Sound Advice Leads Lamden School Alumnus to Great Success as an Attorney

Mark Krasner (‘74) currently serves on the advisory board of the SDSU Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy, as well as the SDSU Alumni Board of Advisors.

By Suzanne Finch

Mark Krasner (‘74) knew what career he wanted to pursue by the time he was 13-years-old. 

“When I was in eighth grade, a California Superior Court judge told me that San Diego needed a tax attorney,” he says. “He told me to major in accounting, take as many tax courses as possible, and become a CPA. Then go to law school and continue to take all the available tax courses there.” 

Krasner took the advice and earned his accounting degree from what is now known as San Diego State University’s Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy and excelled during his time at SDSU. 

At the age of 20, he graduated a semester early with the designation of summa cum laude. He was one of four valedictorians who sat on the stage during commencement ceremonies and was chosen to deliver the salutation speech that day. 

After graduating from SDSU, Krasner went on to earn his law degree from the University of San Diego’s School of Law. Today, he is a founding partner of Blanchard, Krasner & French, where he specializes in tax matters, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and other business matters. 

Still finding ways to stay connected to his first alma mater, Krasner serves on the advisory board of the SDSU Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy, as well as the SDSU Alumni Board of Advisors.

Over 50 years later, Krasner says the skills he learned at SDSU are still instrumental in his law practice. 

“I use these skills almost every day,” he says. “In putting transactions together, I not only understand the legal aspects, but I also have a thorough understanding of the tax and accounting aspects. And virtually no opposing counsel has those same skills.”

Krasner credits SDSU and the Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy with providing the foundation for his success. 

“I would not be where I am today without the dedication and commitment bestowed upon me by my wife Angela, and my professors and classmates at SDSU,” he says. “And being a member of the school’s advisory board gives me a platform to contribute my time, experience, and resources to assist the current generation of accounting majors to achieve their own professional success.”