Qualifications Profile

Professional with over thirty (30) years of experience in a variety of capacities that include identifying barriers, developing solutions, delivering results and executing the vision to solve agency problems, and improve overall performance.

Responsible for researching, developing, and implementing counterterrorism and related preventative programs, including Middle East regional issues, and political/military analysis.

Recognized for skills as an outstanding Senior Strategic Analyst and Technical Advisor, Legal Counsel, and SME in conducting investigative research and analysis to identify priorities, opportunities, gaps, and interdependencies to link resources to strategy to develop Policy and build the Capacity of vulnerable U.S. partner-nation Justice and Security Sector Institutions for the ultimate goal of providing stability and human security.

Results-oriented with a unique combination of analysis, and program management skills. Proven track record for assisting in programs, process and requirements documents, fostering strong client relationships and quickly learning complex systems.

Respected for integrity, professionalism, leadership, and strong interpersonal/team building skills.

FIELD WORK: Conflict zones of Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan, and Afghanistan

SOLID COMMAND: of complex national and international security issues and in-depth knowledge of terrorism ideology through research and study and field work experience in Iraq and Afghanistan

FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE OF MIDDLE EAST: spent 6 years in Lebanon; 3 years in Syria; and 7 years in Egypt/North Africa; government assignment related conferences in Jordan; first hand knowledge of Iran; deep knowledge of Turkish regional and international politics.

LINGUISTIC ABILITIES: Fluent in languages including English, Arabic, Armenian, and French with working knowledge of Turkish, basic+ Spanish

Adept at directing and integrating projects into the broader goals of an organization without confliction, while attaining and ensuring total client satisfaction.

Astute provider of informed, impartial and balanced analysis to enhance the quality of decisions made at senior levels.

Skilled at formulating innovative solutions and strategies toward achievement of U. S. Government’s Justice Sector foreign policy goals, with outstanding ability to minimize corruption, reform host government criminal justice institutions, and improve workforce performance.

Highly capable of supervising and coordinating all local and expatriate as well as legal and non-legal staff in the execution of justice programs across the world.

Articulate communicator and negotiator, expert at communicating clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; effective at listening and dealing accordingly with individuals from all backgrounds and cultures.

Education

Boston University, School of Law, Boston, MA 02215

Master of Laws (LL.M), with Specialization in Tax Law

Graduated with Average 82.2/100 (No GPA) (1985)

Northeastern University, School of Law, Boston, MA 02115

Juris Doctorate, (1983) School has no GPAs

Northeastern University, Graduate School of Criminal Justice, Boston, MA 02115

Master of Science in Criminal Justice, GPA: 3.684 (1977)

Graduate Thesis: International Terrorism

University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 and Boston, MA 02125

Bachelor of Arts, Double Majors in Political Science and French Studies, GPA: 3.31 (1973)

Graduated with Honors

Bar Memberships

Commonwealth of Massachusetts and U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Professional Development

Foreign Service Institute, Washington, DC March 1 - 28, 2008

CERTIFICATES IN STABILITY OPERATIONS

Iraq Province Reconstruction Team Orientation Cyber Security Awareness Foreign Affairs Counter Threat Course FACT Area Studies – Iraq BSR Special Security and Antiterrorist Driving Course

University of Virginia School of Law, Charlottesville, VA (in residence) May 30-June 11, 2010

Center for National Security Law

ADVANCED TRAINING IN NATIONAL SECURITY LAW

Certificate: National Security Law

National Defense University, Washington, DC (in residence) March 29 – April 9, 2010

Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies

Engaged in dialogue with 36 Ambassadors and military Generals from 26 Islamic nations on a daily full-time basis.

