QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
Highly accomplished, intuitive, and strategic legal professional, offering solid educational foundation, extensive training, and impeccable business and political acumen acquired through direct exposure in various Middle East countries, including Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Equipped with distinguished career in national security, counter-terrorism, rule of law, political affairs, governance, law, capacity building, transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption; proficient in project design and development, program evaluations, strategic planning and analysis, and performance metrics. Currently hold DOS Secret Security Clearance.
Keen understanding of strategic issues impacting Middle East and U.S. relationship with allies in the region
Knowledgeable in business, political, economic, and international government affairs
Proven ability to present complex strategies and information to both peers and senior level management
w Adept at directing and integrating projects into the broader goals of an organization without confliction, while attaining and ensuring total client satisfaction.
w Successfully manage projects, ensuring that they are implemented safely, on time, within budget and to a high standard.
w Powered with demonstrated mastery in rule of law; skilled at formulating innovative solutions and strategies toward achievement of U. S. Governments national security and justice sector foreign policy goals, with outstanding ability to minimize corruption, reform host government institutions, and improve workforce performance.
w Leveraged geopolitical knowledge and marshaled analytical skills to conduct country analysis to understand the subjective impacts of culture, language, history, religion, politics, and other factors in order to assess data and produce timely, professional reports, written in English.
w Highly capable of supervising and coordinating all local and expatriate as well as legal and non-legal staff in the execution of political and rule of law programs across the world.
w Articulate communicator and negotiator, expert at communicating clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; effective at listening and dealing accordingly with individuals from all backgrounds and cultures. Fluent in English, Arabic, Armenian, and French, with working knowledge of Turkish language.
EDUCATION
Boston University, School of Law, Boston, MA 02215
MASTER OF LAWS (LL.M), WITH SPECIALIZATION IN TAX LAW
Northeastern University, School of Law, Boston, MA 02115
DOCTOR OF JURISPRUDENCE (JD)
Northeastern University, Graduate School of Criminal Justice, Boston, MA 02115
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 and Boston, MA 02125
BACHELOR OF ARTS, DOUBLE MAJORS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE AND FRENCH STUDIES
BAR MEMBERSHIPS
Massachusetts Bar | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
United States Institute of Peace, Washington, DC 20037
Conflict Analysis Certification (2012)
Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Washington, DC 20520
PAE/CIVPOL Afghanistan Training Program (2012)
U.S. Department of State, Foreign Service Institute, Washington, DC 20520
Stability Operations Division Pre-deployment Training (2008)
Iraq Provincial Reconstruction Team Orientation Cyber Security Awareness
Foreign Affairs Counter Threat Course FACT Area Studies - Iraq
PUBLIC SECTOR CONSULTANCY EXPERIENCE
WIKISTRAT
10 G STREET NE
SUITE #710
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20002
CONTRIBUTING GEOSTRATEGIC ANALYST, NOV 2013 PRESENT
MIDDLE EAST AND INTERNATIONAL CRIMES DESKS
"PARTICIPATE IN REAL TIME ANALYSIS OF GEOPOLITICAL AND ECONOMIC FORCES THROUGH LIVE MULTI-PLAYER SIMULATIONS.
"CUSTOMIZE COMMERCIAL AND POLITICAL FORECASTING MODELS TO MEET SPECIFIC CORPORATE OR GOVERNMENT NEEDS.
"PROVIDE TAILOR-MADE RISK MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC PLANNING SOLUTIONS.
"PROVIDE TRAINING FOCUSED ON TEACHING EXECUTIVES AND STAFF HOW TO THINK STRATEGICALLY ABOUT THE GLOBAL FORCES SHAPING THE FUTURE AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR COMPANY AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
PAE GOVERNMENT SERVICES, 1320 NORTH COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 800, ARLINGTON, VA 22201
DEPLOYED TO KABUL, AFGHANISTAN
Justice Advisor, Jul 2012Feb 2013
Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
AFGHANISTAN JUSTICE SECTOR SUPPORT PROGRAM (JSSP)
" Rendered hands-on management and assistance to Afghan judiciary system members in enhancing the profession of trial and appellate judges.
