The Armenia Programs Committee, which the Armenian Bar Association established in 1991 in synergy with the newly-independent Republic of Armenia, coordinates the Association’s efforts to heighten educational opportunities and resources in Armenia, improve the rule of law, enhance access to justice, and encourage a stable legal environment. Since the 2020 war on Artsakh and in its continuing aftermath, the Committee’s work has expanded to emphasize human rights law and public international law with the launch of numerous initiatives aimed to protect the individual and collective rights of Artsakh-Armenians. The Association sponsors seminars and conferences in Armenia and the Diaspora which are designed to facilitate judicial reform and to assist in the development of the legal profession. Our members take part in working visits with Armenia’s and Artsakh’s judges, law students, legal institutions and parliamentarians to gain reciprocal insights from, and share relevant experiences with, each other.
At the end of the 20th century, Genocide reparations efforts finally broke through the thick haze of post-traumatic desolation because, until then, the survivors and their children had knuckled down to reconstitute their families, recreate their communities, replenish their confidence, and resurrect their faith in humanity. It took a generation or two for them to get back on their feet and to stand strong again and, once upright, they fastened on the moral imperative of Genocide recognition. And now it is the time, none too late, to turn decidedly towards and work in earnest for Genocide reparations which are the inalienable rights of the injured parties and their heirs. Criminal and civil claims, which follow naturally from but are not dependent on recognition, will be pursued to reverse or at least compensate for the harm, albeit incompletely, because our homeland and its people can never truly be made whole again. The Armenian Bar’s Genocide Reparations Committee will undertake and implement strategic, legal initiatives to account for the loss of indigenous lives, property, rights, and patrimony.
Chair:
Armen K. Hovannisian
Los Angeles, CA
[email protected]
The Armenian Rights Watch Committee monitors and takes action on issues affecting Armenians on the local, national and international levels. Members meet with international human rights organizations, raise media awareness of the Armenian Genocide and related issues, and join community task forces to battle discrimination and hate crimes against minorities.
Chair: Hrag Alex Bastian
[email protected]
In 2015, the Armenian Bar Association’s Board of Governors amended its mission statement and formally declared that as an organization the Armenian Bar Association recognizes the sovereignty of the Republic of Artsakh and has as a primary organizational purpose to endeavor to bring about recognition of Artsakh’s statehood under international law and to seek to guarantee the territorial integrity and the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination.
With the guidance and leadership of the Honorable Ruben Melikyan, Artsakh’s Human Rights Defender and Ombudsman and an Armenian Bar member, the Association has already implemented and funded two programs in Artsakh: the first is a pro bono legal clinic in Stepankert in collaboration with Artsakh State University. The clinic was opened in October, 2017 and has provided legal services free of charge to Artsakh residents who might not otherwise have access to justice, on such issues as navigating administrative regulations, licensing, and general civil and criminal matters. The second program is the creation of an 8 week internship program at the office of the Artsakh Human Rights Defender, where students enrolled in U.S. law schools will learn and assist Mr. Melikyan and the Human Rights Defender’s office with legal research, evidence gathering and legal document preparation.
At its 29th Annual Meeting held in Shushi, Republic of Artsakh, the Armenian Bar Association’s Board of Governors unanimously approved the establishment of the Artsakh Law Initiative Committee (ALIC meaning “wave” in Armenian). In addition to providing oversight to the programs set forth above, the Committee will provide coaching and monetary assistance to the moot court team from Artsakh State University, which will participate in a mock trial competition in Nuremberg, Germany.
ALIC is taking affirmative steps to create a judicial exchange program, whereby Artsakh Supreme Court Justices will be brought to the United States to meet their colleagues in the Supreme, appellate and trial courts of the United States.
ALIC will serve in a legal advisory capacity on numerous issues of international law to Artsakh’s Foreign Minister.
ALIC welcomes the participation of all Armenian Bar members in the numerous initiatives currently being implemented and those being developed for the future as we work side-by-side in the nation building process with our Armenian brothers and sisters of Artsakh.
