About Leo Law Office, APLC

Meet the team and more

Shawn Leo

Founder & Principal Attorney

Shawn brings world-class legal experience to San Diego. His mission is to use his skills, determination, and creative vision to help clients in need of legal and compliance services succeed. Shawn’s early experience was forged in the high-stakes world of Wall Street investment banking.


Shawn started his career as vice president at The Bank of New York Mellon, one of the world’s largest custodians. Shawn was a core member of a cross-functional leadership team that built out a best-in-class custody platform for alternative investment vehicles while ensuring compliance with a vast array of complex regulations.


Moving over to the New York headquarters of an international bank, Shawn joined HSBC as senior legal counsel, initially to support its fund custody business. His skills and acumen were quickly recognized, and Shawn’s responsibilities expanded to include legal and compliance support for a broad array of financial services offered to domestic and international corporate and institutional clients, such as trade and receivables finance, project and export finance, asset and structured finance, and corporate trust and loan agency services. Shawn was a critical member of a legal team that successfully navigated the bank through a period of the financial crisis, ensuing litigation, and regulatory fallout.

Finally, prior to launching his private practice, Shawn served as the Chief Compliance Officer and Associate General Counsel of Goal Solutions, a San Diego-based asset manager ($25+ billion) that incubated and spun out a national student loan program. Shawn’s effective executive leadership skills brought a vision-driven approach to decision-making, strategic planning, and tactical implementation. Additionally, Shawn’s legal and compliance leadership in heading information security and creating its compliance management programs to cover multiple affiliated entities served as a marker of his results-oriented business approach, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. 

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ACCREDITATIONS & ASSOCIATIONS

Dominic Giovanniello

Senior Paralegal

Dominic Giovanniello is a seasoned paralegal with nineteen years of experience in civil litigation. Originally from Long Island, New York, Dominic brings a wealth of knowledge, precision, and insight to every case he supports. His deep understanding of the litigation process makes him an invaluable resource to both clients and attorneys throughout all phases of a dispute.


Known for his reliability and sharp attention to detail, Dominic is committed to ensuring that each matter moves forward efficiently and effectively.


Now based in downtown San Diego, Dominic is an avid soccer fan who stays active by playing in local leagues and participating in the city’s vibrant soccer community.

Client Testimonials That Say It All

Our clients consistently leave 5-star reviews for the personalized attention, professionalism, and results they receive. These testimonials reflect the trust we’ve built by providing effective legal solutions and dedicated service throughout San Diego County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about our Leo Law Office, APLC.

  • What is your hourly rate?

    Hourly rates vary depending on the nature and complexity of the matter. Generally, the average hourly rate is $375.

  • Can we meet up?

    In-person consultations and meetings are available upon request.

  • Do you offer consultations?

    Yes, we offer consultations. Note, a consultation generally lasts up to 15 minutes. Paid consultations may be available where document review is requested.

  • Does your firm take cases on contingency?

    Yes, however, such arrangements are solely in our discretion.

  • Does your law office have a notary?

    Yes, notary services are by appointment only.

  • Does your firm handle criminal cases?

    No, we do not handle criminal matters.

Legal Insights & Updates
A person is signing a document with a pen.

Can an Irrevocable Trust be Terminated?

By Leo Law Office APLC • February 6, 2025
In California, irrevocable trusts are a popular estate planning tool, primarily because they offer tax benefits and provide asset protection. Once assets are transferred into an irrevocable trust, the grantor typically cannot alter the terms or reclaim the assets.
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Declare Homestead on California Property Held in a Revocable Trust?

By Leo Law Office APLC • January 17, 2025
If you’re a California homeowner with property held in a revocable trust, you may be wondering whether you should or could declare homestead on that property. It’s an important question because declaring homestead can offer significant benefits, such as property
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Do You Need a Tax ID Number for Your Living Trust?

By Leo Law Office APLC • December 17, 2024
A common question when setting up a living trust is whether it needs a Tax ID Number (TIN), also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The answer depends on the type of living trust you have and whether it’s
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The Benefits of Having a Gun Trust in California

By Leo Law Office, APLC • December 16, 2024
Owning firearms in California comes with strict regulations and legal requirements. Whether you’re a collector, a sports shooter, or someone who values responsible firearm ownership, establishing a gun trust can provide several key benefits that help you stay compliant.
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San Diego Probate Requirements: Understanding SDSC PR-198

By Leo Law Office, APLC • December 11, 2024
In San Diego, when initiating probate proceedings, it’s essential to adhere to specific local rules and requirements. One of the critical forms in this process is SDSC PR-198, titled “Attachment to Initial or Competing Petition for Probate.”
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California Partition of Real Property in Probate

By Leo Law Office, APLC • December 10, 2024
In California, probate proceedings often involve complicated issues when it comes to real property left behind by a decedent. When multiple heirs inherit a single piece of property—such as a home or land—they automatically become tenants-in-common, each holding a fractional interest. Disagreements frequently arise over whether to sell the property, keep it, or divide it. When these conflicts can’t be resolved privately, the legal remedy of partition may be necessary to solve the dispute.
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About Attorney Shawn Leo