Certificate: International Security Affairs for Senior Executives

United States Institute of Peace, Washington, DC March 2012

Certificate in Conflict Analysis

International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau July 19 - 26, 2012

PAE/CIVPOL Afghanistan training program, Dulles, VA

Risk Management, McAfee Institute August 2019

Intelligence Training Center (ITC), Paladin 7 - March 12 - 28, 2021

ALL-SOURCE ANALYST: certification in intelligence analysis training and war game simulation DEVELOPED SKILLS IN: ● The Intelligence Cycle ● Hypotheses Table ● Spatiotemporal Analysis ● Structured Analytic Techniques ● Intelligence Writing & Briefing ● Bottom Line Upfront (BLUF) Writing and Briefing ● Schema Creation ● Analysis of Structured Data ● Operational Analysis ● Order of Battle ● Introduction to All Source, HUMINT, IMINT, SIGINT

Professional Consultancy Experience

06/01/2015 To PRESENT

Hours per Week: 40

ADVISOR & RESEARCH ANALYST, CURRENT & EMERGING THREATS

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANCY IN U.S. NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS

&

LAW OFFICE OF ARA JOSEPH SARIAN

1 Myers LN, N. Billerica, MA 01862 United States

Contribute and develop knowledge on global risks and international security and development affairs through research and detailed studies.

Assess the relevancy and implications of global social, political, economic, geographic, and military issues, developments, and events affecting the formulation and execution of U.S. foreign policy. Disseminate information on important topics through drafting of critical analysis papers to help institutions.

Identify, assess and manage gaps, risks and uncertainties, affected by internal and external events or scenarios, that could inhibit an organization’s ability to achieve its strategy and strategic objectives with the ultimate goal of creating and protecting shareholder and stakeholder value.

Concurrently practice as legal counsel in private sector. Conduct Administrative & Business Operations of own law firm.

07/01/2014 To 05/05/2015

Hours per Week: 48

SENIOR JURIST EXPERT

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Employer: GFA Consulting Group GmbH, EULENKRUGSTRASSE 82, 22345 HAMBURG, GERMANY

Deployed to IRAQ

Delivered consulting services to Iraqi Government on behalf of EU Commission.

In charge of managing the legal and policy components of the program to "strengthen the efficiency & credibility of Iraq's criminal justice system and enhancing the rule of law."

Engaged top decision-makers to provide Technical Assistance for strategic policy planning and implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) priorities.

Worked with key officials of the Ministry of Interior, National Security Council, Ministry of Justice and its Shura Council, Higher Judicial Council and Ministry of Planning & Development to:

·Ensure Iraqi justice, counterterrorism and intelligence authorities have improved capacity in policy planning and coordination, law enforcement & revision strengthening compliance with internal & international commitments.

·Support MOJ, MOI, HJC and NSC in setting policy objectives and designing measurable time-bound action plans

·Support and develop capacity of Prime Minister’s Offices of Intelligence and Counterterrorism

Service in strategic planning, technical & administrative capacities, information systems,

electronic archiving and legislative drafting.

·Organize trilateral conflict resolution committee and act as mediator between Higher Judicial

Council and Ministry of Interior, police leadership to resolve a crippling impasse preventing

proper investigations of felony and terrorist cases.

·Provide technical assistance and mentoring to investigative branch of Central Criminal Court of

Iraq (Terrorism Court) – work with Head Justice to develop capacity of the court to combat

terrorism, money laundering & terrorist cyber-recruitment.

·Review draft legislation to create and organization a Directorate of Federal Investigations in the

Image of the FBI.

Participate in team conference with Iraq’s Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) leadership cadre.

notable achievements:

Reviewed the policy framework, the National Action Plan and other relevant national and international commitments and identified gaps in implementation capacity.

Provided Technical Assistance to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), including the Shura Council for policy planning and implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) priorities.

Provided technical assistance and mentoring to Investigative Judges, Judicial Investigators, and prosecutors to develop capacity in terrorist and major felony investigations.

As the sole legal expert of a four-member team, organized, formed and joined a Project Steering Committee (PSC) to guide and mentor multiple Ministry decision-makers in developing and synchronizing a national Rule of Law and coordination of efforts strategy.

Supported the establishment of an inter-institutional Rule of Law Committee for the coordination of pre-trial processes, including criminal investigations.

