Firm Profile
The Law Offices of Leonard Manalo is a solo criminal defense practice serving clients throughout Southern California. Leo Manalo handles every case personally, from the first phone call through resolution.
Being accused of a crime is disorienting and frightening, and the process rarely explains itself. Leo's approach is to get involved early, review the evidence carefully, and give clients a clear picture of where they stand — including when the news is not what they hoped to hear.
The practice handles DUI and driving offenses, domestic violence, drug charges, theft and property crimes, white collar allegations, and serious and violent felonies. Leo litigates suppression motions and other pretrial challenges where the facts support them, and evaluates immigration consequences as part of the defense strategy when a client's status may be affected. The firm also handles post-conviction relief, including record sealing and expungement.
Every case is different. The defense should be built around the evidence, the client's priorities, and the realistic options available in that courtroom.
Leonard “Leo” Manalo
Leonard "Leo" Manalo
Leo Manalo has practiced criminal defense for his entire legal career. Admitted to the California Bar in 2013, he has spent more than a decade defending people accused of crimes in state and federal courts throughout California.
Leo grew up in San Diego and attended San Francisco State University, graduating cum laude with a B.A. in Economics in two years. He earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School.
Before entering private practice, Leo worked with the Disability Rights Center and Public Counsel — two public interest organizations where he represented clients who had few other options for legal help. That work shaped how he practices today. He takes the time to understand what a client is actually facing, explains the process in plain terms, and builds a defense around that person's circumstances rather than running every case through the same template.
Leo has been selected to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for Southern California every year since 2020, and was named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 in 2023. He handles cases in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties, appearing regularly in courthouses across the region.
Leo practices solo by choice. When you call, you speak with the attorney who will handle your case — not an intake coordinator, not a rotating associate. He personally reviews the evidence, appears at your court dates, and makes the strategic decisions in your case.
Call 1-800-775-1988 for a free consultation.