ABOUT US
Our Story
A partnership forged in the academe, built on mentorship, and defined by complementary strengths.
Atty. Mark Angelo S. Dela Peña
Founding PartnerProfessor of Law, Isabela State University
Evidence & Private International Law
Atty. Abdel Nasser H. Saniel
PartnerLitigation & Corporate Strategy
Top-Performing ISU Law Alumnus
Atty. Jomel L. Galiza
PartnerSpecial Projects & Administrative Law
Top-Performing ISU Law Alumnus
The Academic Foundation
The story of DESAGA LAW begins in the classrooms of Isabela State University (ISU) Cauayan City Campus. As a Professor of Law teaching complex subjects like Evidence and Private International Law, Atty. Mark Angelo Dela Peña established a reputation for academic rigor and exacting standards. It was here that the foundation of the firm was laid, grounded in a deep respect for legal scholarship.
Exceptional Talent
During their time as law students at ISU, Abdel Nasser Saniel and Jomel Galiza distinguished themselves not just as students, but as exceptional legal minds. Under Atty. Dela Peña's tutelage, they consistently ranked as his best-performing students, demonstrating an aptitude for critical thinking that went beyond the curriculum.
The Solo Practice
Initially, Atty. Dela Peña managed his own private practice, "Atty. Dela Peña's Office," alongside his teaching commitments, building a foundation of trust with clients in the region while shaping future lawyers in the classroom.
From Mentorship to Collaboration
Upon passing the Philippine Bar Examinations, Attys. Saniel and Galiza approached their former professor with a request to train under his guidance as law firm associates. Recognizing their potential, Atty. Dela Peña accepted. However, working side-by-side in practice revealed a new dynamic: the student-professor relationship quickly evolved into one of professional peers.
Recognizing Synergy: The Birth of DESAGA LAW
It soon became clear that this was more than a mentorship; it was a synergy of distinct talents. Atty. Dela Peña realized that while they shared a foundation in academic excellence, their individual approaches to the law complemented one another perfectly. The realization that their combined strengths exceeded the sum of their parts led to the decision to dissolve the associate relationship and forge a full partnership. Thus, DESAGA LAW was established.