Many people pursue a legal education, yet not all of them remain in the profession. What has kept you in law, and what continues to drive you forward?

What drives me most is my love for solving problems and the endless opportunity to learn. Even in the most familiar situations, there is always a detail that challenges you to think differently.

What I find particularly fascinating about legal practice is the opportunity to develop unconventional solutions. Time and again, my experience has shown that even in situations that seem impossible, a fresh and original perspective often proves to be the most effective one.

As for how I chose this path—well, at school I enjoyed and excelled in almost every subject except mathematics, so deciding on a career was not easy. During my final year, my family held what we jokingly called a "family council," weighed all the options, and ultimately decided that law would be the right choice for me. (Laughs.)

One important influence was my cousin, Dushman Vardanyan, who had studied at the Faculty of Law. Following in his footsteps meant a great deal to me. Interestingly enough, I later studied in the very lecture hall that bears his name.

From the very beginning, I fell in love with the law. Initially, criminal law fascinated me, and later I became more interested in civil law. At some point, however, we collectively concluded that criminal law might be a little too emotionally demanding.

Which three words best capture the essence of the legal profession?

Justice. Protection. Balance of interests.

These are the foundations without which law becomes nothing more than paperwork. When these three principles come together, law becomes an art.

What is particularly important in the work of an employment lawyer?

Employment law is considerably more formalistic than many other areas of legal practice. Much depends on whose interests you represent. Advising an employer requires one approach, while representing an employee calls for a very different one.

For employers, ensuring well-structured and properly maintained documentation is essential. With employees, however, the work is far more individualised because every person's story is different.

One thing I always try to remember is that behind every document there is a human being. No matter how standardised the process may be, you are ultimately dealing with someone who may be worried, confused, or even frightened. That perspective should never be lost.

What helps you stay composed in difficult situations?

In reality, I am a very emotional person, and I tend to take my work to heart. As much as I try not to become emotionally identified with my clients—which, incidentally, is part of a lawyer's professional ethics—I often have to pause and remind myself: "Calm down. Stay focused."

My courtroom experience has been particularly valuable in this respect. Whenever I realise that opposing counsel is trying to unsettle me, I simply tell myself, "This is your job. You are here to do your work before the court." I take a step back, collect myself, look at the situation objectively, and continue.

Perhaps the hardest moments are when the other person simply cannot understand what you are trying to explain. But that, too, is part of the profession.

If you had to explain to a five-year-old why people need rules, without using the words "work," "manager," or "salary," what would you say?

Imagine that we're all playing a game together. If nobody knows whose turn it is, what is allowed, or what isn't, everyone will start arguing, getting upset, or getting in each other's way.

But when there are rules, everyone understands how to play so that the game is fair, safe, and enjoyable.

It's the same with people. We have rules that help us understand one another, avoid hurting each other, and work together more harmoniously, making life more enjoyable and productive for everyone.

In your opinion, what are the fundamental principles that should underpin employment relationships?

The first is mutual respect. An employer and an employee are equal participants in the employment relationship—not master and servant. That is the foundation of everything. Without respect, no meaningful professional relationship can be built.

The second is transparency. The terms and expectations should be clear from the outset so that neither party faces unpleasant surprises later on. When it comes to people's work and livelihood, certainty matters.

The third is fairness. Not treating everyone identically, but ensuring that each person receives recognition and opportunities proportionate to their contribution and efforts. Fairness is perhaps the most challenging principle because everyone defines it differently. Yet without striving for it, no workplace can truly be healthy.

What changes would you like to see in the legal regulation of employment relationships? Are there any important mechanisms currently missing from the legislation?

In practice, the current legal framework often presents significant challenges for employers. While it is true that employees are generally the more vulnerable party—and that should certainly be recognised—I believe the balance in our legislation has shifted too far in one direction.

As a result, conscientious employers are frequently judged by the same standards as those who fail to act responsibly. In some cases, employers' legitimate rights are disproportionately restricted, creating substantial risks and costs for businesses.

I would like to see a more balanced legal framework—one that protects employees while also recognising and safeguarding the legitimate interests of responsible employers. After all, a healthy business environment depends on both healthy employers and healthy employees.

Another area that deserves greater attention is the introduction of more flexible mechanisms for resolving employment disputes through dialogue, negotiation, and mediation. We tend to rely too heavily on litigation, whereas many workplace disputes could be resolved more efficiently outside the courtroom if the appropriate legal institutions and professional culture were in place. This is an area where we still have considerable progress to make.

What distinguishes Concern Dialog from other law firms?

Our greatest strength lies in delivering solutions that are both fair and genuinely human.

Many firms focus primarily on the process. We focus on the outcome—but never at any cost. Our goal is to ensure that when clients leave our office, they feel relieved and reassured rather than overwhelmed by the experience.

Concern Dialog is also a place where people are encouraged to experiment, make mistakes, and propose new ideas. It is an environment that values independent thinking rather than simple compliance with instructions.

Which of Concern Dialog's corporate values resonates with you the most?

Honesty. Without honesty, no other value can truly stand.

It shapes every interaction—with clients, colleagues, and the courts alike. While integrity may sometimes come at a price in the short term, in the long run it is the only path that truly earns trust and respect.

Concern Dialog wouldn't be Concern Dialog without…

...Aram Orbelyan, Narine Beglaryan, and Arthur Hovhannisyan.

They are the people who give the firm its unique character and spirit. To me, Concern Dialog is, above all, about its people—their stories, their perspectives, and the distinctive atmosphere they have created together. It is something genuinely difficult to find elsewhere.

Shushan wouldn't be Shushan without…

...her sense of humour.

I don't believe it's possible to survive in this profession without it. Sometimes, humour is the only thing that keeps you going. If you cannot laugh at a difficult situation from time to time, it may eventually overwhelm you.

I have chosen laughter.

How do you prefer to unwind?

I love sleeping—it is probably my favourite way to recharge. I also enjoy watching films or reading a good book.

If one day a book were written about Concern Dialog, what would its title be?

I would call it: Concern Dialog: The Art of Thinking Beyond the Rules.

And if I could choose one sentence to describe my own professional journey, I would hope it would read:

"For her, the law was never merely a profession. It was a responsibility towards people—one she carried with unwavering professionalism and enduring humanity."