F E AT U R E
Advocating for Others
Patrick Baghdaserians is dedicated to family law rom a young age, Patrick Baghdaserians was interested in advocacy, whether it was standing up for himself or his peers. Born in postwar Iran, he and his family fled to the United States in the 1980s in pursuit of a better life. His parents’ community involvement and strong work ethic had a big impact on Baghdaserians when he was growing up and influenced him throughout his life to give back and help others. “I was originally a biomedical student at Loyola Marymount University, but I realized soon thereafter within my first year of undergraduate study that what I was interested in was really on the side of advocacy, from various political issues to standing up for human rights,” Baghdaserians says. “I switched my major to political science, which ultimately led to my career in law. It has always been my desire to be an advocate, to help others and to stand up for what I believe in.” While attending LMU, Baghdaserians met Daniel Leonetti, who later become his partner at Baghdaserians Law Group. After graduating from LMU, Baghdaserians attended Southwestern Law School, where he had the distinct honor of working as a full-time legal intern for renowned federal judge the Honorable Robert M. Takasugi. While serving the federal court, Baghdaserians was involved in and witnessed many federal trials and hearings. “Judge Takasugi, who passed away in 2009, was a federal judge for more than 30 years and stationed in Downtown Los Angeles at the federal courthouse on Spring Street,” Baghdaserians says. “He was the first Japanese American to ever be appointed to the federal bench by a U.S. president. As a first-generation continued on page 18
Patrick Baghdaserians loves how his work in family law allows him to “go to court and advocate for others.”
Patrick Baghdaserian/Submitted
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By Kamala Kirk
16 | ARROYO | 07.22
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7/1/22 4:34 PM
