Leonard Manalo

Leonard Manalo

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 12 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Pasadena, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Juvenile ... +3 more

680 East Colorado Boulevard Ste. 180, Pasadena, CA

About Leonard

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in California for 12 years

State: California

Acquired: 2013

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Leonard Manalo

680 East Colorado Boulevard Ste. 180, Pasadena, CA, 91101

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Leonard Manalo's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

122 Client Reviews

5 star (119) 4 star (3)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | October 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional Legal Services

I cannot speak highly enough of Leo Manalo and the exceptional legal representation he provided during one of the most challenging times in my life. From the very first moment I reached out for help, Leo demonstrated the professionalism and dedication that sets him apart from other attorneys. What i...mpressed me most was his immediate responsiveness – he responded within just 15 minutes of my contacting his website on a Sunday morning, showing his genuine commitment to his clients even outside traditional business hours. Throughout my case, he maintained this level of accessibility, always being responsive to my texts and patiently answering every question I had, no matter how small. Leo's professional demeanor and extensive knowledge of the law gave me confidence during an uncertain time. He thoroughly explained possible outcomes and kept me informed throughout the entire process. His navigation of the process was also evident that he has cultivated excellent working relationships with prosecutors, court staff and judges – relationships that clearly benefit his clients. Beyond his professional qualities, Leo is incredibly punctual and reliable. Most importantly, his legal expertise made all the difference in my case. He successfully secured a Judicial Diversion program for me, which ultimately resulted in my case being dismissed after I completed the program. This outcome literally saved my career, and I cannot overstate how grateful I am for his skillful representation. Leo Manalo is truly a master of his craft, and I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal counsel. His combination of legal knowledge, professionalism, responsiveness and genuine care for his clients makes him an outstanding attorney. I am forever grateful for everything he did for me.

Posted by Joe | June 8, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

My experience

Leo was incredibly professional and easy to work with. From the start, he laid everything out clearly, including what I could realistically expect—good or bad. He responded quickly whenever I had questions and gave me straight, understandable answers. His advice made a real difference in my case, and... in the end, the outcome was far better than I anticipated. I truly appreciated his honesty, efficiency, and support throughout the process.

Posted by Thomas | February 1, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

DUI case sealed/dismissed with military diversion

Leo is an expert with military diversion process for all veterans facing legal trouble in the realms of DUI, etc. He is very knowledgable in this field, along with regular DUI cases. My case was sealed along with the arrest as well, because of him and the military diversion program. With him and his... law group they will do their best to work on your case.

Posted by Benjamin | January 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Amazing Advocate and Attorney!

Attorney Leonardo Manalo truly is a subject matter in the realms of the criminal justice system. He was able to appear on my behalf at the Long Beach courthouse and have a misdemeanor case that was filed against me last year dismissed. He is a a true advocate and is very passionate about the clients ...that he serves. He was highly professional and able to ensure that he secured a dismissal without no conviction on my end. I highly recommend Attorney Manalo to anyone who is involved within the criminal justice system. He makes the process so easy and is a professional at what he does!

Posted by Jericho | March 18, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Lucky to have found him!

After I was arrested for a DUI, I was lost. I didn’t know where to start or how to deal with anything. Luckily I found Leo on Google. After speaking with him on the phone and explaining to me what’s going to happen next, I hired him. Leo was able to help me through a difficult process, providing kno...wledge and insights to help me reach a satisfactory conclusion. He also saved me hundreds of dollars for catching a mistake on a bill from the court. Overall, I believe Leo successfully fought for the best possible outcome for my charges. I highly recommend him.

See All Client Reviews

Leonard Manalo's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Leonard
Neeraj Dayal Singh headshot
Neeraj Singh

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Leo for criminal matters out of San Diego County."

Michael Anthony Scafiddi headshot
Michael Scafiddi

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Leo is a hard charging attorney who has great skills and a passion to defend his clients."

John Murray headshot
John Murray

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Leo is an incredibly smart lawyer whose work ethic makes all the difference for his clients."

Arash V Sadat headshot
Arash Sadat

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Leo is passionate, intelligent, and has extensive knowledge of nearly every aspect of criminal law and procedure. He is truly an exceptional attorney."