Provided simultaneous services to EU Commission:

Provided Advice to the EU Ambassador in Iraq on issues relating to Iraq’s compliance with its international commitments to UN conventions as follows:

oHandled complaints from individual European governments lodged with EU Ambassador regarding torture of their captured terrorist citizens.

oProvided legal analysis on what constitutes terrorism; whether captured individuals are unlawful combatants or lawful combatants entitled to Geneva Convention protections and whether GOI security forces are complying with their international anti-torture commitments and their own laws.

oUpon request for counsel, provided advice to discourage EU Ambassador from supporting opposition parliament members’ request to dismiss the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Iraq from his two other positions. Reminded her of the doctrine of separation of Powers requiring independence of the Judiciary and policy of non-interference in internal politics of Iraq.

oUpon request from EU Commission in Belgium, submitted report describing statutory flaws in Iraq’s penal code allowing wholesale convictions of individuals accused of terrorism to capital punishment without distinction in degrees and levels of culpability or involvement in the act of terrorism.

02/22/2013 To 06/24/2014

Hours per Week: 60

ATTORNEY AT LAW

LAW OFFICES OF ARA JOSEPH SARIAN

45 Grove Street, Lexington, MA 02420 United States

Conduct Administrative & Business Operations of own law firm. Handle international legal affairs and serve domestic clients as senior legal counsel covering regulatory and tax compliance and violations, civil litigation, and commercial transactions. Develop, negotiate and draft contracts to arrive at mutually beneficial terms. Perform due diligence to assess legal circumstances, identify potential risks, and devise solid legal strategies to resolve conflicts.

07/03/2012 To 02/04/2013

Hours per Week: 48

JUSTICE ADVISOR

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE, INL BUREAU

Employer: PAE Government Services, 1320 North Courthouse Road, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22201!

Deployed to AFGHANISTAN

Rendered hands-on management and assistance to support Afghan justice professionals in establishing an effective and efficient justice system. Provided legal education, training, and advisory services to primary justice institutions including the Criminal Investigation Dept. of Afghan National Police. Performed detailed follow-up with Quick Impact Project executing strategic initiatives to meet critical needs of local justice sector to maintain security and stability.

Major contributor to successful organizational transformation implementing modernization techniques & change management processes to Afghan legal system while acknowledging constitutional centrality of Islamic Law.

10/16/2009 To 06/27/2012

Hours per Week: 60

ATTORNEY AT LAW

LAW OFFICES OF ARA JOSEPH SARIAN

45 Grove Street, Lexington, MA 02420 United States

Conduct Administrative & Business Operations of own law firm. Handle international legal affairs and serve domestic clients as senior legal counsel covering regulatory and tax compliance, criminal tax fraud and evasion, civil litigation, and commercial transactions. Develop, negotiate and draft business contracts to arrive at mutually beneficial terms. Perform due diligence to assess legal circumstances, identify potential risks, and devise solid legal strategies to resolve conflicts.

04/27/2009 To 10/01/2009

Hours per Week: 48

SENIOR LEGISLATIVE STRENGTHENING & RULE OF LAW ADVISOR

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE

OFFICE OF CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS, U.S. Embassy, Baghdad, Iraq

Employer: Torres AES, 2755 Hartland Road #300, Falls Church, VA 22043

Deployed to IRAQ

Served as senior subject matter expert in the Office of Constitutional and Legislative Affairs of the U.S. Embassy; assumed full accountability in mentoring and coaching high-ranking officials of the Iraqi government. Served as one of only two Senior Advisors in the office my counterpart being a former U.S. Ambassador.

Provided organizational and capacity development assistance in coordination of Iraqi democratization, governance and legislative efforts.

Coordinated establishment of culture of transparency and accountability combatting corruption and power abuse by promoting rule of law throughout the executive and legislative branches.

Formalized procedures and processes while working with Presidential and Ministerial Chief Legal Advisors. Assisted in drafting and implementing policy and legislation to manage change and institutionalize principles of checks and balances for power distribution between all GOI branches, provincial counterparts, and Kurdish Regional Government.