Co-Chairs:
Judge Amy Ashvanian
Los Angeles, CA
[email protected]
New York, NY
[email protected]
Formed in 2022, the DC Region Chapter of the Armenian Bar Association serves legal professionals in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Governed by a dedicated Chapter Board, the group meets regularly to organize events and programs that foster community, professional development, and engagement with issues of local and global importance.
Since its founding, the Chapter has hosted a range of enriching activities, including a group swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Supreme Court, a private tour of the Library of Congress, and a series of dynamic talks featuring global thought leaders. Past events have included A Conversation with His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia: Religion in the Geopolitics of the Middle East and a Fireside Chat with Garo Paylan commemorating the 17th anniversary of the assassination of Hrant Dink.
The DC Region Chapter continues to build a vibrant and engaged network of Armenian-American legal professionals in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas.
Co-Chairs:
Ani Esenyan
Washington, D.C.
Olivia Jerjian
Washington, D.C.
The New York/New Jersey/Connecticut Chapter of the Armenian Bar Association brings together legal professionals across the tri-state area to advance the Association’s mission of promoting justice and supporting the Armenian-American community. Through networking events, public interest initiatives, and educational programming, the chapter fosters professional development and civic engagement among our local members.
A cornerstone of our chapter’s work is the Annual Public Servants Dinner, held every April to coincide with the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. This widely respected event honors the service and dedication of lawyers, judges, law enforcement officers, and other public servants who have committed their careers to the public good.
Co-Chairs:
Steve Gokberk
New York, NY
John Halebian
New York, NY
Formed in 2023, the Ontario Chapter is the first Canadian chapter of the Armenian Bar Association, proudly serving a growing network of nearly 90 legal professionals across the province. Governed by a dedicated Chapter Board, the Ontario Chapter meets regularly to organize events and initiatives that foster professional development, community building, and engagement with issues of importance to the Armenian-Canadian legal community.
Even prior to its official formation, the Ontario group had been active since 2016, hosting numerous networking and professional events. Building on that strong foundation, the Ontario Chapter is committed to expanding its reach and impact through continued programming and collaboration. It looks forward to growing a vibrant, connected, and engaged legal community throughout Ontario.
Chair:
Alex Kolandjian
Toronto, Canada
[email protected]
Please change the email forward to the Ontario Chapter to [email protected].
Formed in 2025, the Quebec Chapter of the Armenian Bar Association represents legal professionals across the province of Quebec. As the newest chapter of the Association, it is dedicated to fostering a strong and supportive community among Armenian-Canadian lawyers, judges, and legal scholars in the region. The Quebec Chapter aims to promote professional development, facilitate networking opportunities, and engage its members in initiatives that uphold justice and support the Armenian-Canadian community.
Co-Chairs:
Vrouyr Makalian
Montreal, Canada
Sevana Poladian
Montreal, Canada
The Continuing Legal Education Committee sponsors legal seminars for the Association’s members in an effort to promote professional growth.
Chair:
Talar Iskanian-Hashasian
New York, NY
[email protected]
The Domestic Violence Committee was formed to address the scourge of domestic violence in Armenia and the diaspora. The Committee seeks to increase access to justice for victims of domestic violence of Armenian descent internationally, strengthen the existing domestic violence law in Armenia to better protect victims of domestic violence, including children, and provide support to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), non-profit organizations and other activists in Armenia on campaigns and projects to educate the citizens of Armenia on the deleterious impact of domestic violence. The Committee will also raise awareness about domestic violence in diasporan communities.
Co-Chairs:
Anahid Ugurlayan
New York, NY
[email protected]
Los Angeles, CA
The Committee has contributed to legislative amendments and engaged in capacity-building efforts for various stakeholders, including the judiciary and the business sector. The Committee’s work underscores the importance of collaborative efforts, stakeholder engagement, and judicial expertise in effective IP enforcement, aiming to position Armenia as a leading global player in technology and intellectual property, in an effort to revolutionize Armenia’s IP landscape.
