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.

Taylor Castro is an estate planning attorney who was born and raised in El Centro, CA. She attended California State University San Marcos and earned a degree in Literature, and a minor in Political Science. Taylor earned her Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law and graduated with a 4.01, ranking 3^rd in her class of 210 students. During law school, Taylor earned a distinguished advocate award, and ultimately earned a spot on California Western’s competitive trial team. Additionally, Taylor was a law review member and interned at the District Attorney’s Office.

After passing the bar, Taylor became a Deputy District Attorney with the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, where she managed a vast caseload and appeared in court on numerous hearings and motions. Taylor’s experience at the District Attorney’s Office exposed her to a variety of nuanced legal issues, including holding a position in the Family Protection Unit, which specializes in domestic violence and elder abuse.

On a personal note, Taylor married her high school sweetheart. She lives in La Mesa with her husband, newborn son, and dog. Taylor is currently working part time, Monday through Wednesday and will be spending her Thursdays and Fridays snuggling her newborn (while he’ll still let her). Taylor is involved in her local church, and is excited to serve her community.

Alyx Dunham assists in the logistics of McGovern Law Group operations. She brings a wealth of experience to the table, including event planning and organizational management.

Valinda McGovern assists in the management of McGovern Law Group operations. She was born and raised in a small town in West Virginia. She later attended Liberty University where she earned a degree in Marketing. Valinda brings a variety of experience to the table, from e-commerce operations to non-profit management.

When she’s not working, Valinda loves playing tennis and hiking. Her favorite roles are dog mom to her two greyhounds and wife to Sam McGovern.