The UCLA-based Armenian Law Students Association (ALSA) recently hosted a panel of Armenian-American Southwestern Law School alumni, and special guest Fetihye Çetin from Turkey, who discussed their experiences during and after law school, and their legal careers in private practice, academia, human rights advocacy, and government practice, Asbarez reports.

The panel included special guest, renowned civil and human rights attorney and prominent author, Fethiye Çetin, who defended Hrant Dink and represents his family in the prosecution of his assassins.

The other panelists were: Gerard Kassabian, Principal Attorney, Law Offices of Gerard Kassabian; Tigran Palyan, Adjunct Associate Professor & Associate Attorney, Trope and Trope, LLP; Janet Nalbandyan, Adjunct Professor & Senior Counsel, Dykema; and Lucy Varpetian, Senior Assistant City Attorney, City of Glendale.

The discussion was moderated by Vice Dean and ALSA advisor, Anahid Gharakhanian, who has been instrumental in the success of many Southwestern students, alumni, and members of the Armenian-American legal community. Over fifty law students spent their lunch hour with the attorneys where they also had the opportunity to ask questions and seek advice regarding particular courses and honors programs, as well as networking and interviewing skills.

“It was an incredible honor to have Ms. Çetin, along with members of the Armenian Bar Association, with us on campus today. As aspiring young Armenian-American lawyers, the panelists only reinforced our strong desire to work hard and serve our community,” said ALSA co-presidents Tonya Barseghian and Emma Moralyan.

Southwestern Law School has the largest Armenian-American student population among the nation’s law schools and will be hosting a prospective Armenian-American student event on campus on January 31, 2015.