Ally Keegan is the founder and partner of Keegan Law, a criminal defense firm rooted in humanity. With a deep commitment to justice and a passion for advocating on behalf of those facing life-altering charges, Ally brings over a decade of experience to her clients. She understands that being accused of a crime is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can endure, and she is dedicated to providing clear, compassionate, and effective legal counsel throughout every step of the legal process. Born and raised in New York, Ally’s journey took her to Philadelphia, where she earned her undergraduate degree from Villanova University, before heading to San Diego to earn her law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law. There, she concentrated in criminal litigation, igniting a career that would focus solely on defending individuals against criminal charges.

Ally’s legal career began with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, where she first got a taste of the criminal justice system. But her true passion emerged when she pivoted to criminal defense in law school, believing firmly in the importance of protecting the rights of those accused. Ally’s experience on both sides of the courtroom allows her to approach cases with a unique perspective—ensuring she develops the most comprehensive and strategic defense for each client.

At Keegan Law, Ally believes that criminal defense is not just about legal strategy—it’s about understanding people. That’s why her approach to each case is rooted in empathy, thorough preparation, and a relentless commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Whether her clients face state or federal charges, Ally works tirelessly to guide them through the complexities of the legal system and secure the most favorable results.

Ally is deeply involved in the San Diego community and the legal profession. She serves as an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego’s School of Law, teaching the next generation of paralegals about criminal law. Her advocacy extends beyond the courtroom through her work with various legal and community organizations, where she is an outspoken leader on issues such as reproductive justice, criminal justice reform, and women’s rights.

For Ally, the most rewarding part of her work is knowing she’s making a difference in people’s lives during their most difficult moments. At Keegan Law, she’s not just a lawyer—she’s a trusted ally, committed to defending her clients with integrity, passion, and a deep respect for their humanity.

The State Bar of California.

• Admitted. 2016-Present.

Federal District Court for the Southern District of California.

• Admitted. 2016-Present.

Lawyers Club of San Diego.

• Board of Directors. 2022-Present.
• President-Elect. 2025-Present.
• Vice President, Finance & Fundraising. 2024-Present.
• Co-Chair, Advocacy & Reproductive Justice Committee. 2021-2024.
• Co-Chair, History, Policy & Bylaws Committee. 2023-2024.
• Member. 2013-Present.

Tariq Khamisa Foundation.

• Board of Trustees. 2022-Present.
• Chair, Board Development Committee. 2025-Present.

Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association.

• Lifetime Member. 2025-Present.

Women’s Museum of California.

• Board of Directors. 2020-2024.
• Chair, Internal Affairs Committee. 2021-2022.

University of San Diego School of Law Paralegal Program.

• Adjunct Professor, Criminal Law. 2021-2023.

San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association.

• Member 2020-Present.

National Association for Public Defense.

• Member 2020-2021.

National Women’s Political Caucus.

• Steering Committee & Board of Directors. 2017-2021.
• President. 2020-2021.
• Vice President. 2019-2020.
• Public Relations Liaison 2018-2019.

• Article: “SDPD Makes Use of Dangerous Flash Bang Devices.” October 10, 2024. Voice of San Diego.
• Article: “Top 5 Diddy indictment bombshells: What legal experts predict for future of fallen music mogul.” September 18, 2024. Fox News.
• News: “Local attorney discusses what is next for Trump’s Sentencing.” May 30, 2024. ABC 10News.
• Article: Meet Ally Keegan. January 16, 2024. Bold Journey Magazine.
• Article: “Food contest focuses on culinary creativity in prison and one man’s effort to reduce his sentence.” May 23, 2023. San Diego Union-Tribune.
• Article: “Year in Review: Successful New Laws & Promising New Legislation” 2022 Lawyers Club of San Diego Newsletter.
• Article: “Jussie Smollett sentencing: Legal experts weigh in after actor learns fate.” March 11, 2022. Fox News.
• Article: “Looking Ahead: The decisions to be made and who will be making them.” January 1, 2022. Lawyers Club of San Diego Newsletter.
• Article: “The Bills that Died in 2021.” December 1, 2021. Lawyers Club of San Diego Newsletter.
• Article: “Added Protections for Nursing Mothers in the Workplace.” September 1, 2021. Lawyers Club of San Diego Newsletter.
• Article: “A New Focus on Incarcerated Women’s Reproductive Rights.” February 1, 2021. Lawyers Club of San Diego Newsletter.
• Article: “Roe v. Wade Celebrates Forty-Eight Years Despite Decades of Challenges.” January 1, 2021.
• Lecture: “Bail Law: Before, During & After a Pandemic.” September 21, 2020. LawPractice CLE. View.
• Article: “LGBTQ Advocacy and Legislation Amid the Covid-19 Crisis.” July 1, 2020. Lawyers Club of San Diego Newsletter.
• Op-Ed: “Opinion: The Case for Keeping Criminal Cases Partially Remote After COVID-19.” May 18, 2020. Times of San Diego. Lecture: “Bail Law: Procedure, Policy & Pitfalls.” January 16, 2020. ProLawCLE.
• News: “O.J. Simpson Wins Parole Hearing in Nevada.” July 20, 2017. ABC 10News.
• News: “California’s Revenge Porn Law.” July 6, 2017. Fox 5 News.
• News: “Hate Crime Laws and Chicago.” January 2017. America Trends.

• Juris Doctor – Criminal Litigation Concentration. University of San Diego School of Law (San Diego, California). 2016.
• Bachelor of Arts – Criminal Justice, Sociology & Spanish. Villanova University (Villanova, Pennsylvania). 2013.