JOINING CANDELARIA LLP

Lorena P. Garcia joined Candelaria LLP in September 2023. Prior to joining Candelaria LLP, Lorena honed her legal skills by working as Senior Associate for a highly respected boutique law office specializing in family law in the Bay Area.

Lorena’s journey in the field of family law is a testament to her dedication, cultural appreciation, and commitment to justice in her community. Her career path, from humble beginnings as an intern to respected counsel, serves as an inspiration to those who seek to pursue a career in the legal field and who wish to uplift their community.

EARLY LIFE AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

Born in Oakland and raised in the East Bay, Lorena's background shapes her passion for the law. Her father, a proud San Francisco native, and her mother, an immigrant from Mexico, instilled in her a profound appreciation for cultural diversity. This upbringing gave her fluency in both English and Spanish languages.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

Lorena's journey in the legal world began with a strong educational foundation. Lorena graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Economies of Industrial Societies. Lorena then went on to obtain her Juris Doctorate degree from John F. Kennedy University. She made it a point to attend a law school in the Bay Area, the community that she serves.

She was first introduced into the world of family law in 2014, when she took on an unpaid internship during her first year in law school. This experience ignited her passion for family law, leading to her subsequent employment as a paralegal. Upon passing the California State Bar in August 2020, she made the transition from paralegal to practicing attorney, with a focus on family law.

Lorena's work in family law encompasses a broad spectrum of issues. She provides her clients with invaluable counsel and advice on issues ranging from asset division, child custody, and child support to spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, dissolution of marriage or domestic partnerships, establishment of parentage, and post-judgment concerns. Despite the inherent challenges of family law, Lorena finds immense fulfillment in assisting her clients navigate these complex issues that affect their lives profoundly.

BAR ASSOCIATION AND MENTORSHIP

Lorena’s commitment to the legal profession extends beyond her caseload. Lorena is an active member of both the Contra Costa County Bar Association and the Alameda County Bar Association, where she continues to expand her legal knowledge and networks with fellow legal professionals. Additionally, she dedicates her time as a mentor at the Puente Project, an award-winning program with a mission to increase the enrollment of educationally underrepresented students in four-year colleges. Her involvement in mentorship demonstrates her commitment to promoting the growth of future legal professionals and strengthening her community.