Written by: WSCL Marketing Team
A Shared Beginning at Western State
When Ivy and Tigran Grigoryan first met at Western State College of Law, Orange County’s oldest law school, they were part of a close-knit class. This supportive environment, along with dedicated faculty, allowed them to lay a strong foundation for their legal careers. While they did not start dating during their time at Western State, the friendship they formed lasted after graduation and eventually led to a personal and professional relationship.
Ivy and Tigran, both graduates from the Class of 2011, fondly recalled the close bonds formed with friends at Western State. They reminisced about how they were always part of the same study groups, with some of those friendships lasting to this day. The collaborative environment at Western State fostered lasting connections, which ultimately led to the Grigoryans starting their own law firm, GBG, L.C., together. As Ivy explains, “The student interaction and being so close to each other was very memorable.”
Western State’s Close-Knit Community
Western State’s small class sizes and high bar passage rates were major draws for both Ivy and Tigran from the start. Ivy, whose father also graduated from Western State in the late 1970s, was particularly confident about her choice to attend the law school due to her family’s connection. She was impressed by the school’s strong reputation for bar preparation. “Western State has always been notorious for high bar passage rates,” Ivy says. “They really prep their students well to take the California Bar Exam.”
In addition to maintaining high academic standards, the school offered countless opportunities for students to get involved. Ivy took on roles as a colloquia fellow, research assistant, and Law Review editor, while also co-founding the International Law Students Association (ILSA) club with a classmate. Tigran’s experiences in mock trial and as a Dean’s Fellow taught him the importance of thorough preparation, skills that would ultimately prove essential for the law firm he and Ivy built together.
Influential Western State Faculty
The Grigoryans’ experience at Western State went well beyond classroom lectures; it was shaped by faculty who encouraged them to think critically, communicate effectively, and overcome challenges. For Tigran, professors like Robert Molko, who led the mock trial team, were very influential and stayed in touch after graduation. For Ivy, professors like Todd Brower and Charles Sheppard had a significant impact in shaping her legal academic journey.
Fondly remembering her time at Western State, Ivy said, “Professor Brower was just so intelligent and well-spoken.” She noted that he made constitutional law both accessible and engaging. Ivy also remembered the support she received from then-Dean Sheppard during a personal crisis in her final semester. Paraphrasing him, she said, “He basically told me, ‘You’ve gotten this far, and you’re just not going to finish? That’s not an option.’” This combination of academic rigor, mentorship, and moral support equipped her to successfully pass the bar exam and navigate the emotional and practical challenges of practicing law.
Founding a Successful Law Firm as a Couple
Today, Ivy and Tigran run their own law firm, GBG, L.C., where they serve clients and have built a respected reputation in their field. Initially, they worked on legal cases separately, but they quickly realized that by joining forces, they could create a more robust practice that combined both their expertise and vision, something they could truly call their own.
“We were both doing this for other people, so we said, ‘Let’s also do it for ourselves,’” Ivy explained. Now, twelve years later, she takes great pride in what they have achieved together. Their story truly exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that Western State brings out in its students. Many Western State alumni have gone on to successfully start their own law firms.
Advice for Future Western State Alumni: Take the Leap
For current Western State students and recent graduates looking to make their own path, Ivy offers practical advice: “Go for it. Don’t overthink it, but stay grounded.” She encourages reaching out to alumni who have taken similar paths. Emphasizing some extremely valuable points, Ivy said, “You don’t need a fancy office or huge overhead costs. With case management software, a phone, and a computer, you can start from your kitchen table. The rewards outweigh the risks.”
The Grigoryans’ willingness to share their experiences and insights exemplifies the strong sense of community that Western State instills in their students. Currently, Ivy volunteers with her son’s school mock trial team, serves on the board of the Pasadena Bar Association, and is eager to strengthen her ties with her alma mater.
Continuing the Western State Legacy
Ivy and Tigran’s story illustrates the core values that Western State College of Law strives to impart on its students: professional excellence, a collaborative spirit, and the confidence to pursue personal dreams. Their transformation from enthusiastic law students to owners of a successful law firm demonstrates just how far a Western State education can take you. “I look back at law school so fondly,” Ivy notes. “It really was one of the best times of my life, and I’m so grateful for my time at Western State.”
The Grigoryans are an upstanding example for prospective students, current scholars, and fellow alumni. They show what is possible when you get involved with the community, take advantage of opportunities, and carry the Western State spirit into your career, and your life, beyond graduation.
