a background in Civil Code Issues

            Experience working with Russian civil code development is particularly desirable.

Commercial Bank Experts for Project in Armenia Fund for Democracy and Development

The Fund for Democracy and Development is seeking two long‑term advisers (18‑24 months) and several short‑term consultants for a Commercial Bank Advisory and Consultancy Services Program in Armenia.  Inquiries should be made by faxing a resume, salary history and at least three personal and business references to (202) 296‑5433, or by e‑mail to

Gary Lazor, FDD Project Officer,

5628502 @ mcimail.com.

Please mention “Banking Project ‑ Armenia”

AIMS AND STRUCTURE

            The Armenian Bar Association is a non-profit, non-partisan organization formed in 1989 to enable attorneys of Armenian heritage and other interested individuals to better serve the law, the legal profession, and the Armenian community.

            The Association provides pro bono services and legal education in Armenian communities across the country and sponsors programs to promote democracy and the rule of law in the new Republic of Armenia.

            Coming together socially and professionally, members from around the world have the opportunity to learn from one another as they join their different backgrounds and experiences in Association Activities.

            The Association is a democratic organization.  It is supported and directed by its members, who approve its By-Laws, elect its Board of Governors, nominate prominent jurists as honorary members, and set the Association's annual goals and policies.

            The Armenian Bar Association is committed to serving the profession of law, addressing the legal concerns of the Armenian community and fostering respect for human and civil rights.

 

DEADLINE FOR MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY LISTING JUNE 1, 1997

            Our annual Membership will be published in June.  This handy book is an excellent resource for practicing attorneys across the country, containing several hundred listings of attorneys, judges and law students.  The Directory indexes members both by areas of practice and by geographical location.  To ensure your listing in the Directory, please pay your dues before June 1, 1997.