Karla was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where she developed a deep connection to the Hispanic culture. During her years in law school, she worked as a Legal Assistant at a business and tort law firm, gaining a comprehensive understanding of legal processes from the ground up. Her studies in Spain, Italy, England, and China, along with her work with exchange students, inspired her to pursue a career in Immigration and Family Law.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2010 from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico School of Law and served as a Defense Attorney for the Puerto Rico Department of Justice. In this role, she represented the Government of Puerto Rico, its employees and agents in the State and Federal District Court, standing out for her analytical ability, the quality of her work and her effectiveness.

In 2020, Karla founded Santiago Legal LLC with the vision of providing personalized, high-quality legal assistance to people in need, including families and immigrants. Her commitment to the well-being of her clients and her dedication to offering accurate and timely legal advice are the pillars of her practice.