Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer Announces Senior Associate Attorney Patrick Baghdaserian’s Certification as Family Law Specialist

The Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer, Pasadena’s premier family law firm, announced today that Senior Associate Attorney Patrick Baghdaserians has received his certification as a Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization.

Attorneys can apply for specialist certification after they have been in practice for at least five years and demonstrate a high level of experience in their area of law, including a minimum amount of trials, hearings, settlements, stipulations, and mediations. Certified specialists must complete over 45 hours of mandatory continuing legal education over a three-year period covering specific family law areas rather than the 25 hours non-specialist lawyers must complete every three years. Additionally, specialists have taken and passed a written examination akin to a one-day “mini-bar” examination, and positive third party evaluations from other attorneys and judges familiar with their work must take place for final certification.

“When I started this practice 10 years ago, I knew I wanted to provide our clients with the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys to handle the most complex family law issues,” said Don Schweitzer, Managing Partner and Founder and Certified Family Law Specialist, Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer. “As a new hire, it’s each of our attorney’s goals to apply for the certification once they have met the initial requirements. It forces the attorney to dig deeper to prepare for the exam—a rigorous process that our firm supports and invests in. Once the associate achieves certification, it is proof and a benefit to the client that the attorney has adhered to higher standards of excellence, experience, and education, and has been acknowledged by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization.”

“Patrick has done a tremendous job advancing his skill in court and knowledge of family law,” Don continued. “All of his actions speak to his level of professionalism, commitment to providing only top-level service to clients, and dedication to his career.”

“I’m honored by the distinction bestowed upon me by the State Bar, and it’s truly a blessing to receive this certification this early in my career,” said Patrick Baghdaserians, Certified Family Law Specialist, the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer. “I am grateful for the support from my wife and family, but also from the firm. This practice encourages taking part in Continuing Legal Education classes, and makes a personal investment in supporting its attorneys as we prepare for the certification courses and the exam. Moreover, Don is a gracious mentor, who is genuinely proud and encouraging of each of his attorney’s achievements, and it speaks volumes about his character and the firm he’s built.”

Patrick Baghdaserians is a Family Law Attorney who handles cases involving high-income earners. Recently, Mr. Baghdaserians was appointed by the Los Angeles County Court as a Discovery Referee in a highly contested dissolution proceeding, which involved the valuation of thousands of dollars worth of art and the alleged violation of a spouse’s fiduciary duty. After graduating from Loyola Marymount University, Mr. Baghdaserians entered Southwestern University School of Law where he received extensive courtroom experience externing for the Honorable Robert M. Takasugi, in the Federal District Court for the Central District of California. Mr. Baghdaserians was also recently selected to the 2014 California Super Lawyers Rising Stars list. Mr. Baghdaserians is fluent in Armenian and a member of the Pasadena & Beverly Hills Bar Associations.

About The Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer

The Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer is Pasadena’s premier family law firm and one of the most respected in the Los Angeles area. Their specialized attorneys are experienced in all areas of family law and estate planning, supported by today’s most advanced legal resources. Founded by a former police officer turned assistant district attorney, their responsiveness and expert team approach give their clients a favorable edge.

The firm is structured to respond rapidly and proactively. Their staff of 20 includes attorneys and legal support equipped to handle every aspect of each case with the utmost in professionalism, integrity and respect. Principled advocates who will always put their client’s best interests first, the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer offers peace of mind every step of the way.

For more information, visit www.pasadenalawoffice.com