" Displayed strong leadership capabilities in training the trainers while conducting legal education, training programs, and advisory services to those individuals in the primary justice institutions, such as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Afghan National Police (ANP); along with prosecutors working with the Attorney Generals Office (AGO), criminal defense attorneys, and judges handling criminal matters.
" Enhanced the capacity of the Afghan legal community to deliver education and training through existing legal institutions in cooperation with local stakeholders.
" Performed detailed follow-up with a Quick Impact Project (QIP), in which an assessment was executed on the critical needs of the local justice sector.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS:
w Earned recognition as major contributor to the successful organizational transformation by utilizing modernization techniques and change management processes to the Afghan legal system with full acknowledgement of the centrality of Islamic Law (Sharia) to the Afghan Constitution.
w Took part in pioneering and establishing an effective and efficient justice system through development of the ability of Afghan justice professionals.
w Spearheaded efforts in delivering advisory and systemic reform services to significant justice sector professionals within the Afghan government.
w Discussed and successfully resolved issues and problems for the local justice system by organizing provincial conferences where justice sector officials from the entire province are invited to meet with national justice officials of the Supreme Court, the Attorney Generals Office, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Justice.
UNITED STATES EMBASSY, AL-KINDI STREET, INTERNATIONAL ZONE, BAGHDAD, IRAQ
TORRES AES, 2755 HARTLAND ROAD #300, FALLS CHURCH, VA 22043
Senior Legislative Strengthening Political Advisor, April 2009Sep 2009
" Served as senior subject matter expert in the Office of Constitutional and Legislative Affairs of the U.S. Embassy Political Section; assumed full accountability in mentoring and coaching high-ranking officials of the Iraqi government.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS:
w Expanded knowledge of chief legal advisors of the President of the Republic and Council of Ministers Secretariat in formalizing and revising procedures and change management processes through direct training and assistance.
w Ensured consistent compliance with the Islamic law component of the Iraqi legal system in administering organizational transformation.
w Guaranteed seamless execution and stewardship of the U.S. missions overall national capacity development objectives in legal, legislative, and statecraft efforts as well as promotion of vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
w Developed capacity and systemized the political principles of checks and balances for a more equitable distribution of power between national branches of government, their provincial counterparts, and the regional government of Kurdistan by writing and implementing policy and legislation in support of the ongoing federalization of Iraq.
w Contributed to the design of a political program to support ministerial familiarity and understanding of federalist models and issues.
w Took part in researching and resolving anti-corruption issues in Iraq by overseeing and directing efforts of the University of Utah, a grantee to design and present series of roundtables.
w Worked closely and formed strategic alliances with the U.S. government (USG), inter-agency, UNDP, donor and Government of Iraq (GOI) stakeholders.
w Promoted efficient organizational processes and systems within GOIs executive and legislative branches through a wide variety of research, coordination, planning, and organizational support efforts as a part of the U.S. policy.
w Partnered with Iraqs Commission on Integrity and the State Shura Council in observing and assessing anti-corruption legislation; recommended necessary revision and amendment of the legislation for compatibility with the constitution and for transparency; as well as validated procedures and processes for investigation and prosecution of anti-corruption cases.
w Facilitated training and informed GOI lawmakers regarding substantive legal and policy issues as well as legislative process management and legislative drafting, research, and analysis.
w Significantly optimized GOI law-making by forming effective organizational structures, systems, and processes; presided over detailed analysis and identification of priorities for improvement of current legislative processes that negatively impacted the legislative stream.
DIRECT HIRE 3161 DOS EMPLOYEE, IRAQ TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE OFFICE - U.S MARINES BASE, CAMP RAMADI, ANBAR PROVINCE, IRAQ
Rule of Law Section Head, Nov 2008 Apr 2009
" Provided direct supervision and assistance to the Anbar Province Rule of Law Team composed of U.S. civilian federal legal advisors, assistant U.S. attorneys and U.S. Marine Corps rule of law staff judge advocates at the ranks of colonel and lieutenant colonel, encompassing three other sub-provincial embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team rule of law units.
