Continental Who's Who

Christine A. Derdarian

Christine A. Derdarian, J.D., is recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Pinnacle Professional Member in the Legal field. Derdarian has served her own private legal practice since 2003. She brings expertise in leadership, meditation, negotiation, litigation, advocacy, management, public speaking, public policy, problem solving, crisis management, human resources, media relations, community outreach, short-term and long-term strategic planning, and medical/legal issues, to her role. Through her practice, Derdarian has successfully handled matters of first impression in the federal district courts, Circuit Courts of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court. As Chief Counsel, she managed a senior group of attorneys, handling all litigation and client advice for the Michigan Department of Labor, and has strategically improved managerial and staff diversity by serving on the hiring and promotion panels for the Attorney General’s office. “I have always loved to be an advocate,” Derdarian said. “For me, it [the work] has been about the power and efficiency of helping others through advocacy, including counseling Governor Jennifer Granholm or working with Attorney General Kelly. Based on experience, I see the law as synergy between public and private sectors.” Derdarian earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Michigan in 1970. She then went on to complete her Juris Doctor from the Detroit College of Law – Michigan State University College of Law in 1973. She also completed courses at the National Institute of Trial Advocacy in 1982, at Oxford University, and the Leadership Detroit Class XXIII in 2001. To further her professional development, Derdarian is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and has served as a member of several of its subcommittees, including: the Character and Fitness Committee, the Administrative Law Section, the Healthcare Committee, the Communications Committee and the Young Lawyers Council Board. In recognition of her outstanding accomplishments in the field, Derdarian is a member of Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders, Who’s Who in American Law, Who’s Who of American Women and the Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award. Derdarian dedicates this recognition to her grandmother, Serpouhi Mikjian, who taught her about the Armenian Genocide; and her mother, Mae M. Derdarian.