The following concepts, taken together, summarize to me what it means to be a good lawyer. I take them seriously.


Integrity

Whether I'm holding your money in trust, pursuing a bad cop in court for you, claiming money for your serious injuries, defending you against a false criminal charge or telling you your case lacks merit, your legal matters are sensitive and require the highest levels of trust, confidence, respect and integrity. When it comes to these qualities, you can be sure I set a very high standard for myself. Clients can trust me completely. After all, your critical interests and my good reputation are at stake.


Work Product Excellence

"Work product" - my work on behalf of my clients - is my stock in trade. Using cutting edge techniques and information technology computer and communications technology, I strive to produce work product of consistently high quality.


Reasonable Fee Structure

My fees are based on factors including my knowledge, experience and what is customary in my geographic and practice areas. Depending on the matter at hand, my services are available on retainer, by the hour, by flat fee, by contingency fee agreement or by some combination of these methods. No matter what the matter, my fees are always reasonable.


Continuing Professional Education

A legal education doesn't end with a law degree. Of course, I attend required Continuing Legal Education courses; beyond CLE, I daily update my practice-related knowledge and enjoy doing so.


Civility to Bench and Bar

I continue to believe courts of law are sacred places and law practice is a special responsibility; it is the law that enables us to resolve our differences peacefully and with dignity - even when we disagree. In keeping with the high standards of my profession, I strive never to be discourteous even while strongly advocating a client's position.

Frankly, I am amazed that many of my fellow lawyers - even judges - behave poorly in connection with their professional responsibilities. That's one reason why here - on this very web page - I publicly pledge my civility in accordance with the barrister tradition with the goal of helping to retain - and in many cases regain - the public's trust and confidence in the legal profession.


Community Service

Law, in its purest sense, is community service; the law, after all, exists to hold us together. Without law, our civilization's social fabric would unravel, and we would again find the physically strong oppressing the weak with impunity. That's why - on certain select cases each year - I consult pro bono for clients who could not otherwise afford my services. In the same vein, I lecture the community on law whenever possible, serve on the Los Angeles County Superior Court's Alternative Dispute Resolution panel and volunteer my time as a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge pro tempore.

With the foregoing in mind, I make this...

I, Sarkis Jacob Babachanian, an attorney and counselor at law admitted to practice in all California courts and in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, hereby declare my commitment as follows:

• To My Clients - I offer loyalty, confidentiality, competence, diligence and my best judgment in accordance with the highest standards of the profession. I shall be worthy of your trust, representing you as I should want to be represented. I shall counsel you with respect to alternative methods to resolve disputes. I shall endeavor to achieve your lawful objectives as expeditiously and economically as possible. I shall:
  
  
  • Preserve your confidences learned during the lawyer-client relationship;
  • Exercise independent professional judgment on your behalf;
    
  • Keep you informed and provide you with copies of important papers;
  • Return your telephone calls as soon as I am able;
    
  • Charge you reasonable fees;
  • Explain in advance how fees will be computed and billed;
    
  • Respect your decisions on the objectives to be pursued in your cases to the extent permitted by law and the Rules of Professional Conduct; and
  • Work with other participants in the legal system to make it more accessible, responsive and civil.
    
    
• To Opposing Counsel - I offer integrity, and civility. I shall not knowingly make misleading or untrue statements of fact or law. I shall endeavor to consult with and cooperate with you in scheduling meetings, depositions, and hearings. I shall avoid excessive and abusive discovery. I shall attempt to resolve differences and, if we fail, I shall strive to make our dispute a dignified one.
  
  
• To Courts and Tribunals - I offer respect, candor and courtesy. Where consistent with my client's interest, I shall communicate with opposing counsel in an effort to avoid or resolve litigation. I shall attempt to agree with other counsel on a voluntary exchange of information and on a plan for discovery. I shall do honor to the search for justice.
  
  
• To Colleagues in Law Practice - I offer concern for your reputation and well-being. I shall extend to you the same courtesy, respect, candor and dignity that I expect to be extended to me.
  
  
• To the Legal Profession - I offer assistance in keeping it a calling in the spirit of public service, and in promoting its understanding and an appreciation for it by the public. I recognize that my actions and demeanor reflect upon our system of justice and our profession, and I shall conduct myself accordingly, exhibiting the highest degree of ethical conduct in accordance with the California Rules of Professional Conduct and the State Bar Act
  
  
• To the Public and the Justice System - I offer service. I shall devote some of my time and skills to community, governmental and other activities that promote the common good. I shall strive to improve the law and our legal system and to make the law and our legal system available to all.