Astina Shakilyan

Attorney

Astina Shakilyan is an attorney passionate about using her education and platform to “guide those in a vulnerable position through the complex and sometimes overwhelming legal system.”

The daughter of immigrants and a first-generation Armenian-American, she is the first person in her family to graduate from university. Her life experiences of seeing the unfair treatment of her parents and her community pushed her towards a career in law, where she could be a champion for their rights. In doing so, she became the first attorney in her family as well.

“There is something truly special about giving back to those in your community who are underprivileged and less fortunate than you are. I am very passionate about making sure that clients know their rights and standing up for those rights,” Astina shared. “I take immense pride in advocating for those who are in vulnerable positions and making sure they know I will be there at every step of the way.”

The Van Nuys native attended UC Irvine for her undergraduate studies and received a degree in Philosophy. She graduated from Southwestern Law School in May of 2021 and did so with honors. While there, Astina was consistently recognized for being among the first in her class. She received her Juris Doctor in May of 2021 and passed the California Bar in November of the same year. Astina is licensed and admitted to practice before all California state courts.

Before joining the attorney team at Adamson Ahdoot, Astina worked as a public defender at the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. During her time there, she shared that she “thoroughly enjoyed fighting for my clients’ rights, whether it was at arraignment, motion hearings, or jury trials.”

When she isn’t working to improve the lives of her clients, Astina loves to entertain. She can usually be found hosting friends and loved ones for family game nights and gatherings. She also enjoys farmer’s markets and baking sourdough bread.

AT ADAMSON AHDOOT SINCE:

• September 2024

AWARDS AND HONORS:

• Magna Cum Laude, Southwestern Law School – Los Angeles, CA
• Dean’s Fellow, Southwestern Law School – Los Angeles, CA
• Public Service Distinction, Southwestern Law School – Los Angeles, CA
• Vice President, Armenian Law Students Association- Los Angeles, CA
• Co-Vice President, Teen Court – Los Angeles, CA
• Public Interest Law Committee Grant Recipient (2019, 2020) – Southwestern Law School – Los Angeles, CA

INTERNSHIPS/EXTERNSHIPS:

• Office of the Public Defender – Certified Law Clerk – Los Angeles, Ca
• Office of the Public Defender – Law Clerk – Los Angeles, Ca
• Student-Teacher, Street Law Clinic – Los Angeles, CA
• The Law Office of Alexandra Kazarian – Legal Intern – Los Angeles, CA

OTHER LANGUAGES SPOKEN:

• Armenian

PUBLICATIONS:

• International Trash Pick-up: The Need for a Neutral Orbital Debris Removal Organization – Southwestern Journal of International Law