Karen Sarkissian grew up in Sacramento and attended University of California, Davis where she obtained a dual degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Rhetoric & Communication.  At UCD, Karen was President of the Armenian Students Association and a member of the Internal Affairs Commission of the Associated Students of UCD.  She was also chosen for an internship at The Center for Strategic International Studies in Washington D.C. Karen graduated from UCD in 1999.

Following her undergraduate work, Karen studied at McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento.  Among other scholarships, Karen was awarded the McGeorge Alumni Academic Scholarship and received the Witkin Award of Academic Excellence in Government Lawyering.  While in law school, Karen served on the editorial board of McGeorge Law Review.  She also authored two published articles, one on taxation of foreign mutual funds in California and another on legislation concerning newborn abandonment.
 

As attorney, Karen has successfully litigated and resolved auto accident, slip and fall, medical malpractice, and public entity cases. Karen has distinguished herself by trying a jury trial and binding medical malpractice arbitration at an early stage in her career.