LOS ANGELES, California — From his many speaking engagements to interviews on podcasts or hosting industry events, it is difficult not to notice the success of Hayk Mamajanyan (LL.M. ’12). But what many may not know is that Mamajanyan’s start to his blossoming career began at the American University of Armenia (AUA). As an alumnus, he is grateful for the education he received that allowed him to realize his professional aspirations; now, as an AUA ChangeMaker, he is paying it forward to help other bright students at AUA achieve their goals.
Mamajanyan’s interest in law began early on. During his time at AUA, he dove into human rights issues, which led him to co-found the Youth for Justice Initiative, where he represented a minor before the Court of Cassation of Armenia and reached a favorable ruling. After graduating from the University’s Master of Laws program in 2012, Mamajanyan continued his studies in corporate law at the University of Oxford, where he earned a Magister Juris degree, followed by another graduate law degree at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law.
Since then, Mamajanyan has been working hard to forge a successful career for himself. Today, he is a man of many hats: the founder and managing attorney at HVM Law Firm, as well as a startup and fund advisor and investor. He represents funds, entrepreneurs, enterprises, and investors, mainly in technology and related industries. He has experience in a wide range of financial and transactional matters, with a focus on corporate, venture capital, investments, mergers and acquisitions, and startup financing. Looking back from his current vantage point of success, Mamajanyan reflected on how AUA planted the seed for him to be where he is now: “In fact, I was inspired to become a corporate lawyer at AUA. So, in addition to the excellent education, it gave me a sense of purpose and a promise of making a greater impact as a corporate lawyer.”
Mamajanyan saw himself back at his alma mater in 2015, teaching corporate and finance law as an adjunct professor. “I’ve had the honor of coming full circle and returning to AUA as a lecturer. I taught a few corporate law courses, giving me another vantage point into our accomplished faculty and staff, as well as our talented students,” he commented.
In 2023, alongside fellow alumni Anna Bakunts (MBA ’11) and Hratch Andreassian (MBA ’01), Mamajanyan was tapped by the AUA Office of Development to speak at the exclusive Bridge to the Future: Elevating Higher Education in Armenia event hosted by Golden State Bank in Glendale, California to welcome newly inaugurated University President Dr. Bruce Boghosian. Speaking about this experience, he shared: “It was fantastic to see the support that our University receives not only from its own alumni, but also from the American-Armenian community in general. The sense of celebration for AUA’s achievements and hope for the future was overwhelming.”
More recently, in May 2024, Mamajanyan and Bakunts were asked to co-emcee A Night to Ignite Change: Honoring the Akian Family, an AUA gala in Los Angeles hosted by AUA ChangeMakers Vahe and Ruzan Kuzoyan. During the concluding portion of the event, both AUA ChangeMakers and those who wanted to join the exclusive group were called to stage. A dazzling display of ignited sparklers ensued, with several inspired individuals from the audience committing to join the group — it was at that moment that none other than Mamajanyan and Bakunts both committed to joining this group. When asked what motivated him to become an AUA ChangeMaker, Mamajanyan responded: “A world-class education wouldn’t be possible for me without the generous financial assistance and scholarships I received from AUA. So, ensuring that our new generation of students enjoys at least the same opportunities I did is very important for me.”
Today, Mamajanyan resides with his family in Los Angeles and is an active member of the local Armenian community, serving as a bridge between the Diaspora and his homeland. He finds himself frequently visiting Armenia for various functions, teaching, and networking opportunities. “I was at AUA recently, sharing some insights with students about transactional law, dealmaking, and the future of the legal profession. I intend to go back every time I am in Yerevan,” he said.
Having taken advantage of the many opportunities he has come across in life, Mamajanyan underscores the importance of being a person of value to open similar doors for bright, ambitious students. As an Armenian, an AUA ChangeMaker, and a father to his son and daughter, Mamajanyan envisions the emerging generations of Armenians, both in Armenia and in the Diaspora, working together to better the future of Armenia: “I am convinced that AUA-trained scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and diplomats will play a crucial role in shaping Armenia’s future.”
To learn more about the 200 ChangeMakers of AUA campaign, please visit: https://changemakers.aua.am.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values. AUA’s Office of Development stewards the University’s philanthropic efforts exclusively for educational purposes.