Lia Shirvanian ’27 is omnipresent at LMU Loyola Law School, where she serves as a Student Ambassador, giving campus tours to prospective students; is a Jury of Peers student blog correspondent; is the academic support chair of the student group Legal Education Access and Development; was the first-year representative to the Real Estate Society; and is a member of the Business Law Society and Armenian Law Student Association. She is spending her summer at premier plaintiffs’ firm Kabateck LLP, which was founded by alumnus Brian Kabateck ’89, a chair of the LLS Board of Directors and a member of the LMU Board of Trustees.
How did you land your summer job?
I landed my summer position at Kabateck LLP through a combination of networking, persistence, and the support of Loyola’s Career Development Office. Throughout the year, I attended firm receptions and career panels, and Kabateck stood out to me due to the firm’s commitment to impact litigation and client advocacy. After submitting my application, I reached out to a Loyola alum who is a senior associate at the firm. He was incredibly generous with his time and offered valuable insight into the firm’s culture, expectations and the type of work I could anticipate. His perspective helped me feel more confident in the process. A few weeks later, I was invited to interview and was thrilled to be offered the position shortly afterward.
In addition to my clerkship, I also accepted a role as a research assistant to Professor Theodore Seto. I had expressed interest in working with him during the spring semester, and when the opportunity arose to assist with his upcoming publication on the Rule Against Perpetuities, a legal doctrine restricting future interests, I was excited to contribute. Our conversations about the project confirmed that it would be a great fit for both my research skills and my interest in legal theory.
What is the most interesting part of your job?
The most interesting part of my job has been seeing how a mass tort case unfolds from the inside. Working on a case involving dozens of plaintiffs and multiple defendants has shown me just how intricate and strategic large-scale litigation can be. From reviewing insurance claim records to organizing discovery materials and assisting with internal case updates, I’ve gained insight into how a firm builds a case at scale while still focusing on each client’s individual story. It’s been fascinating to see how the legal team collaborates across departments and how much work goes into ensuring that every client’s voice is represented. It has been both eye-opening and motivating to be part of a team working toward justice for so many people.
On the research side, one of the most engaging aspects has been diving deep into the complexities of the Rule Against Perpetuities. Understanding how it continues to influence property law today has helped me appreciate how legal doctrine evolves and interacts with modern issues. Working closely with Professor Seto has sharpened my analytical skills and deepened my appreciation for academic legal writing.
What has been your most challenging assignment thus far?
The most challenging assignment has been gathering all the necessary documents for discovery in the mass tort case I’m working on. Since the incident occurred more than two years ago, many clients understandably have trouble recalling specific details or locating important records. Coordinating with dozens of clients, following up on missing materials, and piecing together timelines has required a great deal of patience, organization, and clear communication. This experience has taught me how important it is to build trust with clients and to approach each interaction with empathy, especially when they are being asked to revisit something difficult that happened years ago.
What new legal skill have you acquired during your summer job?
This summer, I learned how to draft legal documents such as declarations and letters of representation, which strengthened both my writing and attention to detail. I also had the opportunity to expand my ability to manage high-pressure tasks, especially while juggling multiple deadlines. One of the most rewarding aspects has been developing stronger communication skills when speaking with clients—whether gathering information, clarifying details for discovery, or simply ensuring they felt heard. These experiences have helped me grow more confident in my legal abilities and in handling real-world responsibilities.
As a research assistant, I’ve primarily been responsible for citation formatting and source verification for Professor Seto’s upcoming article. This role has sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my familiarity with Bluebook citation rules. In the process, I’ve also had the chance to engage with complex legal materials—reviewing case law, secondary sources, and statutory authority to ensure accuracy and consistency throughout the article. It’s been a valuable opportunity to refine my legal reasoning and to see how scholarly writing is constructed at a high level.
What bit of legal knowledge have you been able to display?
This summer, I’ve had the opportunity to apply much of what I learned in Civil Procedure, thanks to Professor Simona Grossi. Her clear breakdown of litigation timelines gave me the tools to navigate case schedules with greater confidence. Whether I’m managing client follow-ups for outstanding discovery documents or reviewing the next steps in the discovery process, I feel better equipped to contribute meaningfully because I understand the underlying rules and their significance. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how classroom learning translates into real-world practice.
Working with Professor Seto has also allowed me to revisit property law concepts I learned during my first year and examine them more critically. Contributing to a scholarly piece has deepened my understanding of how foundational doctrines continue to shape modern law.
How has Loyola helped you map your career path?
Loyola has provided me with countless opportunities to explore different areas of law. Through career panels, externship events, and conversations with professors and counselors, I’ve been able to clarify my professional interests. Serving as a Business Law Fellow also gave me exposure to the transactional side of practice, which ultimately helped confirm my passion for litigation and advocacy. I’m especially grateful for the guidance I’ve received from faculty who take a genuine interest in helping students find their path—even when that involves exploration and recalibration along the way.
How did LLS alumni engagement play a role in your job search/obtaining your summer job?
Loyola alumni played a key role in helping me land my summer position and feel prepared going into it. As previously mentioned, I spoke with a Loyola alum who is a senior associate at Kabateck, and he offered valuable insight into the firm’s culture, the type of work I could expect, and what contributes to success within the firm’s environment. He emphasized that while no one expects you to know everything at the start, showing initiative, being proactive, and maintaining a willingness to learn go a long way. I also connected with other Loyola alumni currently practicing litigation at various firms. They were incredibly generous with their time, sharing their own paths and offering honest perspectives on the challenges and rewards of being a litigator. Those conversations helped solidify my interest in litigation and gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities that align with my long-term goals.