" Expertly managed capacity development of the criminal justice system, reduction of police violence and corruption, as well as judicial corruption and prisoner abuse.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS:
w Established a reputation for continuously handling increasing responsibilities by earning fast-track promotion from senior law advisor to rule of law team leader.
w Exemplified key talent in administering, coordinating, and executing all Anbar Province rule of law projects and initiatives, encompassing:
o Preparation and development of felony and terrorism case management system.
o Optimization of case flow through the courts by closely monitoring input and output of criminal cases.
o Enhancement of public awareness of legal rights through successful development and launch of TV lawyer talk show.
o Introduction of the first-ever 80 TV anti-corruption and human rights public awareness mini-series program for universal consumption; then subsequently adopted as a national model for replication across Iraq. Closely monitored the construction project of a $25M state-of-the-art Judicial Complex.
o Collaboration with marine commanders in handling level and magnitude of insurgent and terrorist activities, particularly in the notorious region of Fallujah; identified the latters impact, influence, and penetration of criminal justice institutions.
o Presentation of a culture of transparency and accountability, thus successfully defeating corruption and abuse of power in the government while promoting the rule of law throughout the criminal justice system.
Senior Rule of Law Advisor, Mar 2008Nov 2008
IRAQ TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE OFFICE
" Utilized substantial experience and adeptness in international legal and judicial systems in providing advice and guidance to develop goals and objectives for the rule of law component of the Provincial Reconstruction Team program.
" Applied comprehensive knowledge of rule of law concepts and practices in developing rule of law in conflict and post-conflict environments; as well as in delivering expert advice and technical assistance in the creation, implementation, documentation, and reporting of law programs and initiatives.
" Exemplified solid understanding of USG capacity building goals, objectives, plans, and priorities in Iraq, especially in the legal and judicial systems reform areas; promoted independent, fair, open, and equitable legal and judicial systems throughout Iraq by planning and providing advice in the implementation of capacity building and training programs.
" Showcased in-depth familiarity with local political and governmental structures in Iraq in relation to the rule of law objectives to the specific capacities and needs at the provincial and central government levels in Iraq.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS:
w Upheld national security and rule of law initiatives by forming key partnerships with the Provincial Chief Justice and Provincial Director of Police accountable for a force of 30,000 officers and Directors General of the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of the Interior.
w Achieved mission requirements by establishing and cultivating internal coalitions with representatives of the United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI), international police advisors (IPA), law enforcement professionals (LEPs) of the US military, Police Training teams (PTT), staff judge advocates (SJA), DOS, as well as DOJ rule of law advisors and coordinators.
w Applied strategic insights in creating and implementing new initiatives through extensive review of existing programs and institutions.
w Provided key contribution in the significant reduction of corruption and terrorist influence in legal and governmental institutions.
w Directed and oversaw Iraqi police stations for terrorist and tribal penetration in collaboration with international police advisors (IPA); designed innovative programs for police and its leadership training in due process and respect for civil and human rights and curtail rampant and pervasive abuse of power and criminal activity among its ranks.
w Fulfilled an instrumental role in the establishment of judicial independence through mentoring, training, and counseling initiatives.
w Employed superior interpersonal skills in developing strong, non-politicized, and province-wide professional legal associations.
w Enhanced substantive knowledge and organizational skills of legal professionals by partnering with law schools and government institutions.
w Capitalized on industry expertise in drafting rule of law organizational plan as well as in designing Iraqi-led public education and media campaigns focusing on the legal process, due process, and human rights in the Iraqi legal system; promoted the creation of codes of ethics in Anbar Province.
w Ensured accuracy and completeness in preparing periodic reports, memoranda, cables, and/or other documents as necessary.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
PRESIDENTIAL PALACE, COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS, BAGHDAD, IRAQ
Ministry of Justice/Linguist Supervisor, Assistant to the U.S. Senior Advisor & Acting Coalition Provisional Authority Minister of Justice, Iraq, Mar 2003Aug 2003
" Played a pivotal role as key member of an elite team of J2 Joint Staff Intelligence professionals contracted to join U.S. DoD teams in restoring law and order in Iraq.
" Overcome roadblocks to success, such as language, cultural diversity, religious philosophies/practices, national, sectarian and tribal allegiance, political orientation, indigenous values, conflicting agendas and personalities, and reluctance to change; resulting in the achievement of the Ministry of Justices mission of instituting the rule of law in Iraq.
" Worked with and rendered exemplary assistance to the Honorable Judge Donald F. Campbell, major general USA (then the acting Minister of Justice in Iraq), and senior advisor to the Coalition Provisional Authority.
