Leonard Manalo

Leonard Manalo

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 13 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

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 13 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

123 Client Reviews

Showing 21 - 25 of 25 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Joshua | July 03, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Very attentive and attention-to-detail kind of lawyer

I was referred to Shouse Law Group by my brother. I got Mr Manalo who did not disappoint at all. From the beginning, he gave me his cellphone number where I could call/text him whenever I had a problem. He usually gets back to me either in the same day or w/in 24 hrs. He also responds via email if I ...have a longer, more detailed question/request. He was with me along the way and did not fail to communicate until my case went into diversion and got dismissed. He is assertive and I can tell that he knows his craft very well. I had an experience with a different lawyer (although it was for family law) who paled in comparison as far as communication, attentiveness, and assertiveness. He truly goes the extra mile to be there for you like getting the certified minute order and updating you after every hearing to make sure you are still in the loop. I would definitely recommend him to my family and friends. He made a very stressful experience in my life a more tolerable one.

Posted by Rudy | August 26, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Shouse Law Group

Shouse law group is the best criminal defense group I've had. They are good hard working lawyers that will fight for you until the end. Leonard Manelo was on top of everything and he knows exactly what to do. I can't thank him enough for fighting and pushing for my great results. I'd recommend them t...o anyone.

Posted by Cara | August 26, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Surprised me with BETTER deal than I agreed to

I have never had a great experience with a lawyer before. In fact quite the opposite. I researched and found Mark Russ who is Leo's colleague at The Shouse Law Firm. He is who I started out with. I've never been in trouble before and I was terrified when I found out I had a bench warrant out for my... arrest due to a problem I didn't know I had from 6 years ago. Nobody including the lawyers could believe how harsh the DA was being. Wanting me to serve 4 months in jail I had crazy charges I wasn't guilty of ( 4 including hit and run DUI etc) Mark handed my case over to Leo as he thought he was better equipped to help me. He had a good working relationship with the judge and DA ( who is hard as nails) I'm getting ready to go to the UK and needed this sorted before I could move on. My court day came I had already agreed with a deal I was content with. When I met Leo at court he completely floored me. Unbeknownst to me, he kept working on my case after I agreed to terms. What he had waiting for me was so BRILLIANT! He arraigned things I didn't even know were possible. He got all but one count dropped and also talked the DA & Judge into agreeing that it was acceptable for me to do my community service at ANY reputable not for profit organization in ENGLAND. I'm also able to take my course online from anywhere in the world. I can't believe he went so far above and beyond the best I could hope for. Leonard Manalo is a Top Notch negotiator and all around amazing lawyer. I don't think anyone has ever exceeded my expectations as much - it's hard enough to find people that are barely competent. I can only express my thanks and gratitude again. I'm also Im also Impressed that Mark didn't let his ego stand in the way of doing what's best for me ( his client )

Posted by anonymous | April 23, 2015 | DUI & DWI

Leo is the best!

I am so pleased that I hired Leonard Manalo from Shouse Law Firm- Leo and his team (Mark and Rosa) are truly the best! Leo was reliable, knowledgeable, kind and kept me together during a challenging time in my life. I received a DUI in Long Beach and felt lost and confused. Leo and his team helped... guide me with all decisions, completed all paperwork, attended all appearances and kept me informed every step of the way. Most importantly Leo got the job done!! He was able to get my conviction reduced to a standard DUI, reducing both the penalties and fees. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for A+ service. Thank you Leo!

Posted by anonymous | April 06, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Excellent, Responsive Criminal Defense Attorney

outlined all possible scenarios for my case, and pros and cons of selecting each possible route at each point in the case. Very responsive, easy to work with, and in the end, he and his team got excellent results for me!

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

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
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