Principal Attorney and Litigation Counsel
Shanna Welsh-Levin
Shanna Welsh-Levin is a powerful advocate for real estate investors, landlords, and industry professionals—trusted for her twenty years of experience practicing exclusively real estate law, she possesses litigation skills, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to protecting property rights. As the founder of Southern California Realty Law, APC, she has built a premier practice representing clients in both commercial and residential real estate disputes and transactions, delivering results in high-stakes matters throughout California.
Her Story
With a career forged during one of the most challenging periods in the real estate and mortgage industry, Ms. Welsh-Levin understands the realities her clients face—and what it takes to protect their interests. She brings a rare combination of litigation strength, transactional knowledge, and industry fluency, making her a powerful ally in and out of the courtroom. Her expertise is so well regarded that she has been called upon as an expert witness in multiple cases, testifying on the professional standard of care for real estate brokers.
Beyond her legal practice, Ms. Welsh-Levin has played a direct role in shaping California real estate law. She was instrumental in the development and passage of Senate Bill 931, which led to the enactment of California Code of Civil Procedure §580e—a landmark statute protecting homeowners in short sales, preventing banks from pursuing homeowners for the unpaid portion of their mortgage loan. Her work helped establish critical safeguards that continue to impact the industry today. She remains an influential advisor to real estate professionals, negotiators, and sellers navigating these complex regulations.
Ms. Welsh-Levin’s leadership extends well beyond her firm. She serves as Vice President of the La Jolla Bar Association (2026) and is an active member of the State Bar of California, the San Diego County Bar Association, and its Real Property Law Section. As a licensed California real estate broker and active member of the local, state, and national REALTOR® associations, she offers clients a uniquely comprehensive perspective that bridges law and practice.
Her commitment to service is equally profound. As the long-time President of Amikas, a nonprofit supporting women and children facing homelessness, she has dedicated years to creating meaningful change in her community. She also volunteered extensively through HUD-sponsored HOME Clinics, providing critical legal guidance to homeowners in crisis during the foreclosure era.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Welsh-Levin worked alongside top litigators including Hon. Karen Shichman Crawford at Buchanan Ingersoll LLP, gaining experience in complex federal multidistrict and class action litigation. She also served as a legal extern with the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C., where she developed a foundation in administrative law and regulatory systems.
When she is not advocating for her clients, she enjoys time with her family, jazz music, yoga, swimming, and hiking—bringing the same balance and dedication to her personal life that define her professional success.
Respected, strategic, and deeply committed, Shanna Welsh-Levin is not only a skilled attorney—she is a trusted partner, industry leader, and architect of meaningful legal change.
Learn More
Practice Areas
Real Estate Investors
Joint Venture Agreements
Purchase and Sale Agreements
Leases
Contracts
Professional Associations
State Bar of California, Member
San Diego County Bar Association, Member
Real Property Law Section Executive Committee, Member
Law Practice Management & Marketing Committee, Member
San Diego Association of Realtors, Member, Present
California Association of Realtors, Member
National Association of Realtors, Member
Education
Ms. Welsh-Levin holds the degree of Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law in San Diego, California. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Jazz Music. She worked as a professional jazz and pop musician and taught private saxophone lessons for many years. She was encouraged by her music teacher, Dr. Nathan Davis, Ph.D., to pursue a career in law because of the leadership that she exhibited in the Pitt Jazz Ensemble. She graduated with honors from North Allegheny Senior High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
1999 - 1999
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
California Western School of Law - San Diego, CA
1999 - 1999
Bachelors Of Arts (B.A.)
University of Pittsburgh
- Honors: magna cum laude
- Major: Anthropology
- Major: Jazz Music
Additional Achievements
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm
Closed weekends & holidays
Although we are physically based in San Diego, our team works in a virtual office environment, as in-person appointments are not needed for most matters.
Socal realty law
Contact Info
Mailing address:
10601-G Tierrasanta Blvd. #365
San Diego, CA 92124
(619) 826-8213
Fax: (844) 525-4438