About Ani Markarian
Ani M — Akopyan is a seasoned employment law attorney based in Burbank, California. With nearly two decades of experience, she has been practicing law since 2004. Her focus lies in employment disputes, encompassing wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, whistleblower claims, and wage and hour violations. This diverse expertise enables her to represent both employees and employers effectively—providing her with a knowledge of employment law from multiple perspectives. Ani earned her bachelor's degree with honors from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2001. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued her Juris Doctor at Southwestern Law School, graduating in 2004.
After completing her law degree, she began her career at an employment defense firm in Los Angeles, where she represented employers in various employment litigation matters. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for her understanding of the legal field surrounding employment issues. In 2006, Ani joined another defense firm in Pasadena, where she continued her representation of employers and insurance carriers in all aspects of employment law. Her work included high-stakes wage and hour class actions, which further developed her litigation skills. In 2014, she transitioned to Nemecek & Cole in Los Angeles, focusing on employment defense litigation. There, she represented a range of clients, from small businesses to large corporations, gaining invaluable insight into the strategies and priorities of employers during litigation.
In 2018, Ani made a significant shift in her career by joining the Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. This transition allowed her to focus on representing employees in legal disputes involving employment law. Throughout her career, she has achieved notable successes, including a remarkable $6.1 million jury verdict in a disability discrimination case against the Regents of the University of California. Such accomplishments underscore her dedication to advocating for individuals facing employment-related challenges. Ani has received recognition for her outstanding legal work, being named to the Southern California Super Lawyers List five consecutive times—from 2020 to 2024. She is admitted to practice law in California and Texas and holds admission in several U.S.
District Courts, including the Central, Eastern, Northern. Southern Districts of California, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Additionally, Ani is a member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, reflecting her commitment to advocating for individuals in employment disputes. Her extensive background and dedication to her clients make her a formidable presence in the field of employment law.
