Pair maintain office in downtown Hollister
Two of San Benito County’s most experienced trial attorneys
recently merged their practices, creating what they describe as the
first-ever Latino law firm in San Benito County.
Pair maintain office in downtown Hollister
Two of San Benito County’s most experienced trial attorneys recently merged their practices, creating what they describe as the first-ever Latino law firm in San Benito County.
Elvira Zaragoza Robinson returned to practice after a hiatus, joining Art Cantu. The two maintain offices in the Ross Building on Fifth Street in Hollister.
The decision to become partners developed naturally.
“I said, ‘Let’s do something different,'” Cantu said. “Let’s work together on some cases.”
“So we said, let’s try it for a month,” Robinson said. “I think the match is great. We get along well.”
Cantu has been practicing law for 14 years, Robinson 31, including a long stint in the Santa Clara County district attorney’s office.
Their respect for one another is obvious, even to a casual observer.
“I saw Art grow over the years,” Robinson said. “He is an exceptional attorney. He has a very good reputation in court and at trial. He’s very aggressive. I like that.”
Cantu pointed to Robinson’s long experience in criminal law, both as a prosecutor and defense attorney.
The move to practice together is perhaps the smallest change in Cantu’s case. He plans to be married this week.
Both are active in the community. Robinson volunteers at Hazel Hawkins Hospital and serves on the Gavilan College Board of Trustees. Among Cantu’s involvements is volunteer time at the local homeless shelter. The two became friends serving on El Teatro Campesino’s board together.
Because the two specialize in criminal defense, the clients walking through the door can be expected to be anxious about their involvement with the legal system.
But everything about their office seems calculated to ease what might otherwise be a difficult experience.
Both are quick with smiles. The office hums with frequent laughter. A portable putting green and a punching bag sit at the edge of the office. Visitors are offered iced tea or mineral water before sitting down at a table with an attorney.
“We try to make people feel comfortable here,” Robinson said. Both attorneys frequently meet with clients during evenings or weekends, working around their schedules. Their goal is to act as client advocates in the truest sense.
Their offices are located at 345 Fifth St. and they can be reached at 637-2585.
