Gassia Apkarian co-founded Apkarian and Zalewski in 2007. Determined to fight for the underdog, she handles each of her cases personally, meets with new clients, and represents them in every aspect of their case, from minor negotiations to jury trials.

She brings a fierce resume to the firm and courtroom. Her background consists of working with members of Congress in Washington, DC in order to provide foreign aid to the Republic of Armenia during critical years after the breakup of the Soviet Union. She has written and gotten funding in millions of US aid to assist refugees overseas, as well as children and the elderly. Having spent years educating members of the US Congress and foreign diplomats she has learned how to negotiate and to get the results she needs.

Prior to practicing law in California, she helped win the presidential campaign in the Republic of Armenia and was invited to work for the President as his advisor. As a trusted member of the president’s administration she prepared speeches for the president, and briefed him on issues concerning the perception and popularity towards him both by the people of the nation and from foreign governments.

For 7 years prior to founding the firm, Apkarian worked at the Orange County Public Defenders’ Office. There she handled cases from simple misdemeanors to three strike charges with the consequence of life sentences. During this time she gained a great deal of experience in jury trials, motions, negotiations, and gained a reputation as a feisty defender with integrity among her peers, the prosecutors and the judges.

Apkarian is an avid supporter of women’s rights. She is also member of a number of associations including the California Bar Association, OC Bar Association, CA Public Defender Association, and CA Attorneys for Criminal Justice.

Apkarian believes there is no such thing as a case without a defense, but there are many cases that no one wants to defend. She has never turned down a case due to its complexities but has taken on all challenges in an effort to win.

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Apkarian & Zalewski, APC
Criminal Defense Team

County of Orange / Orange County California

918 E. Santa Ana Blvd.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Office 714-550-0309
Fax 714-550-8003

DIRECT LINE: Philip Zalewski: 562-884-7044
DIRECT LINE:Gassia Apkarian: 949-433-2072

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