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

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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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 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Compassion

Posted by anonymous | October 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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 anonymous | November 30, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

What a helpful guy !

Leonard is an absolutely amazing attorney ! I recently had a DUI and was beyond I mean beyond stressed. It was his upmost help, that helped relieve a lot of that. He makes sure you're comfortable during the entire process and if you ever have any questions you can text call him or email him at any t...ime and he responds usually within the same day. I never had any concerns that were not answered by him. Also great affordable pricing. Highly recommend to anyone! For whichever your case may be about.

Posted by anonymous | April 20, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

Client

I had a domestic violence case, in which I hired Leo Manalo to be my lawyer. He was very responsive thru out the case, never once have he left me in the dark. If he was not able to respond, he would text me that he is busy and call me as soon as he is available. He told me all the options I have and ...the strategies we would use for each situation. He even went as far as communicating with my parents who was clearly in great stress. Never once have he failed me as a lawyer and performed to the best of his abilities. At the end I chose to take a plea deal, which was very favorable. If ever you are in need of a lawyer that is communicative, strategic and supportive, feel free to reach out to Shouse law group and ask for Leo Manalo.

Posted by anonymous | June 13, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best in the Business

I was charged with nine counts which comprised of using force to resist arrest, battery upon a police officer, and drunk in public. This arose out of a police call after I stumbled into a stranger’s home, caused a ruckus inside, exited the home and was found severely intoxicated by police officer. ...When the police officers tried to arrest me, I resisted, and caused injuries to several police officers. The initial offer was for probation and 180 days of county jail where I would have to plea to resisting arrest and battery upon a police officer. During the investigation he found that I had substance abuse issues due to your military service. Mr. Leonard helped me to retained the service of a mental health professional and they provided a report outlining my military service and substance abuse issue. Mr. Manalo ran a motion for military diversion. It was a divisive motion where the judge almost granted it after reading the motion and report by Dr. Kojian but she didn’t rule in our favor because of her concerns with public safety. She did state that she would accept a lenient sentence on this, even though the conduct was bad. The City Attorney Agreed. Mr. Manalo discussed the matter further with the City Attorney and asked for a disturbing the peace. She could not offer that since the police officers were injured. We were able to resolve the case for and amended count 10 P.C. 148(a)(1) which is resisting arrest where no force was alleged. I will be placed on summary probation, pay my booking, 90 days of county jail would be suspended and never imposed if I do not violate probation, and just continue the treatment I already receive from the VA. At the end of the summary probation I may expunge the case. The original 9 charges will be dropped I believe he met the goals of my case as best he could considering the case – I avoided nine convictions, placed on informal probation, avoided jail time, and I would only continue with the treatment I'm are already doing. Mr. Leonard Manalo was very helpful and caring throughout this whole process. I feel he really took care of me considering I live in the state of Georgia. I could not have asked for a better lawyer.

Posted by Judy | May 01, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Leo Manalo? Best Decision Ever!

I cannot stress how relieved I was to find Shouse Law Group online. My son got into some serious trouble in Los Angeles but I'm from the Midwest. I had no idea how to get help. My sister found Shouse Law Group on line and sent me the information. I contacted them and was immediately put in touch w...ith someone who knew how to help. They were so professional and had very good reviews so I took a chance. We hired Leo Manalo who turned out to be very knowledgeable with the type of trouble my son was in. He took charge from the beginning and handled everything for my son, who had several felony charges and strikes against him. He had regular contact with my son which made him feel like someone was out there who cared and also kept in touch with me. Leo answered all questions and returned my calls in a timely manner and was so good at explaining just what was going on with the case. My son is now about to be released on probation including rehab with all but one felony dismissed! Leo Manalo is the kind of attorney I highly recommend. He's forthright, compassionate, hard working and knows how to get things done. Best decision ever made. Period!

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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  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • 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