The first report may be found here.
The second report may be found here.
The Armenian Translation of the Second Report may be found here.
Co-Chairs:
Denise Darmanian
New York, NY
[email protected]
Karen Tonoyan
New York, NY
[email protected]
Armen K. Hovannisian
Los Angeles, CA
[email protected]
Steve Gokberk
New York, NY
[email protected]
Throughout the year, the co-chairs of the Committee communicate with other Armenian Bar members in their quest to obtain valuable nominee information. Prior to any final determination as to a candidate, the co-chairs will interview the possible nominee.
The Committee considers a number of criteria in making its determinations. One critical factor is the past contributions to the Armenian Bar made by the candidate, as well as anticipated future contributions. Related are the nominee’s accomplishments outside of the Armenian Bar.
Balance is also sought in terms of geography and gender. With respect to geography, Board membership currently covers the west coast, east coast, middle America and Canada. Board members are also encouraged to donate financially to the Armenian Bar. The Nominations Committee is further charged with balancing the re-nomination of productive incumbents with the desirability of bringing on new members with fresh ideas.
After the Nominations Committee determines a suggested slate, it is generally distributed to the membership before the Annual Meeting. While there is desirability for the number of persons on the slate to be equal to the number of positions open, it is possible that there will be more nominees than openings. The Bylaws also allow for nominations from the Annual Meeting floor and such nominations have been made over the last several years. At the Annual Meeting, all nominees are provided an opportunity to make a statement of intent and interest to the membership. Thereafter a membership vote is held, and those persons receiving the most votes, up to the number of vacancies, are elected.
The goal of the Nominations Committee is to work all year to help put together a Board of Governors that will continue to allow the organization to achieve the highest levels of contribution to the community.
Gary Moomjian
New York, NY
Armen K. Hovannisian
Los Angeles, CA
Lucy Varpetian
Los Angeles, CA
These clinics have provided community members an opportunity to receive guidance from attorneys in various areas of law including immigration, landlord/tenant, civil, small claims, family law, criminal matters, trusts, will and estates. After the intake process is completed, individuals are assigned to meet with and discuss their issue with an attorney on a one on one basis. The attorneys offer information and assistance only.
Co-Chairs:
Mesrop Khoudaghoulian
Glendale, CA
Armen Tashjian
Glendale, CA
The Armenian Bar awards scholarships to support meritorious students of Armenian descent attending or accepting for admission to an approved law school in the United States, Armenia or elsewhere. Recipients must demonstrate an outstanding academic record as well as a strong commitment to the Armenian community, particularly in humanitarian and/or law-related endeavors. The scholarship program is primarily funded by donations and by fundraising events hosted by the Armenian Bar Association.
Next Generation cultivates and helps advance the careers of law students by offering periodic seminars and lectures, and by involving law students in the Association and its activities.
Co-Chairs:
Grant Petrosyan
New York, NY
[email protected]
Zepur Simonian
Los Angeles, CA
The Armenian Bar’s United Nations Initiative works with and supports the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations. Members of the Initiative regularly prepare and submit reports to various U.N. constituent bodies. The broad scope and contemporary nature of these official communications emanate from the necessity to set the historical record straight and to promote diplomatic intercessions on matters related to the Armenian Genocide, the 44-Day War, and the sovereign rights of the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh, as well as the inviolable human and civil rights of their citizens. The continuity of the Initiative’s engagement with the Permanent Mission has recently been solidified with the launch of the Armenian Bar’s internship program with the Mission at its New York offices.
Chairperson:
Ovsanna Takvoryan
Los Angeles, CA
The Young Lawyers Committee
Co-Chairs:
Tro Iskedjian
Los Angeles, CA
[email protected]
Jesse Kalashyan
Dallas, TX
[email protected]