Our Team
Anne Marie Ugarte
Lead Attorney & Owner
J.D. (1990) University of South Carolina School of Law
B.A. (1986) Boston College
With over three decades of experience as an attorney for the State of South Carolina, I have dedicated my career to advocating for the best interests of children.
My experience encompasses a wide range of roles, including serving as a Guardian ad Litem, representing parents in private divorces and SCDSS abuse/neglect/termination of rights matters, and teaching Child Protection Advocacy as an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law.
I have also served in various leadership and academic positions, including as an executive attorney for the South Carolina Department of Social Services and as an adjunct professor at Midlands Technical College. During my tenure with SCDSS, I was deeply committed to ensuring that the voices of parents involved with the agency were heard.
Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to helping clients navigate the family court system. I believe in providing compassionate and dedicated support to those seeking assistance and working collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Kathleen M. Chapman
Administrative Law Assistant
Kathy was born in Buffalo, NY, but spent much of her childhood in the Lowcountry and attended Furman University on a tennis scholarship. She lived in Greenville, SC, for over 20 years and currently owns two Subway franchises in Greenwood and Ninety-Six.
In 2017, Kathy relocated to Beaufort to be with family and raise her son in the environment she knew as a child. Kathy has graciously volunteered her time to the Ugarte Law Firm because she believes in its mission to advocate for those seeking a voice in family court, and to ensure the protection of children by the South Carolina Family Courts.
Icela Chapa Bowers
Bi-Lingual Paralegal & Business Manager
Icela was born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina, and received her paralegal certificate and an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences from Lowcountry Technical College in 2013.
She dedicated eleven years to Lowcountry Legal Volunteers as an executive paralegal, demonstrating her passion for helping those with limited access to the judicial system due to economic circumstances. Icela played a key role in achieving justice for the less fortunate and protecting children in the Lowcountry.
Icela is a valuable asset to the Ugarte Law Firm. Her involvement with the Hispanic community and her continued passion for assisting those in need of a voice in family court are vital to our firm.
Icela is a married mother of a young child, a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, and a partner in her husband’s local business.