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.
Nicolas Ounjian
Of Counsel
Nicolas Ounjian is a dedicated attorney and proud native of Solana Beach, California. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2024 and was admitted to the California Bar later that year.
With deep roots in his community, Nicolas brings a strong sense of service and integrity to his legal practice. He is passionate about helping others and approaches each case with commitment, clarity, and compassion. Grounded in his faith and devoted to his family, Nicolas values relationships and strives to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those he serves.
Outside the office, you’ll often find Nicolas on the basketball court or enjoying the outdoors—always staying active and connected to the community he calls home.
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.
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