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Allister Liao: 3L at University of San Francisco School of Law

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  6. Allister Liao: 3L at University of San Francisco School of Law

published March 19, 2007

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( 17 votes, average: 4.1 out of 5)
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<<"Towards the end of a long year of teaching and guidance, one of my students brought home his report card from school—straight As. Out of gratitude, his father took me out to dinner," Liao said.

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The father told Liao his own personal story—that he had planned on studying anthropology and pursuing a Ph.D.

"He decided it was better to enter law, where the job market was more secure. Hearing his story, I also thought long and hard about law school as a means to attain financial security," Liao said.

When the dinner was over, a thank-you card with a $100 bill inside told Liao that perhaps the father had done very well for himself as an attorney.

Of course, financial security is not all that motivates Liao. Currently working for a law firm which specializes in helping clients with catastrophic injuries, Liao says the biggest draw for him is the underlying principle of helping those that have suffered a life-altering tragedy.

<<"Advocating for these individuals who would otherwise be left in shambles is one of the most rewarding experiences," Liao said.

"I have been with the firm for almost a year now and have truly been inspired by the attorneys there," Liao added. "As I mentioned before, they are some of the brightest and most hard-working individuals that I have met. The cases that they work on tend to be of the catastrophic variety (i.e. life-long disability) so each one comes with its own heart-breaking story of tragedy and sorrow. The facts and circumstances of each case drive me to work harder to bring back happiness to these peoples' lives."

Having previously interned for the San Francisco City Attorney's Office, Liao has worked on the other side of personal injury cases—the defense side rather than the plaintiff's side.

"It was an awesome experience," he said, "because I observed how cases were dealt with in the personal injury field where I already had an interest. But I soon discovered that I was more suited for the other side of things."

"Many people like to joke about personal injury and start by pointing out those commercials on TV, advertisements on the back of buses, or the term 'ambulance chaser,'" Liao said. "But I see a commendable profession dedicated to serving individuals who would otherwise be left powerless."

"It's especially commendable because of the tremendous risk involved in advocating for these individuals," he added. "It's very much empowering, knowing that you're going up against the government, large corporations, and/or insurance giants."

"I have always been driven toward helping those less fortunate," Liao said.

Born in Virginia, Liao lived in Taiwan until he completed high school and relocated to California to study at the University of San Diego. After the death of his father at a young age, Liao's mother raised Liao and his three siblings on her own, an accomplishment that does not go unappreciated by Liao.

"I think it's particularly noteworthy that my mother has had the incredible task of raising four children on her own," Liao said. "She has been very successful with that by all measures, as each one of us has been able to achieve something with our lives."

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In addition to work and studies, Liao found time to develop a passion for motorcycle riding. After taking a motorcycle safety course, Liao bought his first motorcycle on E-bay, not telling his mother in order to prevent her from worrying.

As a member of the Hypercycles Motorcycle Club, a student-run organization at the University of California at San Diego, he began participating in weekly rides. On weekend rides to the mountains along back country roads, Liao sometimes served as ride leader and was responsible for ensuring the safety of all riders.


 
Q. What do you do for fun?
A. Well, if I had a motorcycle, I'd probably be on the windy, back-country roads, zipping through the twisties. But, since I don't have one that's capable of doing that, I'm relegated to watching TV and playing video games.
Q. What CD is in your CD player right now?
A. I have electronic music in the CD player of my car.
Q. What is the last magazine you read?
A. Cycle World. Are you surprised?
Q. Who is your role model?
A. I don't really have a role model. My father passed away early on (when I was still in elementary school), but his character has always been deeply entrenched in my mind. He was a very compassionate person that was known for his loyalty and intelligence. Because he passed away when I was so young, I do not recall very much. But I hope to become half as great a man as he was.
Q. What is something most people don't know about you?
A. Because of my unusual upbringing, it has been fairly difficult to relate to people that were born and raised in the U.S. It has also been fairly difficult to relate to people born and raised in Taiwan. In fact, my high school back in Taiwan recognized this difficulty and has coined students that have attended TAS as "3rd Culture Kids." Us TASers are all over the world and are immediately able to relate to each other as we proceed through our individual lives beyond high school. It's kind of like Americans meeting other Americans while traveling abroad in a foreign country and immediately being able to connect. It's really kind of funny.

<<"Even when group rides weren't scheduled, I would go out riding on my own," he said. "I was obsessed."

Several motorcycles later, while studying for the LSAT and applying to law schools, he witnessed two motorcycle accidents and temporarily gave up riding.

"I gave up riding at that point, thinking that it was just a bad sign seeing two accidents in a matter of a single month," he said. "Do I intend on returning to riding? Of course! It's just a matter of timing and money at this point. After I pass the Cal-BAR and secure a job as an attorney, then I'm going to splurge for a nice bike and go out for a long ride in the canyons."

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  1. Legal Jobs
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  6. Allister Liao: 3L at University of San Francisco School of Law

published March 19, 2007

( 17 votes, average: 4.1 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.

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