Partner Bio's

PATRICK P. PHANCAO

Unlike many traditional lawyers, Mr. Phancao began his career abroad. Having been raised in Europe, Asia, and Africa, traveling has always been a part of this life. After law school, when the opportunity arose to act as the Assistant Legal Counsel to a French Bank based in the Congo, he took on the opportunity. He stayed there for a year, where he learned a great deal about the Financial Industry.

When he came back to CA, he was then offered a position as Legal Counsel to a Supplemental Nutrients Co. in Los Angeles. There, he became acquainted with the Previous Owner who had a wide range of Legal Needs. In his year and a half at the company, Mr. Phancao received a great deal of legal exposure in the following fields – Patents and Trademarks, Corporate Governance, and Asset Protection to name a few. He has set the highest Bond in CA History in the White Collar Crime Division. He has participated in the biggest individual tax case of 2003, and has successfully mediated a settlement with Prop. 65.

Mr. Phancao then partnered up with Mrs. Shaffer to further strengthen his passion for the legal field. In this boutique firm, he thought it important to focus on more personal attention to each and every Client.

SHADI ALA’I SHAFFER

Attorney Shaffer completed her Bachelor of Arts in Law & Society at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The following year, she went on to complete her Masters Certificate while studying abroad in Spain. Attorney Shaffer thereafter completed her Juris Doctorate degree in San Diego, California in 2002 and was proudly admitted to the State Bar of California on November 12, 2002.

Prior to her legal career, Attorney Shaffer had an extensive and diverse work history, which helped her gain skills which has proved valuable to her legal practice. As an Attorney, she worked for the underserved at the San Diego Labor Board. She then joined a legal defense firm where she represented large insurance companies and hotels located throughout California.

Shortly after, Attorney Shaffer opened her own firm so she could provide clients with exceptional legal representation and client service of a different caliber than she had experienced thus far. She started The Law Offices of Phancao & Shaffer, LLP with her like-valued partner Patrick P. Phancao, in an effort to build a proud and distinguished law practice.

To date, the firm receives the majority of its business through referrals; which shows the commitment and quality representation the two partners have provided to their clients. Since its formation, Phancao & Shaffer, LLP and its staff has shown an uncompromising commitment to its clients. Throughout its growth and success, Attorney Shaffer continues to strive for ongoing personalized attention, all the while maintaining a cost-effective client centered firm.

Attorney Shaffer has volunteered overseas helping orphaned children. She has worked with at risk teens through the Orange County Bar Association, continues to provide numerous pro bono hours to her community, and is serving her second year as a Big Sis with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County.

Attorney Shaffer’s passion is educating clients about estate planning and the law in general. She strives to provide individuals & families with an estate plan that will act as a foundation to protect clients, their loved ones, & all that is valuable to them.

Our Staff

GAIL GROH, Client Services Coordinator

We are blessed and lucky to have Gail join the P&S Family as our Client Services Coordinator. She has over 20 years of experience in the Trust and Estate Field, and is a Certified Paralegal. When you call our office, she will often be the one who assists you with any of your questions during your estate planning process. Gail will ensure that your experience with us is nothing short of pleasant.

DESIREE CONDOL, Funding Specialist

Desiree is also a Paralegal with an array of experience in the civil and estate planning universe. She has been with our Firm for several years, and has assisted in the successful completion of countless trusts for clients from beginning to end. Having been exposed to an array of estate scenarios, she is the perfect compliment to the team to further guarantee your Trust will be the best product we can put together.