We had the good fortune of connecting with Deanna DeCosimo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deanna, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
DeCosimo Law helps the community by providing comprehensive estate planning services that ensure individuals and families can secure their financial futures. By offering legal advice and personalized planning, the firm helps clients protect their assets, plan for their loved ones’ well-being, and navigate complex legal landscapes. This not only brings peace of mind to families but also contributes to the overall financial stability and health of the community. Additionally, DeCosimo Law engages in community outreach and education, further supporting legal literacy and preparedness among local residents.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After a decade as a Business Analyst at Anthem Blue Cross, I embarked on a transformative journey, pursuing law school part-time over four years while working full-time. Driven by a desire for a more impactful career, I transitioned from corporate to the nonprofit sector, beginning at La Raza Centro Legal in San Francisco, where I served monolingual Spanish-speaking immigrants. This role taught me invaluable lessons beyond legal expertise, deepening my commitment to community service.

Later, my husband and I returned to Los Angeles, where I joined the Preventing and Ending Homelessness Project at Inner City Law Center. This experience heightened my dedication to assisting vulnerable populations. Recognizing the need for a lifestyle change to accommodate visits with my husband’s overseas family, I decided to establish my own practice, DeCosimo Law, in 2020 while still in San Francisco, though I didn’t fully commit to it until late 2022.

DeCosimo Law focuses primarily on estate planning, aligning with my personal and professional values. Despite previous courtroom experience, I discovered my passion lies in being a trusted advisor rather than engaging in legal battles. I relish building lasting relationships with clients and their families, emphasizing the importance of estate planning.

Starting my firm presented numerous challenges. Unfamiliar with private practice, I initially struggled with pricing my services appropriately and often forgot to charge clients. This lack of business acumen and a tendency to offer discounts led to financial setbacks, pushing me to learn the importance of fair compensation.

Moreover, my introverted nature made client acquisition and self-promotion daunting tasks. Overcoming the discomfort, I gradually embraced educational presentations, eventually finding joy in sharing my expertise. Though I still battle nerves at times, the realization that I’m contributing a crucial service to the community propels me forward. There were months of financial hardship and self-doubt, but persistence paid off, and now I witness the fruits of my labor as my practice flourishes.

DeCosimo Law tailors comprehensive estate plans for growing families, prioritizing ease and efficiency. We emphasize the transfer of intellectual, spiritual, and human assets alongside financial wealth. Our firm’s unwavering commitment to understanding the dynamic lives of our clients ensures that we guide them in building and maintaining a life of prosperity while minimizing the risk of family disputes and court involvement.

Effective communication is our cornerstone, and we’ve abandoned time clocks to foster an environment where clients can reach out without hesitation. Our transparent flat-fee billing ensures no surprises, and quick questions receive immediate responses. For more in-depth legal or strategic discussions, scheduled calls are arranged at the convenience of both parties.

Our commitment goes beyond initial planning—we ensure the meticulous execution of critical details, guaranteeing that assets are correctly managed throughout a lifetime. We redefine the concept of “Family Wealth” by emphasizing the transfer of values, insights, stories, and experiences, which are often more cherished by loved ones than monetary inheritance. Our estate plans incorporate tools designed to capture and pass on the entirety of family wealth, offering a holistic approach to legacy planning.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, that’s a great question! If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d start with a day in Santa Monica, renting bikes to ride along the Strand down to Redondo Beach. We’d enjoy amazing vegan pizza at Pura Vita, then head to the Hermosa Beach Pier for drinks, live music, and some volleyball at Manhattan Beach.

The next day, we’d savor more vegan delights at Crossroads Kitchen on Melrose and then indulge in delicious Italian cuisine at La Pergoletta in Los Feliz. A day trip to Temecula would be essential for winery tours and a visit to Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary, where I used to volunteer. This sanctuary is a beautiful place where animals are living their best lives, and it supports a great cause.

In San Diego, we’d visit Whiskers and Wine to enjoy cocktails while hanging out with cats. Back in Los Angeles, we’d go hiking at Griffith Park Observatory and, if we can find parking, at Runyon Canyon. Finally, we’d spend a day shopping and exploring at the Americana in Glendale or the Galleria. Each of these places offers a unique slice of Southern California’s vibrant culture and beautiful scenery.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout out my husband, my parents, the Personal Family Lawyer network, and fellow attorney, friend, and mentor, Desiree Nguyen-Orth. They have all played crucial roles in my journey, providing support, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way.

Website: https://www.decosimolaw.com

Instagram: @decosimolaw_ep

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannadec/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/decosimolaw

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDhRLDbj4DIJxMRT6LmK0OQ

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