Managed a substantial anti-corruption portfolio reviewing, drafting and implementing anti-corruption policy and legislation.

Provided critical training and advice to GOI lawmakers on substantive legal/policy issues, as well as legislative process management and legislative drafting, research and analysis.

Created effective organizational structures, systems and processes to improve GOI law-making.

Analyzed draft legislation to ensure compatibility with provisions mandated by Iraq's Constitution.

Delivered reports and presentations for U.S. State Department and inter-agency groups; provided regular status updates and advice on activities to ensure GOI program synergies and an integrated approach.

Notable Achievements:

Expanded knowledge of chief legal advisors of the President of the Republic and Council of Ministers Secretariat in formalizing and revising procedures and change management processes through direct training and assistance.

Ensured consistent compliance with the Islamic law component of the Iraqi legal system in administering organizational transformation.

Guaranteed seamless execution and stewardship of the U.S. mission’s overall national capacity development objectives in legal, legislative, and statecraft efforts as well as promotion of vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.

Contributed to the design of a program to support ministerial familiarity and understanding of federalist models and issues.

Took part in researching and resolving anti-corruption issues in Iraq by overseeing and directing efforts of the University of Utah, a grantee to design and present series of roundtables.

Worked closely and formed strategic alliances with the U.S. government (USG), inter-agency, UNDP, donor and Government of Iraq (GOI) stakeholders.

Promoted efficient organizational processes and systems within GOI’s executive and legislative branches through a wide variety of research, coordination, planning, and organizational support efforts as a part of the U.S. policy.

Partnered with Iraq’s Commission on Integrity and the State Shura Council in observing and assessing anti-corruption legislation; recommended necessary revision and amendment of the legislation for compatibility with the constitution and for transparency; as well as validated procedures and processes for investigation and prosecution of anti-corruption cases.

Facilitated training and informed GOI lawmakers regarding substantive legal and policy issues as well as legislative process management and legislative drafting, research, and analysis.

Significantly optimized GOI law-making by forming effective organizational structures, systems, and processes; presided over detailed analysis and identification of priorities for improvement of current legislative processes that negatively impacted the legislative stream.

10/01/2008 To 04/04/2009

Hours per Week: 70

RULE OF LAW SECTION HEAD

with DoS Secret Security Clearance

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Employer: U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC

Direct Hire – 3161 DOS Employee, U.S. Marine Corps Base, Camp Ramadi, Anbar Province, Iraq

CIVILIAN FEDERAL GRADE HELD: AD-301-05 - Pay band IV

Deployed to ANBAR PROVINCE, IRAQ

Led and managed the Anbar Province Rule of Law Team composed of 13 U.S. civilian federal legal advisors, assistant US attorney and 06, 05, 04, 03 rank U.S. Marine Corps rule of law staff judge advocates encompassing three other sub-provincial embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team rule of law units.

Spearheaded capacity building of the Anbar Province Criminal Justice system in technical service delivery in arrest, prosecution and treatment of terrorists, reduction of police violence and corruption, extrajudicial killings, judicial corruption, case management and prisoner abuse.

Notable Achievements:

Established a reputation for continuously handling increasing responsibilities by earning fast-track promotion from senior law advisor to rule of law team leader.

Exemplified key talent in administering, coordinating, and executing all Anbar Province rule of law projects and initiatives, encompassing:

oPreparation and development of felony and terrorism case management system.

oOptimization of case flow through the courts by closely monitoring input and output of criminal and terrorism cases.

oEnhancement of public awareness of legal rights through successful development and launch of TV lawyer talk show.

oDesigned, developed and launched a first-ever 80 TV anti-terrorism and human rights public awareness mini-series program to dissuade the indigent population from participating in terrorism as a means of survival and combating abuse of power; program subsequently adopted as a national model for replication across Iraq. Closely monitored the construction project of a $25M state-of-the-art Judicial Complex.

