LIBERATION FROM INJUSTICE
Arlo Uriarte Fights to Make Workers' Voices Heard
Super Lawyers: Why did you decide to become a lawyer?
Arlo Uriarte: My dad was a lawyer in a small town. I enjoyed watching him help people, and I especially loved it when people thanked him—and paid him—with a pig or a chicken when that was all they could afford. So, for me, it was natural to find purpose in helping people.
SL: Why is your firm called Liberation Law Group? It’s an interesting name.
AU: We call ourselves Liberation Law Group because our goal is to liberate our clients from the pain caused by injustice. Our firm’s mission is to fight for workers’ rights to receive fair wages, be treated with dignity, and be free from the injustice of discrimination, wrongful termination, and retaliation.
Super Lawyers: Why did you decide to become a lawyer?
Arlo Uriarte: My dad was a lawyer in a small town. I enjoyed watching him help people, and I especially loved it when people thanked him—and paid him—with a pig or a chicken when that was all they could afford. So, for me, it was natural to find purpose in helping people.
SL: Why is your firm called Liberation Law Group? It’s an interesting name.
AU: We call ourselves Liberation Law Group because our goal is to liberate our clients from the pain caused by injustice. Our firm’s mission is to fight for workers’ rights to receive fair wages, be treated with dignity, and be free from the injustice of discrimination, wrongful termination, and retaliation.
SL: Do you have any frustrations with practicing law?
AU: The practice of law is defined by the society in which we live. We do our best to keep the wheels of justice moving, but we are often pushed back by those who oppose our views. The resistance is not because we are wrong, but because those in charge often refuse to let the truth come to light. It is very frustrating when doing the right thing is an uphill battle. But as a lawyer, I keep pushing, not only for myself and my clients, but also for a better society.
SL: What positive changes would you like to see in the practice of law?
AU: I wish the practice of law were less restrictive. I would like our values to expand to include growth and learning instead of just winning. I would like us to mentor young lawyers to become more empathetic and less competitive. I would also like to see the practice of law be less expensive. Although as lawyers we enjoy our salaries and material things, I think that meeting good people, working with supportive colleagues, and coming home happy at the end of the day are much more rewarding for both us and our community.
SL: How do you think being a lawyer can help society?
AU: We need lawyers to fight against the systemic forces that result in inequality. At Liberation Law Group, we firmly believe in the contribution of the immigrant community to California, so fighting for the voices of immigrants helps us all.
SL: What makes your practice different from others?
AU: Our practice is like a group of friends working together to solve problems. Our focus is on people. We try to find the best way to truly help our clients. And that involves listening to people and giving them the strength and confidence to seek justice. We pride ourselves on being culturally aware, economically sensitive, and socially progressive.
SL: What is a good day for you?
AU: A good day is when clients are rewarded for their courage in coming forward. A good day is often mediation and trial work. It’s also when a client surprises us with a thank-you breakfast or lunch!
Arlo Uriarte
Selected to Super Lawyers
SPONSORED BY LIBERATION LAW GROUP, P.C.2760 Mission St., 2nd floor San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 695-1000arlo@liberationlawgroup.com
SUPER LAWYERS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 2024
