Octavio Velarde

Octavio Velarde is a gay Latino who grew up and was educated in Southern California. He speaks Spanish fluently and understands the challenges his clients face dealing with exorbitant housing costs, managing debt, and fighting for fairness in the workplace.

Octavio spent over a decade working with labor unions. Throughout his years in labor, Octavio worked closely with workers and focused on empowering union members to advocate for their own rights through community engagement and worksite organizing. That experience impressed upon Octavio the importance of advocacy that includes working closely with community members and developing their understanding and engagement to empower his clients.

Octavio is passionate about social justice and economic issues and the practice areas on which he focuses reflect that. He decided to start his own practice to help guide community members through difficult times.

Octavio believes that access to the legal system is vital for all communities. These are especially difficult and important times. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the financial and workplace uncertainties across many communities, but particularly for women, people of color, and the queer community. Together with Octavio, you can all learn how to take control of the challenges you face and move forward stronger and better.