Check Out Deanna DeCosimo’s Story

Hi Deanna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
After a decade as a Business Analyst at Anthem Blue Cross, I embarked on a transformative journey to pursue law school part-time during evenings, spanning four years. Driven by a desire for a more fulfilling career focused on making a positive impact on people’s lives, I transitioned from a corporate setting to the public sector. Even during my time at Anthem, I actively organized volunteer events and charitable initiatives, reflecting my commitment to community service.

Upon completing law school and passing the bar, I joined the nonprofit sector, beginning my journey at La Raza Centro Legal in San Francisco. In my role as the program coordinator of the Elder Law and Disability department, I served monolingual Spanish-speaking immigrants, gaining invaluable experiences beyond legal expertise. The humbling nature of the work inspired me.

During the pandemic, my husband and I relocated to Los Angeles, where I contributed to the Preventing and Ending Homelessness Project at Inner City Law Center. This experience further heightened my dedication to assisting vulnerable populations. However, towards the end of 2022, 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.

Focusing primarily on estate planning, my practice aligns 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, particularly among young families who may overlook its significance.

Transitioning from nonprofit work to private practice has deepened my compassion. Implementing a flat fee structure, I ensure transparency and accessibility for my clients. By educating them, I empower clients to make informed decisions for themselves and their loved ones without the pressure of sales tactics. My commitment extends to staying connected with the nonprofit sector, mentoring new professionals, and contributing pro bono work to organizations like La Raza Centro Legal and Inner-City Law Center.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Navigating the path to becoming a lawyer has been anything but smooth for me. Undertaking four years of law school while juggling a full-time job was an immense challenge, particularly as I was already in my thirties, making the transition to student life after a significant hiatus. The demands of law school and preparing for the bar exam made my previous marathon experience seem like a walk in the park. Balancing classes on weekdays and devoting entire weekends to studying, my once vibrant social life faded away, leaving me exhausted and questioning my decision.

Despite the hurdles, I triumphed by passing the California Bar Exam on my initial attempt. However, this achievement led to another set of challenges. I chose to leave a lucrative position for a lower-paying role at a nonprofit in San Francisco. This shift not only impacted my finances but thrust me into a professional realm where I had to interact with clients primarily speaking Spanish, a language I hadn’t mastered. Experiencing the initial struggle with communication not only made me feel like an outsider, highlighting firsthand the challenges of being a minority and the isolation accompanying language barriers, but it also intensified the recurring struggles of grappling with imposter syndrome. These challenges were further compounded by the steep learning curve of practicing law in a new environment. Through perseverance, language lessons, and the support of a dedicated paralegal, I gradually overcame these obstacles, forming strong connections with both coworkers and clients.

The mentorship I received from a woman I met during this time played a pivotal role in teaching me the practical aspects of being a lawyer, including defending cases and navigating court procedures. This mentorship proved invaluable as I transitioned to starting my own law firm, a venture fraught with challenges. Unfamiliar with private practice, I initially struggled with pricing my services appropriately, often forgetting to charge clients. This lack of business acumen and a tendency to provide discounts resulted in 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 when I started my own firm, but I persisted, and now I witness the fruits of my labor as my practice flourishes.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
DeCosimo Law is an estate planning law firm specializing in tailoring comprehensive plans to the unique needs of growing families. As members of the Personal Family Lawyer® network, our practice is confined to California, where we provide services such as drafting living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives.

What distinguishes us is our unwavering commitment to comprehending the dynamic lives of our clients—individuals engaged in raising children, caring for elderly parents, and building their own financial foundations for a prosperous future. We prioritize ease, convenience, and efficiency in the estate planning journey, empowering families to make well-informed decisions about the distribution of their assets and the future care of their loved ones.

Our goal is to guide individuals 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.

Furthermore, we redefine the concept of “Family Wealth” by emphasizing the transfer of intellectual, spiritual, and human assets alongside financial wealth. We recognize that these intangible assets—values, insights, stories, and experiences—are often more cherished by loved ones than monetary inheritance. Our estate plans incorporate a tool designed to capture and pass on the entirety of family wealth, offering a holistic approach to legacy planning.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Desiree Nguyen-Orth and my husband are the pillars of support that deserve the utmost credit for my success. My husband, with unwavering dedication, urged me to take a leap of faith, leaving my high-paying job to work at a nonprofit, and later encouraged me to establish my own firm. Despite shouldering the financial burden of my reduced income for several years, he remains my steadfast cheerleader, even assisting me at events and supporting various aspects of my firm while managing his own professional responsibilities.

Desiree played a pivotal role in my journey, mentoring me when I was a novice attorney navigating uncharted territories. As the supervising attorney for the Consumer Advocacy Project at the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Justice and Diversity Center at the time, she empowered me to take on pro bono cases defending individuals facing consumer debt lawsuits. This experience not only boosted my confidence but also equipped me with essential skills, earning me the 2020 Consumer Advocacy Project Crystal Award Winner for Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. Beyond mentorship, Desiree evolved into a cherished friend, and together, we co-hosted the “Founders Fika” podcast, producing over 40 episodes before pausing due to other commitments. Additionally, she has provided invaluable support and strategic business advice for my firm. Desiree continues to be a source of encouragement and guidance, contributing significantly to my professional growth and success.