" Supervised the Arabic to English translation as well as data exploitation of large volumes of Iraqi laws, legal documents, sensitive decision support information, and highly secret Baathist documents captured and delivered to Department of Justice.
" Orchestrated and summarized preliminary plans for the provision of ongoing bilingual legal assistance to other Iraqi ministries and Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) agencies.
" Led, trained, and assigned teams of translators and Iraqi lawyers to individual U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (US DOJ OPDAT) teams of assessors to be deployed across various parts of Iraq.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS:
w Contributed to the establishment of the rule of law; exercised sound judgment in addressing key issues as well as in analyzing and revising the Iraqi Penal Code of 1969 as modified by CPA Order No. 7 and the Iraqi Criminal Procedure Code of 1971 as modified by CPA Memorandum No. 3.
w Engaged in the U.S. Department of Justice OPDAT investigation in Northern Iraq and Kurdistan; administered comprehensive evaluation of judicial and law enforcement organizations and personnel throughout Kurdistan.
w Successfully garnered Excellence awards for:
o Providing advisory and training services on matters related to cultural and religious diversity, law enforcement tactics, and situational behavior by law enforcement personnel in foreign country and wartime situation (504th U.S. Military Police Battalion, Dragon Fighters, Baghdad, Iraq).
o Delivering oral presentation of Iraqi/Islamic political, cultural, and religious perspectives to a large military and civilian intelligence audience at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts.
PRIVATE LAW PRACTICE EXPERIENCE
LAW OFFICES OF ARA JOSEPH SARIAN
268 SUMMER STREET, BOSTON, 30 CHURCH STREET, BELMONT, AND 45 GROVE STREET, LEXINGTON, MA, USA
Chief Executive Officer / Attorney and Counselor at Law, Pre- 2008
" Successfully established and managed a law firm specializing in criminal and civil tax compliance and defense, tort and general litigation matters, as well as business and contract law.
" Proficiently administered tax fraud and evasion defense as well as unfair and deceptive business practices.
" Directed and coordinated the overall legal business development; daily office operations; budget planning and allocation; monthly financial statement analysis; and sound decision-making on all related business and financial matters for the firm.
" Served as lead representative of the firm to businesses and legal communities; maximized client base by developing and strengthening relationships with various individuals.
" Regularly attended hearings and trials promoting clients rights under the law. Checked and thoroughly reviewed records, such as pleadings and transcription of testimony; assessed facts and identified questions of law in preparation for trial.
" Ensured high degree of confidentiality, quality, and accuracy in drafting complicated documents, such as pleadings, briefs, motions and legal memoranda.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS:
w Utilized sound judgment and analytical thinking in handling more than 2500 cases, including complex and personal cases of private companies and high-profile clients.
w Expertly led the investigation, litigation, and negotiation of civil cases and breaches of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, as well as unfair and deceptive business practices.
w Identified the nature and scope of problems for resolution through comprehensive probing, analysis, and investigation of largely undefined issues and elements.
w Presided over and won civil and criminal defense and negotiation of financial crimes, involving individual and corporate income tax, corporate payroll withholding tax, and sales tax fraud issues at courts and U.S. Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service administrative hearings.
AWARDS AND HONORS
Expeditionary Service Award, United States Department of State
For successful service and contributions to reconstruction, stability, and peace in arduous and difficult field locations
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review BV Distinguished Lawyer Award
A very high rating earned through a strenuous peer review rating process that is managed and monitored by the worlds most trusted legal resource: Martindale-Hubbell®
Participation in the following national security leadership programs:
Center for National Security Law, 18th National Security Law Institute, 2010
University of Virginia School of Law, Charlottesville, VA
National Security Law Certification
Senior Executive Seminar, 2010
National Defense University, Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies, Washington, DC
National Security Affairs Certification
Engaged in 12 day dialogue with 36 ambassadors and military generals from 26 Islamic nations on a daily full-time basis
TECHNICAL ACUMEN
Windows 98 / ME / 2000 / XP / Vista Microsoft WordPerfect Internet Explorer
Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint Major Computer Systems
Information Systems Spreadsheet Applications Graphic and Presentation Applications
Word Processing Applications |
