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also known as LAW OFFICES OF ALICIA MCELWAINE-LETO
Ms. McElwaine-Leto is a member of the California Lawyers Association, American Bar Association, Pasadena Bar Association,and Los Angeles County Bar Association and is licensed to practice before all Courts in the State of California as well as the United States District Court, Central, Southern and Eastern Districts. In 2017 Ms. McElwaine-Leto earned Lawyers of Distinction recognition and was a recipient of Avvo's Client Choice Award in 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021. In 2019 Ms. McElwaine-Leto was named a "Top Attorney" ranked in the top 5% by . From 2019 through 2025 she earned Super Lawyer status being named to the prestigious "Rising Stars" category - available only to those in the top 2.5% of the industry. In 2024 The National Trial Lawyers recognized her as a member of the Top 25 Female Trial Lawyers. In 2023, 2024 and 2025 Ms. McElwaine-Leto was recognized by Best Lawyers - Ones to Watch in America for her work in Plaintiff's Personal Injury Litigation.
Ms. McElwaine-Leto attended Concoridia University Irvine on an athletic scholarship for Softball and Deans Academic scholarship. In 2010 Alicia earned a Bachelor of Arts degree after double majoring in Political Science and History.
Upon receiving her Juris Doctorate degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2014 Alicia worked for a consumer protection firm with an emphasis in Federal consumer litigation where she gained a solid and articulated understanding of the law represenrting clients against Fortune 500 opponents.
Ms. McElwaine-Leto has resolved 100s of client disputes with banks, bill collectors and credit agencies pre-litigation in addition to being named counsel of record in over one hundred filed civil cases. With over a decade of courtroom experience Ms. McElwaine-Leto has gained an astute knowledge and understanding of both criminal and civil cases overseeing all aspects of litigation from client affairs to winning at trial after jury deliberation. Having spent thousands of hours in the courtroom, Ms. McElwaine-Leto has appeared in 100s of both felony and misdemeanor criminal cases frequently representing clients who were wrongfully accused and often facing life sentences behind bars.
Ms. McElwaine-Leto has been named counsel of record in 100s of cases overseeing all aspects of litigation from client affairs to second chairing a murder trial. Ms. McElwaine-Leto's most recent trial win occurred in March 2019 when she convinced a 12 person jury that her client was innocent of all five counts by unanimous decision.
Alicia has dedicated her practice to being an advocate for those who do not have the ability to represent themselves.
Ms. McElwaine-Leto has deep roots in Southern California where her family made a name for themselves as top executives in Hollywood with an impressive client list that included Frank Sinatra, Elivs Presley, Judy Garland and Steven Spielberg. Alicia has based her legal career on the objectives her family was known for, being "scrupulously loyal to clients as well as a tough, shrewd negotiator".
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Practice Areas
10 years
10 years
10 years
10 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
33%-45%
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 2016
No misconduct found
4089 Conrad Dr, Spring Valley, CA, 91977
30 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Christinae | January 28, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellent Service
I met Alicia while trying to file court paperwork on my own & out of the kindness of her heart she decided to take on my case. She was very honest & sweet. She communicated with me and kept me in the loop about my case at all times. This lady is a true life saver. I highly recommend her services !!
Posted by Steven | March 28, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Gave me my life back
Arrested for 3 misdemeanors due to road rage/tro incident that ex-wife used against me in custody battle, so much so that DA added another charge and offered me a plea that Ms.McElwaine-Leto had acknowledged was decent considering the severity of charges. I refused because I was innocent so she set f...
Posted by Geneva | January 31, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Debt Collection
Battling unfair collections
I had a case where I had been unfairly sent to collections. Alicia was able to not only get the negative collection taken off my credit report, but also able to secure damages for having my credit lowered. It was done quickly and she was very easy to talk to throughout the entire process.
Geneva, I am so glad my firm was able to get you back on track with your finances. Frequent credit monitoring will also help maintain your positive score.
Posted by Tia | January 10, 2017 | Debt Collection
Use This Attorney!!!
My family was recently involved with a debt collection company over a claim that the insurance company said was a covered expense. We were so fortunate to have a very informative consultation with Ms. Leto. Her knowledge and professionalism enabled us to solve this debt fiasco quite painlessly. We...
Thank you so much for your kind words Tia! I am so happy we were able to get this matter resolved!
"I endorse this lawyer. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Alicia, "I firmly trust in her.""
"Very aggressive lawyer that will work hard for her clients. She is very compassionate and caring towards her clients. Alicia will fight for you all the way to end!"
"Alicia is a wonderful lawyer - hardworking, diligent and tenacious. She has handled numerous cases for me and all of her clients adore her. She has a bright future ahead of her and I endorse her without reservation."
Criminal defense lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
2025
Rising Stars, SuperLawyers
2025
Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers
2024
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2024
Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers
2024
National Women Trial Lawyers Top 25, National Trial Lawyers
2023
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2022
Rising Stars, SuperLawyers
2021
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2020
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2020
10 Best Attorney Under 40, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
10 Best Attorney Under 40, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2018
Client Choice Award, Avvo
2017
Avvo's Client Choice Award, Avvo
2017
Top 10% Civil Litigation, Lawyers of Distinction
2017 - Present
Trial Lawyer, Law Offices of Alicia McElwaine-Leto
2018 - 2020
Attorney, McElfish Law Firm
2015 - 2017
Associate Attorney, Wade Miller Law
2014 - 2014
Law Clerk, Thomas Law Group
2013 - 2014
Law Clerk, Gillaspey & Gillaspey
2009 - 2010
Internship, Skrzyniarz & Mallean LLP
2016 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
Accepted Judge's Offer
Plea Bargain
Not Guilty
Settled Pre-Lit
Settled Pre-Lit
Settled
Settled in Mediation
settled
Settled
Settled
settled
Debt Removed from credit & Case Settled
Settled
Settled
Settled
Settled
pending
Settled
Settled
Settled Pre-Lit
Settled Pre-Lit
2014
JD - Juris Doctor
2010
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2019
English
Spanish
Dutch
Legal Answers
What can I do after being fired while I was absent for a back injury?
11 Feb 2025
If I marry someone would they ever be responsible for my student loan debt from 20 plus years ago
13 Oct 2021
Is it possible to get a SECOND extension on my Dui classes and community service my supervision is not over until August 2021.
10 Jan 2021