Mario A. Palencia earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University, San Bernardino, and his Juris Doctor degree from Michigan State University, College of Law. Admitted to the California Bar in 2014, he began his legal career as in-house counsel for a medical billings and collections company in Glendale, California, where he supervised 10 non-attorney collection agents within the California workers’ compensation system.
Shortly thereafter, Mario launched his solo practice in the Coachella Valley area, representing clients across various legal disciplines, including civil litigation, employment law, real estate law, family law, criminal law, immigration law, workers’ compensation, business transactions, and consumer bankruptcy. Over time, his practice concentrated in civil litigation, focusing on employment and real estate law, where he represented both plaintiffs and defendants through all stages of litigation, from pre-filing to trial.
In April 2024, seeking to expand his horizons, Mario joined the Atticus Legal Group as a Senior Associate, handling employment law and personal injury cases in both California state and federal courts.
Outside his legal career, Mario is deeply passionate about family, music, and mathematics. A classically trained percussionist and proficient saxophone player, he participates in community concert bands, orchestras, and jazz bands when time permits. He also hopes to further his education in mathematics—a lifelong love cultivated in his youth. However, his greatest joy comes from raising his sons alongside his wife, cherishing the hope that they might one day share his passions.
Mario is a native Spanish speaker of Mexican descent and an avid member of his local Catholic community. In his leisure time, Mario enjoys golf, tackling home DIY projects, and stress-free travel.
