Claudia Ignacio

Claudia Lorena Ignacio handles tax planning, compliance and controversy issues as an senior associate at Hone Maxwell LLP. Her practice includes a wide array of international tax consulting matters, from U.S. investments and the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) to amnesty programs under the former Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP). In addition, Claudia defends clients in audits with the IRS, Franchise Tax Board (FTB) and other state taxing agencies. She assists clients in collection issues including liens, levies, installment agreements, penalty abatement, injured spouse and offers in compromise. Claudia is frequently invited to speak at conferences, tax-related events, and educational institutions.

Claudia’s broad legal and tax experience allows her to understand and represent her clients’ needs. She is part of HMLLP’s deep bench of attorneys with accounting and tax compliance experience.

Originally from Mexico City, but raised in Southern California, Claudia is bilingual in Spanish and English – an asset to both her individual and corporate clients in Mexico and Mexican nationals located in the U.S. Claudia enjoys helping people and businesses understand and comply with the complex U.S. tax laws. Her clients appreciate the diligence with which Claudia works to minimize risk and maximize benefits.

While earning her bachelor’s degree in History at California State University, San Marcos, Claudia worked full-time and founded the school’s Pre-Law Society. After graduating, she worked as a paralegal for attorneys in immigration, bankruptcy, family law and civil litigation. She also had a successful career as a realtor and owned a small tax preparation business.  Claudia has 20 years of tax preparation experience.

After raising her siblings, she decided to pursue a law career and enroll at California Western School of Law. During law school, Claudia served as president of the La Raza Law Student Association and sat on several school committees. She participated in the American Bar Association Judicial Clerkship program and clerked for a civil law judge. Claudia has received many awards for her leadership and community service and continues to be a mentor to many students on campus and in her community.

Currently Claudia serves as treasurer for the San Diego La Raza Lawyer’s Association Board, as director of its Public Benefit Fund Board and as chair of its on its Community Service committees. Through these positions, Claudia, supports the SDLRLA’S mission of serving the community in need of legal resources. She also volunteers for the San Diego County Bar Association’s Mock Trial Competition for high school students and is an active member of the California Women Lawyers Association and the San Diego
County Bar Association. One of Claudia’s passions is helping people, especially young professionals who are facing challenges. This is why she serves as a mentor to students at California Western School of Law, Thomas Jefferson School of Law and the University of San Diego. Claudia also mentors high school and college students through nonprofits such as Reality Changers.

Claudia lives in San Diego with her dogs, Stella and Drax.