Meet the Team
Claudia L. Ignacio, Esq.
Founder & Managing Attorney
Claudia Lorena Ignacio is a dedicated tax attorney known for her resilience, precision, and client-centered advocacy.
Born in Mexico City and raised in San Diego, Claudia overcame significant early-life challenges, raising her younger siblings while working full-time and completing her education. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in History from California State University San Marcos and later fulfilled her lifelong goal of becoming an attorney at California Western School of Law, where she discovered her passion for tax law.
Today, Claudia represents individuals and businesses in complex U.S. tax matters, including tax compliance, controversy, planning, and international tax issues. She advocates for clients before the IRS, Franchise Tax Board (FTB), and Employment Development Department (EDD), handling matters such as audits, liens, levies, installment agreements, penalty abatements, offers in compromise, and cross-border reporting compliance.
As a bilingual attorney, Claudia serves both English- and Spanish-speaking clients, including taxpayers with international and Mexico–U.S. tax matters. She is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences and has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2024–2025) and a San Diego Business Journal Woman of Influence in Law (2025), and was awarded a Distinguished Alumni Award from her alma mater in 2025.
Claudia is deeply committed to mentorship and community service and currently serves as Chair of the San Diego County Bar Association's Tax Section.
She lives in San Diego with her dogs, Stella and Drax.
Perla Itzel Vargas de Alba
Administrative Assistant
Perla Itzel Vargas de Alba, originally from Mexico, earned her Law Degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California and is developing her professional career in the United States within the legal and tax fields.
As an Administrative Assistant, Perla plays a key role in supporting the firm's Managing Attorney. Her responsibilities include preparing legal and administrative documents, coordinating meetings, and communicating with clients, attorneys, and government agencies to help ensure efficient and compliant operations.
Prior to joining the firm, Perla gained valuable experience in corporate compliance and business administration in Mexico. She assisted with company formations, contract management, and regulatory compliance matters for new and existing businesses. She also guided clients through import and export procedures and supported both internal and external audit processes.
Perla's cross-border experience has provided her with a strong understanding of regulatory compliance, corporate operations, and client-focused legal support. Known for her attention to detail, organization, and professionalism, she is committed to contributing to efficient legal processes while fostering strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
Ariana Montreuil
Law Clerk
Ariana Montreuil is a Law Clerk at CI Tax Law and a San Diego native currently pursuing her Juris Doctor at the University of San Diego School of Law. She is passionate about legal research, advocacy, and serving her community through meaningful legal work.
Ariana brings a diverse background in legal, financial, and investigative fields. She previously served as a Judicial Extern to the Honorable Judge Roger T. Benitez of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, where she conducted legal research and drafted memoranda on complex civil litigation matters, including civil procedure, class actions, and derivative settlements. She also analyzed pleadings and evidentiary records and observed federal court proceedings, gaining valuable insight into judicial decision-making and courtroom practice.
In addition, Ariana worked with the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program's HIV and AIDS Legal Support Program, where she researched issues involving housing, public benefits, tax matters, and landlord-tenant disputes. She participated in community legal clinics, assisted with client intake and eligibility assessments, and prepared legal analyses to support client representation.
Before entering law school, Ariana gained extensive client service and financial experience as a Universal Service Representative II (Relationship Banker) with Mission Federal Credit Union, where she assisted members with financial planning, loan applications, and banking solutions. She also worked as a Digital Analyst with Digistream, conducting research, analyzing public records, and preserving digital evidence for legal investigations.
Outside of her studies and work at the firm, Ariana enjoys volunteering in the community, spending time outdoors, and traveling.