Our Team - Padilla Global Law Group

Our Lawyers

Annaluisa Padilla, Esq. – Founder and Principal Attorney

Ms. Padilla was born in Guatemala. She immigrated to the United States in 1983. She obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and her law degree from Whittier Law School. Ms. Padilla is the founding attorney and CEO for the Padilla Global Law Group, formerly known as Law Office of Annaluisa Padilla. She served as the President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) from 2017 to 2018 and continues to serve on their Board of Governors. She has also served in various capacities with the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA), including past Assistant VP of the Board of Trustees and Chair of their Immigration Section. As a divorce lawyer, she is also a member of LACBA’s family law section and the American Bar Association (ABA)

Ms. Padilla has over 24 years’ experience in family law and immigration law, representing individuals and corporations at all stages of their legal matters including litigation and appeals. She is a firm believer in giving back to the community and has volunteered with the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), LACBA’s Domestic Violence Project, and has served as mentor for the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) and Kids In Need of Defense (KIND).

Ms. Padilla is also a frequent legal commentator on CNN International, CCTV, MSNBC, Univision and Telemundo. She has given numerous presentations on issues covering immigration benefits, know your rights, and the interplay between family law and immigration law. Outside of work, Ms. Padilla and her husband are wine enthusiasts, foodies and doting parents to two Queensland Heelers (Lucy a deaf red heeler, and Zoe a blue heeler). Having lived the immigrant experience, Ms. Padilla is eternally grateful to the courage and fortitude of her parents in leaving a life behind and immigrating to the United States to provide better future for their children. She owes her accomplishments and success to the continued support of her parents and brother.

In founding the Padilla Global Law Group, Ms. Padilla hopes to bring together a dedicated team to help individuals and companies with their immigration and family law legal matters. The mission of the Firm is to focus on our Client’s necessities and goals to develop a zealous advocacy strategy to bring a favorable result to their case.

Bar Admission and Education

United States Supreme Court, 2006
United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, 2002
United States District Court, Central District, 1997
State Bar of California, 1997 (Verify Admission)
Whittier Law School, J.D. 1997
University of California, Los Angeles, B.A. 1989

Claris Deronian, Esq. – Associate Attorney

Claris is an Armenian immigrant born in Iran. She has studied in the universities of Tehran, Iran and Cologne, Germany. After immigrating to the United States, she obtained her master’s degree from the California State University at Los Angeles and her law degree from Glendale University College of Law (2017).

Prior to joining Padilla Global Law Group, Claris worked with non-profit organizations advocating the rights of children immigrating to the U.S and representing and assisting families seeking limited conservatorships.

Claris is a member of California Bar and the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s (LACBA) immigration law section. She is fluent in Armenian, Farsi/Dari, German and has been learning Spanish to be able to better communicate with the Spanish speaking community.

Outside of work, she is a wife and mother. Claris enjoys travelling, cooking, reading, and spending time with family.

Our Support Team

Mayra Bañuelos, Case Manager

Mayra Bañuelos was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Prior to joining the Padilla Global Law Group Mayra worked in warehouse logistics. Mayra joined the Padilla Global Law Group in 2016 bringing extensive experience in project management and process efficiency. Mayra is responsible for preparing USCIS and state court forms, reviewing documents, declarations and pleadings and ensuring the timely compilation of benefit related applications. She oversees client intakes, gathering of client information and documents, and assisting our immigration attorneys. In addition, Mayra has continuous contact with our clients’ providing updates and assisting with general inquiries. Finally, Mayra oversees monitoring cases with USCIS and State Courts. Outside of work, Mayra is a dedicated mother to two growing boys and a doting daughter to her mother. She enjoys family time, music, and personal alone time. Mayra is fluent in Spanish.

Laura Razo, Case Manager

Laura Razo was born in El Monte, CA and is of Mexican descent. Prior to joining the Padilla Global Law Group, Laura worked in sales, warehouse logistics and general office positions, Laura joined the Padilla Global Law Group in 2018. Laura’s diverse employment background brought fresh perspectives to the Firm. Starting as the Firm’s Receptionist and our clients’ first contact, Laura quickly learned the intricacies of our cases and clients. With her promotion to Legal Assistant in 2019 Laura is responsible for preparing USCIS and state court forms, reviewing documents, declarations, and pleadings. Laura is also responsible for ensuring the timely compilation of benefit related applications. She oversees the gathering of client information and documents and assisting our immigration attorneys. In addition, Laura has continuous contact with our clients providing updates and assisting with general inquiries. Finally, Laura is in charge of monitoring cases with USCIS and State Courts. Outside of work, Laura is a dedicated aunt to her nephews and nieces (her “monsters”). Laura is also a dedicated mom to her fur-babies Leo and Dash. She enjoys time with her family and boyfriend. Laura is fluent in Spanish.

Jennifer Prado, Executive Director of Marketing and Client Relations

Jennifer Prado holds a degree in Information Systems Administration with an emphasis in Business Management from Universidad Mariano Gálvez. Prior to joining the Padilla Global Law Group, Jennifer worked in higher education as a professor for 18 years at Universidad Mariano Gálvez in Guatemala. Her experience in Business Administration including marketing and publicity for the University and Research Institute brings a rich perspective to the Firm. Jennifer joined the Padilla Global Law Group in 2020. Jennifer is in charge of the Firm’s Social Media platform, Marketing, Publicity and Client Relations. Jennifer designs the marketing campaigns for the Firm’s social media presence. Jennifer is also the key contact for all potential clients looking to engage our services. She provides detailed information regarding the Firm’s processes and payment plans. Outside of work, Jennifer is a dedicated wife and mother to three children. She enjoys walking, movies, family, and shopping. Jennifer is fluent in Spanish.

Mariano J. Padilla A., Vice President of IT and Operations (Consultant)

Mariano is an experienced IT professional who was an integral member of the team launching Padilla Global Law Group, formerly known as the Law Office of Annaluisa Padilla in 2002. Since then, Mariano has been involved in all areas of information systems, maintaining the Firm up to date with the latest hardware and software to maximize efficiency and ensure the security of our client’s’ information. In addition, Mariano has designed and updated the Firms website and has brought together the Firm’s branding image under the Padilla Global Law Group across all social media platforms and third-party sites. Mariano continues to work with the Padilla Global Law Group as an independent contractor overseeing the technical infrastructure of the Firm as well as being the lead team member in special projects related to the software and hardware needs. His IT work is critical to the Firm’s commitment to continue improving automation, client communication, and cybersecurity. Mariano’s extensive technical knowledge of systems and infrastructure in general allows the Firm to operate seamlessly to focus on its clients and their cases. Outside of work, Mariano is a dedicated husband and enjoys movies, music and programming and video games. He is fluent in Spanish.

Brenda Arevalo – Legal Assistant

Brenda Arevalo was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Brenda joined the Padilla Global Law Group in 2021. Prior to joining the Padilla Global Law Group, Brenda worked as Assistant Manager for 12 years. Her background and experience include various assistant positions at medium and large companies. In addition, Brenda brings four years of multifaceted customer service knowledge to Padilla Global Law Group. Brenda holds a degree in Clinical Psychology and Business Administration from the University of San Carlos, Guatemala. In addition, she has broadened her knowledge with courses in project management, business management and some financial courses related banking transactions. Brenda oversees all the initial client contact at Padilla Global Law Group. She oversees welcoming our clients as they first contact our Firm, walking them through our initial consultation process, gathering information for their cases and following up as their cases progress.

Outside of work, Brenda enjoys time with her family, she likes to cook, swim and learned Italian. Brenda is fluent in Spanish.