oCollaborated with marine commanders to manage level and magnitude of insurgent and terrorist activities, particularly in the notorious region of Fallujah; identified the latter’s impact, influence, and penetration of criminal justice institutions.

oPresentation of a culture of transparency and accountability, thus successfully defeating corruption and abuse of power in the government while promoting the rule of law throughout the criminal justice system.

oParticipated in military intelligence weekly briefings to track terrorist activities. Analyzed data and intelligence to ensure terrorists did not escape prosecution due to tribal pressure and/or judicial or police corruption or intimidation.

oDesigned innovative compliance programs for police leadership training in due process, respect for civil and human rights, and curtailment of rampant and pervasive abuse of power and prevention of criminal extrajudicial activity among its ranks.

04/04/2008 To 09/31/2008

Hours per Week: 70

SENIOR RULE OF LAW ADVISOR

with DoS Secret Security Clearance

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Employer: U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC

Direct Hire – 3161 DOS Employee, U.S. Marine Corps Base, Camp Ramadi, Anbar Province, Iraq

CIVILIAN FEDERAL GRADE HELD: AD-301-05 - Pay band IV

Deployed to ANBAR PROVINCE, IRAQ

·Assigned the role of Principal Liaison officer to the Chief Justice of the Anbar Province.

·Utilized substantial experience and adeptness in international legal and judicial systems in providing advice and guidance to develop goals and objectives for the rule of law component of the Provincial Reconstruction Team program.

·Applied comprehensive knowledge of rule of law concepts and practices in developing rule of law in conflict and post-conflict environments; as well as in delivering expert advice and technical assistance in the creation, implementation, documentation, and reporting of law programs and initiatives.

·Exemplified solid understanding of USG capacity building goals, objectives, plans, and priorities in Iraq, especially in the law enforcement and judicial systems reform areas; promoted independent, fair, open, and equitable legal and judicial systems throughout Iraq by planning and providing advice in the implementation of capacity building and training programs.

·Showcased in-depth familiarity with local political and governmental structures in Iraq in relation to the rule of law objectives to the specific capacities and needs at the provincial and central government levels in Iraq.

Notable Achievements:

Upheld national security and rule of law initiatives by forming key partnerships with the Provincial Chief Justice and Provincial Director of Police accountable for a force of 30,000 officers and Directors General of the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of the Interior Security Directorate.

Achieved mission requirements by establishing and cultivating internal coalitions with representatives of the United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI), international police advisors (IPA), law enforcement professionals (LEPs) of the US military, Police Training teams (PTT), staff judge advocates (SJA), DOS, as well as DOJ rule of law advisors and coordinators.

Applied strategic insights in creating and implementing new initiatives through extensive review of existing programs and institutions.

Provided key contribution in the significant reduction of corruption and terrorist influence in legal and governmental institutions.

Directed and oversaw Iraqi police stations for terrorist and tribal penetration in collaboration with international police advisors (IPA); designed innovative programs for police and its leadership training in due process and respect for civil and human rights and curtail rampant and pervasive abuse of power and criminal activity among its ranks.

Fulfilled an instrumental role in the establishment of judicial independence through mentoring, training, and counseling initiatives.

Employed superior interpersonal skills in developing strong, non-politicized, and province-wide professional legal associations.

Enhanced substantive knowledge and organizational skills of legal professionals by partnering with law schools and government institutions.

Capitalized on industry expertise in drafting rule of law organizational plan as well as in designing Iraqi-led public education and media campaigns focusing on the legal process, due process, and human rights in the Iraqi legal system; promoted the creation of codes of ethics in Anbar Province.

Ensured accuracy and completeness in preparing periodic reports, memoranda, cables, and/or other documents as necessary.

Field promotion to LEAD THE ANBAR PROVINCE RULE OF LAW TEAM.

