About Leo Law Office, APLC

Meet the team and more

Shawn Leo

Founder & Principal Attorney

Shawn brings extensive legal experience to San Diego. His mission is to apply his skills, determination, and creative vision to assist clients with legal and compliance matters. Shawn’s early experience was forged in the complex environment 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 and maintained a custody platform for alternative investment vehicles while ensuring compliance with a wide 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 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 member of a legal team that worked through regulatory, litigation, and compliance matters arising during the financial crisis and its aftermath.

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 (approximately $25+ billion in assets under management) that incubated and spun out a national student loan program. In this role, Shawn provided executive leadership related to decision-making, strategic planning, and implementation. He also led legal and compliance initiatives, including information security oversight and the development of compliance management programs across multiple affiliated entities.

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ACCREDITATIONS & ASSOCIATIONS

Dominic Giovanniello

Senior Paralegal

Dominic Giovanniello is a paralegal with nineteen years of experience in civil litigation. Originally from Long Island, New York, Dominic brings knowledge, precision, and attention to detail to the matters he supports. His understanding of the litigation process allows him to assist attorneys and clients throughout all phases of a dispute.


Known for his reliability and attention to detail, Dominic is committed to helping matters move 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 soccer community.

Client Feedback and Reviews

Client testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee similar outcomes. Legal results depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  • What distinguishes Leo Law Office, APLC’s approach?

    Leo Law Office, APLC provides estate planning and probate legal services to clients throughout San Diego County with an emphasis on clear guidance, careful planning, and individualized legal support. The firm assists with a range of matters, including trusts, probate administration, business succession planning, and elder law, tailoring each engagement to the specific circumstances involved.


    Attorney Shawn Leo brings corporate legal experience that informs a practical, compliance-minded approach to estate planning and probate matters. His background in corporate and financial legal work supports thoughtful issue-spotting and structured planning, particularly in more complex legal situations. Clients work directly with the attorney and can expect straightforward communication throughout the process.


    Leo Law Office focuses on providing legal services in a professional, accessible manner, prioritizing clarity, transparency, and informed decision-making.

  • What is your hourly rate?

    Hourly rates typically start at $375 and may increase depending on the nature and complexity of the matter, including litigation, contested proceedings, or matters involving multiple estates. Certain services may be offered at flat fees when appropriate; any flat-fee arrangement will clearly outline what is included and excluded before work begins.

  • 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 at 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.
An american flag and a california flag are flying in front of a palm tree.

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
A person is using a keypad to open a safe.

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