Ricardo L. Laureano, Esq., LL.M. (who also goes by Ricky) is an Associate Attorney at Brotman Law, where he focuses on federal and state audits, tax research, and financial analysis for individuals and businesses. Ricky brings strong research, writing, and analytical skills to client matters, applying both his legal training and practical clinic experience to resolve complex tax issues.
Before joining Brotman Law, Ricky gained experience across several major tax authorities and legal institutions. He served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Lupe Rodriguez, Jr. at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. He also worked extensively with individual taxpayers through the University of San Diego’s Federal Income Tax Clinic and the Legal Aid Society of San Diego’s Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic. In those roles, he assisted with matters involving offers in compromise (OICs), currently not collectible (CNC) determinations, innocent spouse relief, and IRS identity theft resolution. These case types closely mirror the kinds of challenges Brotman Law helps clients navigate every day. This experience proved invaluable when Ricky joined the team as a Post-Bar Law Clerk, and now, following his bar admission, continues to shape his growing practice as an Associate Attorney at the firm.
Ricky was drawn to tax law as a way to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. He sees it as a field where strong research and writing skills can directly help individuals and businesses regain financial control, reduce stress, and move toward peace of mind. What he enjoys most about the practice, though, is the people—both the clients he supports and the community of professionals around him.
Ricky holds both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from the University of San Diego School of Law. During law school, he contributed to the San Diego Journal for Climate and Energy Law, and participated in the Legal Aid Society of San Diego's Pro Bono Clinic and Low Income Taxpayer's clinic where he developed a strong foundation in public interest advocacy and tax procedure.
Outside of his legal work, Ricky enjoys golfing, cooking, baking, and gaming. A devoted animal lover, he previously ran his own dog boarding business and now shares his home with two dogs—Murphy the husky and Calli the Belgian Malinois—and two cats, Bean and Poppy. He and his partner are currently on the lookout for another husky to join the family. In his free time, Ricky loves visiting local beaches, trying new taco shops, and relaxing at home with his pets and loved ones.