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After spending several years as an attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), Eliott Nazarian has begun a new career in private practice. Nazarian is now a part of the immigration team at La Liga Defensora, a law firm in Los Angeles.
Nazarian’s decision to transition from the government to private practice was motivated by his desire to work more closely with individuals and make a more direct impact on their lives. He saw immigration law as an area where he could apply his legal expertise to help people navigate the complex and often confusing U.S. immigration system.
“At the DOJ, I was dealing with cases that involved immigration issues, which were important, but I didn’t feel like I was able to help individuals in a tangible, personal way,” Nazarian said in a recent interview.
Nazarian became a DOJ attorney through the highly competitive Attorney General’s Honor Program. He graduated from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University in 2020 with the highest pro bono distinction and was the recipient of the prestigious W.P. Carey/Armstrong Prize for Achievement in Public Service for his graduating class. While in law school, Nazarian interned at both the White House and State Department, further solidifying his passion for public service.
Nazarian encourages others to pursue their passions and find work that excites them. “Law is a tedious profession, and there is no getting around that. As an attorney, it’s important to feel motivated to go to work each day. There’s no price tag on enjoying what you do for a living,” Nazarian said.
As an immigration attorney at La Liga Defensora, Nazarian has focused on representing clients in a variety of immigration cases, including asylum, deportation defense, and family-based immigration. He also handles all of La Liga Defensora’s appellate work, which includes appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Nazarian’s experience in the EOIR division of the DOJ has proven to be invaluable in his new role, as he is able to navigate the complexities of immigration law using his unique perspective on the U.S. immigration system and the courts.
“I think my background in the EOIR has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges that immigrants face, particularly when it comes to deportation and removal proceedings,” Nazarian said. “It has helped me to be a more effective advocate for my clients.”
As Nazarian continues to build his career, he remains committed to using his legal expertise to help individuals and make a positive impact in his community.
“I’ve seen firsthand the loopholes and flaws in the immigration system, and it’s frustrating to witness the unjust outcomes that can occur. That’s why I’m passionate about advocating for my clients and pushing for changes in the system to ensure fair treatment for all,” Nazarian stated.
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