About Us

Sam McGovern is an attorney who was born and raised in San Diego, California. He obtained the degree of Juris Doctor Magna Cum Laude from California Western School of Law in San Diego, graduating in the top 2% of his class. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Sam McGovern worked as a police officer. The unexpected take-away from Sam’s time in law enforcement was a unique expertise in problem solving and conflict resolution.

Sam’s unique background lends itself to providing excellent representation to clients that results in peace of mind. He’s been there when individuals were first faced with seemingly insurmountable legal issues and understands how to help take away the uncertainty. Sam most enjoys helping families plan their legacies, protect their hard work, and provide for their loved-ones through estate planning.

Sam’s legal experience also includes litigation in personal injury cases, family law, and criminal defense. On a personal note, Sam enjoys exploring San Diego from the mountains to the coast with his wife and rescue greyhounds, Nora and Daisy. Sam also enjoys being an active member of the East County community and serves on the Board of Directors for several local organizations including the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce, Home of Guiding Hands, Crisis House, and the East County Bar Association.

Connect with Sam on LinkedIn.

Sophia Gallardo graduated from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia with a degree in Psychology and double minored in Justice and Ethics in the Law and Sociology. Sophia earned her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law. In her final semester of law school Sophia worked as an extern for an estate planning law firm where she received the Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Externship Student award. California Western School of Law gives the award to only one law student each year. This externship confirmed Sophia’s interest in pursuing a career as an Estate Planning Attorney. Sophia is passionate about estate planning and strives to provide empathetic, excellent, and compassionate legal representation to all her clients. Sophia is fluent in Spanish and is proud to serve the Latino community in San Diego.

Sophia was born and raised in Chula Vista, California and she enjoys giving back to her community. She lectors at Sunday masses at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. She is a member of BNI Professionals Reaching Success in Chula Vista, San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, and Estate Planning Group Network.

Valinda McGovern assists in the logistics of McGovern Law Group operations. She brings a wealth of experience to the table, including hospitality management, non-profit management, and e-commerce operations.