Romel Ambarchyan is a Founding Partner and Managing Attorney at RA & Associates. He is a consumer advocate attorney who specializes in assisting personal injury victims and their families in California. Romel’s passion and empathy for his clients are what set him apart from his competition. Romel is a firm believer in “quality over quantity”, and as such carefully limits his caseload, instead of focusing on client relationships. With over a decade of experience, Mr. Ambarchyan is the advocate who is not only committed to getting you compensated for your injuries but is as committed to the health and well-being of his clients. Mr. Ambarchyan achieved his bachelor’s degree in history with honors from the University of California, Los Angeles. From there, he attained his J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law.
What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you make it productive?
Every day is a little different. Mondays are usually the most hectic because that is when I meet with our various department managers. We are highly structured, so I start with meetings with the intake department and pre-litigation team to go over the week’s cases and outline our strategy. Mondays are full of meetings, while Tuesdays and Wednesdays are more focused on case reviews. By Thursday, we shift to case management and development meetings. Each day has its own rhythm, but maintaining that structure keeps me productive and organized.
How do you decide which cases to take on, especially when the outcome is not guaranteed?
There are three main factors we evaluate before taking a case: liability, injury, and impact. It starts with our intake team gathering details about how the accident happened and who was at fault. Liability is always the first thing we look at, because if our client is at fault, there is not much we can do.
Once liability is established, we assess whether the client is injured and the extent of those injuries. Someone can be in a serious accident, but if they are not physically hurt, there is very little for us to pursue. Lastly, we review the impact of the accident by analyzing photos, videos, and police reports to understand how severe it was. Those three components help us determine if the case has a strong foundation.
What goes into proving damages in serious injury cases, like showing the impact on someone’s life or future earnings?
After we establish liability and confirm injuries, the next phase is all about proving damages. The client’s medical treatment, both current and future, is critical. Compensation typically falls under four categories: current medical expenses, projected future medical expenses, present pain and suffering, and future pain and suffering.
It is also very case-specific. For example, if someone is an artist or a musician, an injury to their shoulder or hand can impact their entire career, whereas that same injury might affect someone else differently. We ask clients what they used to be able to do before the accident that they cannot do now, or are limited in doing now. That helps illustrate how the injury has changed their daily life, productivity, and overall well-being.
Insurance companies usually have big teams and resources. How does your firm go up against that and win for your clients?
The key is to be aggressive. At RA & Associates, we approach every case as if it is going to trial, even though most cases settle before that point. Insurance companies have enormous resources and entire teams dedicated to minimizing payouts, so you have to be proactive and assertive from the start. The more aggressive we are, the better our clients’ chances of achieving the full value of their claim. You cannot wait for them to dictate the pace. You have to take control of the case and push it forward.
What habit helps you stay productive and maintain focus throughout such demanding workdays?
I have kept the same habit since I first started practicing law. Every morning, I write out my tasks by hand on a manila notepad. I do not type them. I physically write down everything I need to do for that day, and then I cross each task off with a red pen as I complete it. It brings structure to my day and gives me a sense of accomplishment as I move through my list. I have tried digital tools, but nothing works better for me than writing it out. It is simple, effective, and it keeps me grounded.
When you feel overwhelmed or need to refocus, what do you do?
I meditate every morning for fifteen to thirty minutes before work, and that helps me stay centered throughout the day. If I ever feel overwhelmed, I step away from the office for a bit, take a walk, or go for a drive. That time away allows me to reset and come back with a clear head. Having that daily routine of meditation and exercise keeps me balanced and focused, no matter how busy things get.
What advice would you give to your younger self just starting out in law?
Be patient. When you are young, you want everything to happen fast—success, recognition, progress—but it takes time. If you stay consistent, put in the work, and trust the process, everything will fall into place. Enjoy the ride instead of trying to rush it.