About Us

Clarity, compassion, and precision define Sophia Gallardo’s approach to estate planning.

Sophia focuses her practice on estate planning and probate, helping families create thoughtful, legally sound plans that protect what they have built and provide certainty for the next generation. She believes estate planning is not just about documents — it is about guiding families through important decisions with care, foresight, and confidence.

A San Diego native, Sophia was born and raised in Chula Vista. She graduated from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia with a degree in Psychology, with double minors in Justice & Ethics in the Law and Sociology — an academic foundation that continues to inform her ability to understand family dynamics and navigate sensitive planning conversations with insight and empathy.

Sophia earned her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law, where she distinguished herself both academically and in service. She received the Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Externship Student Award and was honored with the Earl B. Gilliam Award for her commitment to pro bono service — recognition that reflects both excellence and integrity.

Fluent in Spanish, Sophia proudly serves San Diego’s Latino community, ensuring families can make critical legal decisions in their preferred language with full understanding and confidence. Her bilingual capability allows McGovern Law Group to provide a higher level of accessibility and trust for Spanish-speaking families throughout the region.

In addition to her legal practice, Sophia is deeply involved in the San Diego community. She serves on the Finance Council and lectors at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, previously served as a Board Director for the East County San Diego Bar Association, and is a Co-Chair of Professional Estate Advocates (P.E.A.). She also volunteers her time at a local pro bono legal clinic, continuing her commitment to service beyond the office.

Sophia is known for her steady presence, attention to detail, and ability to make complex legal matters understandable. Clients value her thoughtful guidance and her commitment to delivering estate plans that are both technically sound and personally meaningful.

Valinda McGovern serves as the Practice Manager at McGovern Law Group, overseeing the systems, client experience, and internal infrastructure that allow the firm to operate at a high level. From client intake and workflow management to vendor coordination and strategic growth initiatives, Valinda ensures that every aspect of the firm reflects professionalism, efficiency, and care.

Originally from West Virginia, Valinda earned her degree in Marketing from Liberty University. She brings a diverse professional background that includes experience in e-commerce operations and nonprofit management — environments that demand disciplined organization, financial oversight, and forward-thinking strategy. That operational experience now serves as a cornerstone of the firm’s stability and continued growth.

Valinda is deeply committed to delivering an exceptional client experience. She believes that excellent legal service extends beyond strong legal advice — it requires responsiveness, attention to detail, and systems that function seamlessly behind the scenes.

In addition to her leadership within the firm, Valinda is active in the East County business community. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, supporting initiatives that strengthen local businesses and community development.

Outside the office, Valinda enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and exploring San Diego’s outdoors. She is a proud dog mom to two rescue greyhounds and an active partner in building both her family and the continued growth of McGovern Law Group alongside her husband, Sam.