Michael Harutunian
Alexander Cohen, founding partner of ACTS Law, and Michael Harutunian, associate attorney, recently appeared in a live interview featured on the USArmenia Television (USATV) network. Established in 2008, USATV is the largest Armenian TV networkin the United States. It owns and operates station KIIO Channel 10 in the Los Angeles area.The interview explored the mission and founding of ACTS Law as well as topics of great interest to viewers, including the effects on COVID-19 on local businesses and property damage sustained by fires and other calamities. In describing the formation of ACTS Law, Mr. Cohen emphasized a shared vision to create a multi-diverse firm. This includes not only offering legal services in a broad array of specific practice areas, but also building a team focused on helping diverse clients and underserved communities. Mr. Cohen also noted that about half of the firm’s efforts are devoted to handling residential and commercial property damage claims that arise from catastrophic events, including earthquakes, fires, vandalism, and water damage. Many insurance policyholders are unaware that they can reach out to a lawyer to help them navigate the claims process.
“We want to bring awareness that there are lawyers in this field that can bring this process along,” said Mr. Cohen. “Sadly, some insurance companies get away with paying less than the policyholder deserves. We want to balance the equation and bring fairness and reasonability into this area for underrepresented, diverse communities.”Mr. Harutunian, who speaks Russian and Armenian, went on to explain how the team at ACTS Law speaks different languages on multiple levels. There is the language of the client, which may be English or a different language, and the language of insurance law. “Our firm has mastered the language of property insurance,” said Mr. Harutunian. “It takes skill to craft cases in order to obtain full coverage. Insurance companies will flood you with paper and pressure. You must fight a good fight for clients in order to get the best results.” When asked by the interviewer why clients need a lawyer for a property insurance claim, Mr. Harutunian explained the di culty of navigating the insurance process. “When you are involved in a fire that destroys your house, normalcy is also destroyed. It is draining both physically and emotionally. Under duress, you may report something that is inaccurate, giving the insurance company a reason to deny your claim right away. We have seen this happen.” An experienced attorney who is fluent in insurance law can ensure that all information is reported correctly and all paperwork filed properly to obtain the best possible outcome. A highlight of the interview was Mr. Cohen’s response to the question, “Is it di cult to gain a client’s trust?” Mr. Cohen replied, “Trust is everything. Our firm is built on a platform of honesty, integrity, and trust. Trust is the very reason that our clients refer us to someone else again and again. Trust is the key element in every attorney-client relationship at ACTS Law.