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Armenian attorney says LL.M. is the way to success

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During high school, Makar Yeghiazaryan was fond of reading, especially detective stories. He thinks this helped him in school, and he was often ready with answers to his teacher’s tricky questions.

“You ought to be an attorney,” the teacher told him.

He didn’t know exactly what that meant at the time, but the words became motivation for him to study law at Yerevan State University, the most prestigious university in Armenia, and to continue with a Master of Laws at Chicago-Kent College of Law. During the course of the LL.M. which he expects to complete this December, he said his worldview has changed greatly, and he feels more invigorated to pursue new goals and challenges.

“In this profession I mostly like the problem-solving process — to face new challenges, set strategies, and solve problems,” Yeghiazaryan said. “The realization of the idea that with solving problems I help people or entities, gives a sense of satisfaction. And more, when I do my favorite work — almost hobby — therewith solving my financial needs, then I should be entirely happy.”

Upon completing a bachelor’s degree in law, he continued his education at one of the best law firms in the country, Harutiunian & Partners.

“It was a great law ‘school’ for me as I had an opportunity to work with the best professionals in the field, representing many commercial banks, business entities, and international organizations,” he said.

He also helped found the Proportional Development Community Development NGO with his friends. It is involved in human rights protection issues, particularly related to elections.

Yeghiazaryan, who lives in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, with his wife, son and daughter, now is a senior lawyer for the Fund for Rural Economic Development in Armenia, and a founding partner for the Trust Group law firm.

He has received numerous accolades for his work. Earlier this year, he was recognized by the speaker of Parliament of Armenia for his participation in the public and political life of Armenia.

But, even after earning a master’s in law, Yeghiazaryan wanted to continue his quest for what he called perfectness in his career.

“Especially in the fields of law, where everything is being changed every day, one must follow this tendency to be on the track of success,” he said. 

He was drawn to the LL.M. at Chicago-Kent College of Law, in Chicago, Illinois, because of its flexibility and its generous scholarships. Students complete two semester of courses remotely, and then complete the LL.M. during on semester on campus.

He wasn’t quite sure what the program would entail, since he had practiced law for so many years, and how the study of U.S. law would apply to his career. But, he found one of the best features is getting to study alongside both foreign and American students, which helps integration and communication.

“I started to observe elements of law from the new point of view, comprehended many new nuances of law issues, changed my way of reasoning and analyzing, developed my legal writing and verbal communication skills, understood the history of the progress of law, and evaluated the role of the court and common law system of U.S.,” Yeghiazaryan said.

Plus, he’s built a global network of professionals and friends to call upon in the future, and has greatly improved his English. 

And his advice for those considering an LL.M. in America?

“There are many aspects of business that one can invest. But if one’s ‘business’ is the law, then the best aspect to invest, it is the brain,” he said.

“Before coming to study law in the U.S., be mentally prepared for hard work and intellectual challenges, push your English skills to the highest level possible with lots of practice, and when you get there, sink in deep in your studies and take full advantage of everything your school can offer you. This is not easy way, but is a way to success.”

The National Jurist

The National Jurist

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