Mission Statement

Yrulegui & Roberts is the premier workers' compensation defense firm that works in close partnership with clients to exceed their expectations by being both aggressive and practical in addressing their needs.

We strive to resolve cases quickly and economically - by being accessible, responsive and efficient. We earn the respect of our clients and opponents through our honest and principled pursuit of our clients' goals.

Yrulegui & Roberts is built on five core principles that have stood the test of time in a legal and business climate that is constantly evolving. These principles remind us that law is a service profession, not merely a business. We must strive to meet the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, promote justice, and seek to uphold the rule of law on behalf of our clients and for the sake of society as a whole.

History of the Firm

Richard J. Yrulegui initially passed the State Bar of California in December 1972, joining State Compensation Insurance Fund as an associate attorney that same year. Mr. Yrulegui worked at State Compensation Insurance Fund for one year, until July 1973, when he joined the law firm of Dawson, Gillespie & Ninnis, a private insurance defense firm. Mr. Yrulegui specialized in workers' compensation defense.

In January 1978, Richard Yrulegui and James Emerson left their prior firm and formed the partnership of Emerson and Yrulegui, specializing in insurance defense, with Mr. Yrulegui specializing in workers' compensation defense.

In 1998, the law firm of Emerson and Yrulegui dissolved, and the law firm of The Law Offices of Richard J. Yrulegui was formed at its current location, specializing in workers' compensation defense, and general insurance defense at the same location to the present time.

Stephen B. Roberts joined the firm in June 1996, specializing in workers' compensation defense, and is currently managing partner.

Administrator, Karen Dorian, originally joined the firm in 1978, moving in 1998 to The Law Offices of Richard J. Yrulegui, and is administrator at the present time.

Joel B. Campbell joined the firm in May 2006, and is an associate attorney at the present time.

Joseph C. Yrulegui joined the firm in March 2009, and is an associate attorney at the present time.

On January 1, 2010, The Law Offices of Richard J. Yrulegui changed its firm name to Yrulegui & Roberts.

Personal Integrity

At Yrulegui & Roberts, we promote a culture of honesty and integrity. We seek to live by these principles in our dealings with clients, vendors, and opposing counsel. We follow fair and honest billing practices, seeking to provide the best possible value to our clients. When providing legal counsel, we never varnish the truth, but are always up front regarding the potential value or cost of a case, as well as the likelihood of success. This culture of integrity is the foundation for our reputation with clients, opposing counsel and judges throughout California.

Client Services

The attorneys and staff at Yrulegui & Roberts understand it is the little undertakings that set an excellent law firm apart - things like returning calls and emails promptly; being available by cell phone when out of the office; being available to provide free and quality advice on matters prior to litigation, and treating clients like we would want to be treated. We are dedicated to excellence in these "little things", realizing that they make a "big difference" for our clients.

Creative Solutions

Far too often, attorneys exacerbate problems and create conflict, even where none previously existed. This often stems from the belief that holding an adversarial posture is the only solution to a problem. At Yrulegui & Roberts, we go beyond mere litigation and seek to learn the goals of our clients, as well as the ambitions of the other parties. This enables us to identify creative, mutually satisfying solutions that will allow our clients to achieve their objectives with minimal time, stress and cost. It is not uncommon for us to settle cases at the first deposition. This "outside the box" thinking is a hallmark of our firm, and enables us to not only reduce costs and maximize benefits, but also to preserve existing beneficial relationships and protect our client's goodwill with their customers, employees, and the public.

Zealous Advocacy

Amicable solutions and settlements are not always possible, and in these situations, the attorneys of Yrulegui & Roberts are equipped to provide the most zealous and aggressive representation available in their areas of expertise. We are not afraid to go to trial, and when we do, we are always prepared for battle. Our expertise goes beyond the trial level, as we have successfully represented our clients before various California Courts of Appeal, as well as the California Supreme Court. When we step into a courtroom, we are prepared, and our goal is to win!

Community Involvement

In addition to the practice of law, the attorneys and staff of Yrulegui & Roberts are actively involved in several non-profit organizations and educational institutions in Fresno, the San Joaquin Valley, and across the country. Involvement in our local community is not something we merely "tack on" to the practice of law, but is integral to the culture of our firm. Involvement in the community helps us to be better attorneys; it reinforces our core values, reminding us that the legal profession exists not only to promote justice, but to show mercy and compassion to the more unfortunate and to promote the best in our society and world.