Gayane was born in Armenia and immigrated with her family to Russia when she was ten years old. Although she could barely speak Russian then, by the time she graduated from high school her Russian was excellent and she was named one of the "Best Graduates" of Moscow. She also was recognized by her school and in a Moscow-wide competition for her achievements in French language study. 

Speaking four languages by this point, including English, Gayane next went to film school in Moscow, majoring in Film Studies. She shares, "That education was just pure joy for me -- I had dreamed of making movies."

 

Next, Gayane worked as a journalist for ten years, seven of which were in the United States. She gained the experience of preparing hundreds of on-air reports and interviews

 

"During my work as a journalist I came to deeply appreciate the First Amendment, which I think is the best law in the world. Many countries don't have the same free speech protections -- much to their disadvantage. I believe the First Amendment has been at the heart of this country's success, leading to many improvements through its history, as people took to the streets in protest or spoke up in the press demanding justice and change. It must be cherished, along with other precious rights and freedoms we have. Lawyers help do just that."

 

Gayane had always admired the legal profession, but it hadn't occurred to her to become a lawyer herself until she began reading briefs written by her attorney husband.

 

"I became totally fascinated with the law, went on to read other attorneys' briefs, court opinions, statutes... And I couldn't stop. Seeing this, my husband said, "Go to law school. You can totally do it. I'll help with the kiddo." (We have a two-year-old son.) I remember I cried from excitement, as I realized just how much I wanted it."

 

Due to her background in journalism and film school, Gayane is very interested in speech-related cases such as those involving the First Amendment, defamation, and copyright. But she recalls the advice of a close friend and mentor who is an attorney: "You may go into law school with one idea of what you're going to do and come out with a different one. Keep an open mind." Gayane intends to do just that -- keep an open mind and continually broaden her interests.

 

"Whatever area I end up practicing in, I want to be a good advocate. By that I mean defending my future clients' rights as well as possible. I hear about cases where bad lawyering has led to terrible consequences. I want to make sure my future clients -- whoever they may be -- are in good hands."

 

Gayane and her family are happy to have chosen Arizona Law and Tucson, where they would like to settle long-term. 

"Tucson, with its gorgeous mountains and playgrounds, has not disappointed! Also, in the middle of a pandemic, one develops a particular appreciation of nature, space and a big backyard, which we now have."

 

Enjoy every moment, Gayane. We welcome you as a new LawCat.