08/04/2003 To 03/01/2008

Hours per Week: 60

ATTORNEY AT LAW

LAW OFFICES OF ARA JOSEPH SARIAN

268 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210 United States

50 Congress St, Boston, MA 02109 United States

40 Court St #710, Boston, MA 02108 United States

Conduct Administrative & Business Operations of own law firm. Managed a four-lawyer successful law firm specializing in criminal and civil tax compliance and defense, tort and general litigation matters, as well as business, real estate and contract law.

Utilized sound judgment and analytical thinking in handling more than 2500 cases, including complex and personal cases of private companies and high-profile clients.

Structured, negotiated and consummated corporate acquisitions and divestitures in commercial and residential real estate, healthcare services, hospitality, fuel distribution, high tech, construction, brokerage, luxury/jewelry, transportation and professional services sectors.

Presided over and successfully negotiated civil and criminal defense cases involving individual and corporate income tax and fiduciary estate tax law violations at Internal Revenue Service administrative hearings.

March 2003-July 2003

Hours per Week: 70

SUPERVISOR OF LAWYERS & LINGUISTS TEAM, ASSISTANT TO U.S. SENIOR ADVISOR

with Interim Secret Security Clearance

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Coalition Provisional Authority Headquarters, Baghdad, Iraq

Employer: MZM, INC, 1523 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036

Deployed to IRAQ

Played a pivotal role as key member of a Doctorate level elite team of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, (J2) Directorate for Intelligence professionals contracted to join U.S. DoD teams in restoring law and order in Iraq.

Overcome roadblocks to success, such as language, cultural diversity, religious philosophies, practices, national, sectarian and tribal allegiance, political orientation, indigenous values, conflicting agendas and personalities, and reluctance to change; resulting in the achievement of the Ministry of Justice’s mission of instituting the rule of law in Iraq.

·Worked with and rendered exemplary assistance to senior advisor to the Coalition Provisional Authority.

·Orchestrated and summarized preliminary plans for the provision of ongoing bilingual legal assistance to other Iraqi ministries and Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) agencies.

·Led, trained, and assigned teams of translators and Iraqi lawyers to individual U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (US DOJ OPDAT) teams of assessors to be deployed across various parts of Iraq to conduct regime crime investigations.

Notable Achievements:

Contributed to the establishment of the rule of law; exercised sound judgment in addressing key issues as well as in analyzing and revising the Iraqi Penal Code of 1969 as modified by CPA Order No. 7 and the Iraqi Criminal Procedure Code of 1971 as modified by CPA Memorandum No. 3.

Simultaneously, took part in a sweeping nation-wide US Justice Department investigation interrogating and debriefing Iraqi judges, prosecutors, investigators and government officials to identify their involvement in regime crimes, state terrorism, briberies and corruptions and collect intelligence and evidence for the prosecutions that later took place.

Concurrently,

supervised translations (Arabic to English);

documented exploitation of large volumes of incriminating data and evidence in regime crimes;

identified critical intelligence and sensitive decision support information and highly sensitive state documents captured, translated to English and delivered to the US DOJ for ensuing prosecutions.

Private Law Practice Experience

January 1985 – March 2003

Hours per Week: 60

Law Offices of Ara Joseph Sarian

30 Church Street, Belmont, and 45 Court Street, Boston, MA, USA

·Successfully established and managed a four-person law firm specializing in tax compliance and defense, tort and general litigation matters, as well as business, real estate and contract law.

Awards and Honors

Expeditionary Service Award, United States Department of State

For successful service and contributions to reconstruction, stability, and peace in arduous and difficult field locations.

Successfully garnered Excellence awards for:

oProviding advisory and training services on matters related to cultural and religious diversity, law enforcement tactics, and situational behavior by law enforcement personnel in foreign country and wartime situation (504th U.S. Military Police Battalion, Dragon Fighters, Baghdad, Iraq).

oGuest speaker delivering briefing on Iraq’s political, cultural, and religious/sectarian divide to a large military and civilian intelligence audience at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts.

Technical Acumen

SIPRNet & NIPRNet

Windows Microsoft WordPerfect Internet Explorer

Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint

Word Processing Applications SaaS

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