Law Office of Donald P. Schweitzer Announces Attorneys Selected for Super Lawyers-Rising Stars Edition 2014

The Law Office of Donald P. Schweitzer, Pasadena’s premier family law firm, announced today that three of its attorneys—Partner & Certified Family Law Specialist, Kayla Horacek; and associate attorneys Patrick Baghdaserians and Nitasha Khanna—have been selected to the 2014 California Super Lawyers Rising Stars list.

Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive the Rising Star honor, which is designated for attorneys who have been practicing 10 years or less. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.

“I’ve always believed that to become great at what you do requires constant growth, and the inclusion of Kayla, Patrick and Nitasha to the Super Lawyers Rising Star list is a testament to the hard work each of them has put in through the years, and I’m really pleased to see each of them recognized for their achievements,” said Don Schweitzer, Founder, Partner and Certified Family Law Specialist, Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer.

“I have an eye out for attorneys who are dynamic, knowledgeable professionals, eager to make the strides at becoming exceptional trial lawyers,” Don continued. “Part of our firm’s philosophy is to encourage continued education, professional growth and involvement in the community, and to push our attorneys to receive specialized certifications. I’ve seen the progression in Kayla, Patrick and Nitasha, and as you can imagine, I’m an extremely proud to have them included in the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list.”

Kayla Horacek, Partner, Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer is a Certified Family Law specialist and accredited Minor’s Counsel. In addition to her certification as a Family Law Specialist, Ms. Horacek was formerly a behavioral technician for children with autism—a combination that provides her with a deeper understanding for legal issues involving a special needs child. She completed her legal studies at Southwestern University School of Law, and received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Santa Clara University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Her community work includes representing pro bono clients through the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law, located in Los Angeles. She is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the Pasadena Bar Association.

Patrick Baghdaserians is a Family Law Attorney who handles cases involving extraordinary high-income earners. Recently, Mr. Baghdaserians was appointed by the Los Angeles County Court as a Discovery Referee in a highly contested dissolution proceeding, which involved the valuation of thousands of dollars worth of art and the alleged violation of a spouse’s fiduciary duty. After graduating from Loyola Marymount University in 2004, Mr. Baghdaserians entered Southwestern University School of Law where he received extensive courtroom experience externing for the Honorable Robert M. Takasugi, in the Federal District Court for the Central District of California. Mr. Baghdaserians is fluent in Armenian and a proud member of the Pasadena & Beverly Hills Bar Associations.

Nitasha Khanna, also a Family Law Attorney completed her legal studies at Southwestern University School of Law, where she was recognized as Second Place Writer and Finalist Oralist in the 2008 Intramural Moot Court Competition. Her performance in the Intramural competition secured her membership in the Moot Court Honors Program, which provided her the opportunity to compete in two National Moot Court Competitions. While at Southwestern, Ms. Khanna externed in the Major Fraud Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and the Tax Division of the United States Department of Justice. During her last year, she became a Staff Member of the Southwestern Journal of International Law, where she received a Bluebook Award. She also received a CALI award for excellence in Advanced Legal Writing and graduated in the top 20 percent of her class in May of 2010. Previous to Southwestern University, Ms. Khanna attended the University of California, Los Angeles, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in June 2004.

The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. Super Lawyers Magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of law.

For more information about Super Lawyers, visit SuperLawyers.com

About The Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer

The Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer is Pasadena’s premier family law firm and one of the most respected in the Los Angeles area. Their specialized attorneys are experienced in all areas of family law and estate planning, supported by today’s most advanced legal resources. Founded by a former police officer turned assistant district attorney, their responsiveness and expert team approach give their clients a favorable edge.

The firm is structured to respond rapidly and proactively. Their staff of 20 includes attorneys and legal support equipped to handle every aspect of each case with the utmost in professionalism, integrity and respect. Principled advocates who will always put their client’s best interests first, the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer offers peace of mind every step of the way.

For more information, visit www.pasadenalawoffice.com