A few words about us
We strive to provide the attention to detail that your case needs. In order to do that, we want you to know that you can count on us to provide professional guidance with a personal touch. Here are some key facts about our team.
Mark John M. Ignacio Esq.
Mark Ignacio attended the University of San Diego (USD), and graduated Magna Cum Laude in just three years with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and with minors in English and Philosophy. During his time at USD, Mark served as the Undergraduate Writing Center Coordinator and tutor, in addition to leading various University Ministry activities. By the time he graduated, Mark earned several distinctions including: Honors Program Graduate, Phi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board (National College Senior Honors Society), Psi Chi (Psychology Honors Society), and Sigma Tau Delta (English Honors Society). Mark then enrolled at Hamline University School of Law in Saint Paul, Minnesota, after receiving an academic scholarship.
Kareen Ignacio
Director of Operations
Kareen obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Law and Society from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). She furthered her education with a Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Theology from Loyola Marymount University (LMU), where she graduated with honors, and is now a Ph.D. candidate in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego (USD). At USD, Kareen is working towards obtaining her Coaching Certification with the International Coaching Federation. Prior to joining her husband’s firm, Kareen held several positions in Catholic ministry, primarily as the Director of Stewardship and Evangelization at Santa Sophia Parish where she established and facilitated numerous programs to train and empower parishioners to be their best selves. Further, at Santa Sophia, Kareen served on and led many councils, including serving in advisory roles, that contributed to the vibrancy of the parish, especially during the difficulties stemming from COVID-19.
With Kareen’s diverse education and experience, she possesses a unique perspective in her role as Director of Operations for Mark Ignacio Law APC. Such a position sees Kareen assist in several key functions to help the firm run efficiently such as establishing systems for quality control, refining methods of communication, engaging in macro-level decisions concerning the direction of the firm, and analyzing and assessing certain metrics to improve the firm’s efficacy.
As the newest member of the firm and also a native Arabic speaker, Kareen is excited to bring her wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. Personally, Karen enjoys spending time with her husband, playing board games, engaging in ministry, and preparing healthy food. Her burning desire is to live an authentic, faith-filled life and to leave the rest to God.
Sophia Gallardo
Associate Attorney
Sophia Gallardo is a graduate from Saint Joseph's University (SJU) located in Philadelphia, PA where she majored in Psychology and double minored in Sociology and Justice and Ethics in the Law. While at SJU, Sophia found her passion in the law and was committed to serving with and for others. She participated in the Appalachian Experience (APEX) where she volunteered in the Appalachian Region during her first semester. Sophia was also involved in Campus Ministry and joined Alpha Omicron Pi. During her last year at SJU, she was awarded the Justice and Ethics in the Law Award and inducted into the Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honors Society.
Finally, in 2018, Sophia moved back home to San Diego and attended California Western School of Law. Sophia participated in the Community Law Project for two semesters and received the Wiley B Manuel Award for Pro Bono Services. In her final semester, Sophia externed for Mark Ignacio, which confirmed her passion for Estate Planning. Sophia was awarded the Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Externship Student Award. She was recognized for her leadership qualities and outstanding performance in her externship field placement.
Sophia is the newest attorney to the Mark Ignacio Law team, and is looking forward to growing her knowledge in Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Administration.
Sophia is a San Diego native and enjoys being a tourist in her own city. She enjoys many weekends at Coronado Beach and the Little Italy Farmers Market. A fun fact about Sophia is she is an identical twin. She attended SJU with her twin and younger sister.
Keeley Farrell
Legal Assistant
Keeley is a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky where she double majored in Political Science and Sociology as well as minored in Criminology. Whilst at the University of Kentucky, she was a member and chapter officer of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. Keeley has been working in the legal field for over a year during her stay in Lexington and has returned home to San Diego to continue her passion for law.
In her free time, Keeley enjoys listening to true crime podcast, reading murder mystery fiction novels, and watching Parks and Recreation. She also enjoys going for hikes, listening to music, and eating tacos. Keeley is looking forward to growing her legal knowledge at Mark Ignacio law and assisting in generating success for the attorneys.
Benjamin Bentley
Staff Paralegal
Benjamin graduated from San Diego State University in 2007 where he majored in Social Science with the goal of becoming a history teacher. After college he helped manage his family's boutique floral and event business during which he continued his education at San Diego City College with courses in graphic design. Following several years of working in the event industry, as a substitute teacher, and a caregiver, Benjamin was accepted to Thomas Jefferson School of Law and graduated in 2020 with a focus on mediation.
Benjamin grew up in a Navy family, spending time in the Pacific Northwest as well as the East Coast before moving to San Diego where he has lived since 2000. A longtime fan of tabletop games and movies, he now enjoys his weekends sampling the many great local breweries and trying to find the best pizza in town.
Sharon Purchase
Receptionist
Sharon has been working in the legal field for over 20 years. She moved from San Diego to Las Vegas and worked for a law firm for several years before moving back home to San Diego to continue her legal career. She is a member of the San Diego Legal Secretaries Association which gives her an opportunity to enhance her legal skills.
She enjoys taking her Shih Tzu Bentley for walks at Liberty Station and she also enjoys Yoga and watching crime shows like “Forensic Files.” Her passion is peppermint ice cream.
