Francis Agcaoili

Mr. Agcaoili (pronounced as Agkawili) graduated from The Ateneo De Manila University, one of the top law schools in the Philippines . During his first year, he became actively involved in the academic law fraternity, The Fraternal Order of Utopia. Mr. Agcaoili participated in all the Fraternity's functions, from tutoring first year student members to creating review materials for bar candidate members. For his internship, Mr. Agcaoili worked at the Philippine Department of Justice in conjunction with the Presidential Commission on Good Government directly under then Solicitor General Alexander Gesmundo, now an Associate Justice for the Sandiganbayan (the Sandiganbayan is a Court specially created to eliminate graft and corruption practices or public offenders in the branches of the Philippine government). While working for the Department of Justice, Mr. Agcaoili reviewed and catalogued personal documents of deposed President Ferdinand Marcos to be used as evidence for ill-gotten wealth and corruption cases filed against the Marcos family. In particular, Mr. Agcaoili was tasked to catalogue and review several volumes of President Marcos' personal journal for evidence to be used at trial.

Mr. Agcaoili also served as a speaker in a teaching seminar for poll watchers during the 2001 Philippine Congressional elections under the election campaign of then Congressman Enrico Echiverri, 2nd District Caloocan City . During his last year in law school, Mr. Agcaoili volunteered his services to the Free the Indigenous People Program spearheaded by the Assisi Development Foundation. Free the Indigenous People Program collaborates with governmental agencies, as well as non-governmental bodies, aiming to seek justice for imprisoned indigenous people wrongfully accused of crimes or who were under-represented during trial. Mr. Agcaoili compiled statistical information and reviewed case files for potential candidates to the program.

Upon graduating, Mr. Agcaoili was offered a staff attorney position at the Office of the President under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, along with associate attorney positions to several law firms in the Philippines . Instead of immediately entering the practice, Mr. Agcaoili chose to pursue his legal career in California . In April of 2004, Mr. Agcaoili took his oath and was admitted into the Philippine Bar, and in May of 2007 was admitted to the California Bar.

Mr. Agcaoili began his employment at the firm as a law clerk. After his admission to the California Bar, Mr. Agcaoili continued working as an associate attorney. Mr. Agcaoili has worked on cases involving sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, as well as wage and hour issues during various stages of litigation. Working in a small firm, Mr. Agcaoili has a vast range of experience ranging from interviewing potential clients to preparing cases for trial. Mr. Agcaoili also handles personal injury auto accident cases and immigration filings.

Mr. Agcaoili's experience and volunteer work has instilled in him a desire to promote the interests of social justice. As an attorney for employees in the private sector, Mr. Agcaoili fulfills this desire by seeking to equalize the uneven plane between employers and employees. Additionally, as an immigrant to this great country, Mr. Agcaoili realizes the importance of uniting families and seeking naturalization in the pursuit of the American dream. It is through his own experiences as an immigrant that Mr. Agcaoili draws a special understanding and bond with his clients.