Michael Vicente Castillo headshot
Michael Castillo

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Daria A. Panoff headshot
Daria Panoff

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Co-worker

"I'm proud Leonard works in the California branch of our law firm. In a few short years Leonard has established himself as a force of nature in the criminal defense community. His competence is matched only by his compassion."

Michael Becker headshot
Michael Becker

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Co-worker

"Leo works in the California office of our law firm. I hear nothing but great things, and we gladly refer our clients with California cases to Leo and his fellow Shouse Law Group attorneys."

Daniel R. Page headshot
Daniel Page

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Co-worker

"Leo's the real deal. Defending clients is his calling. I wish everyone facing criminal charges could have someone like Leo representing them."

Adam Solinger headshot
Adam Solinger

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Co-worker

"Leonard Manalo is a credit to the legal community. He does everything possible in pursuit of excellent resolutions for his clients."

Amber R. Fuhriman headshot
Amber Fuhriman

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Co-worker

"Leo is an unstoppable workhorse of an attorney. He rises to every occasion and exceeds all expectations. Shouse Law Group is so lucky to have him."

Andrey I. Plaksin headshot
Andrey Plaksin

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Leo is a top notch criminal defense lawyer. He successfully convinced a tough judge to recall a felony warrant, reduced a cocaine possession case from a felony to a misdemeanor and placed the case on track for dismissal. Very happy with his work and will gladly refer more clients to him."

Karthik Krishnan headshot
Karthik Krishnan

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Manalo is an exceedingly professional and tireless advocate for clients. I have had the pleasure of working with him on a number of matters and each time I am impressed with the diligence and dedication he gives to his clients' cases. If you are looking for a fighter with compassion, you'd be hard pressed to find someone better. I strongly endorse him."

Neil Shouse headshot
Neil Shouse

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"A very effective advocate for his clients."

Ninaz Saffari headshot
Ninaz Saffari

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've worked closely with Leo on a number of cases. He's an outstanding lawyer: always prepared, versed on the law, and relentless in his advocacy. He's a great attorney to have on your side."

David Francis Poblete headshot
David Poblete

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Leo is an excellent lawyer who works hard, cares deeply about his cases and his clients, knows the system, and consistently comes away with great results."

View All Endorsements
Neeraj Dayal Singh headshot
Neeraj Singh

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Anthony Scafiddi headshot
Michael Scafiddi

Criminal defense lawyer

Mark Thomas Russ headshot
Mark Russ

Criminal defense lawyer

Elisa Marie-Ann Guadan headshot
Elisa Guadan

Criminal defense lawyer

Adam Solinger headshot
Adam Solinger

Criminal defense lawyer

Karthik Krishnan headshot
Karthik Krishnan

Criminal defense lawyer

John Murray headshot
John Murray

Criminal defense lawyer

Neil Shouse headshot
Neil Shouse

Criminal defense lawyer

David Francis Poblete headshot
David Poblete

Criminal defense lawyer

Ninaz Saffari headshot
Ninaz Saffari

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2023

Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2022

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2021

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2020

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2018

Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys Under 40 In California, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2017

10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2011

James Irvine Swinden Scholar, Loyola Law School

Work Experience

2020 - Present

Principal Attorney, Law Offices of Leonard Manalo

2014 - 2022

Criminal Defense Attorney, Shouse Law Group

2011 - 2013

Criminal Defense Attorney, Margolin & Lawrence

2011 - 2011

Legal Assistant, Disability Rights Legal Center

2007 - 2008

Investigative Intern, San Diego Public Defender's Office

Associations

2013 - Present

United States District Court for the Central District of California

2013 - Present

United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth Circuit

2011 - Present

State Bar of California

Sample of Legal Cases

Illegal Search Leads to Exclusion of 7 grams of cocaine and 1 pound of mushrooms

Case Dismissed

Petty theft charges to be reduced after community service

Case Dismissed

Rape Allegations Not Filed

Case Note Rejected

See More Legal Cases

Education

2011

Loyola Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

2006

San Francisco State Unv

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2013

AB Samahan High School Conference

Asian American Engagement in Legal Profession

Publications

2023

Manalolaw.net DUI Primer

Languages

English

Tagalog

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution