Lourdes Tancinco, Esq.

Immigration lawyer and a passionate advocate for Filipino communities

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, University of the Philippines, Diliman (1982)

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of the Philippines, Diliman (1987)

Professional Achievements

Lourdes Santos Tancinco, widely known as “Attorney Lou,” is a highly accomplished San Francisco-based immigration lawyer and a passionate advocate for Filipino communities. As the co-founder and managing partner of Tancinco Law, Professional Corporation, she has led a distinguished legal career specializing in U.S. immigration law since 1992. Her firm has provided thousands of immigrants and their families with expert legal representation, shaping lives and futures with integrity and compassion.

Attorney Lou's leadership extends beyond the legal field. She currently serves as the Executive Director and Vice Chair of the Friends of U.P. Foundation in America (FUPFA), a U.S.-based nonprofit that facilitates donations from alumni and friends to support the University of the Philippines' educational mission. She is also served as Board Member and Vice President for 2022-2023 of the U.P. Alumni Association of San Francisco (UPAASF).

Advocacy and Community Leadership

Attorney Lou has dedicated her career to uplifting marginalized communities. Her work with Filipino World War II veterans stands as a testament to her lifelong commitment to justice and equity. In 1998, she co-founded the Veterans Equity Center (VEC) to provide critical services such as legal assistance, housing support, and health counseling to veterans and minority seniors. The center, now known as the Bayanihan Equity Center (BEC), has become a pillar of advocacy for Filipino veterans, spearheading initiatives like the Full Equity Bill and the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole (FWVP) program.

In her over 20 years of service as Board President of the VEC (1999–2021), Attorney Lou helped thousands of veterans and their families access the benefits and recognition they deserve. She continues to offer pro bono legal assistance to low-income seniors, immigrants, and families through the center’s legal clinic located at South of Market, San Francisco CA.

Her commitment to the community extends further as a board member of organizations like the Filipino American Development Foundation (1997-2015) and Alexis Apartments of St. Patrick (2000 to present), a Section 8 housing complex for low-income families in San Francisco.

Public Outreach and Media Engagement

Attorney Lou is also a recognized media personality and writer, known for her dedication to educating Filipino immigrants about immigration law. She has hosted and produced the long-running television show "Pusong Pinoy sa Amerika", now entering its 18th season on GMA Pinoy TV, and previously contributed to TFC’s "Balitang America" with her immigration law segment, "Pinoy Panawagan".

She has published articles in American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) books and writes regularly for local newspapers and news websites, ensuring vital legal knowledge reaches her community.

Personal Life

Attorney Lou is married to fellow attorney Rey D. Tancinco, and together they have two daughters, Jan (33) and Aina (26). The Tancinco family resides in the San Francisco Bay Area while maintaining strong ties to the Philippines.

With decades of leadership, advocacy, and service, Attorney Lou seeks your support to serve on the U.P. Alumni Association of San Francisco board and bring her passion, dedication, and vision to the organization.