Leona Mitchell Leo began her journey in the legal world at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (LL.B. (Hons.)) with Second Class Upper Honours, laying the foundation for her practice as an Advocate and Solicitor. Her entry into legal practice began at Messrs. Lim Guan Sing & Co. Kota Kinabalu, where she completed her pupillage under the guidance of senior practitioners with more than 30 years of experience in the legal profession in Sabah.
Leona has developed practical experience in general civil litigation, including debt recovery, contractual disputes, and claims for damages. She has also been involved in conveyancing matters, including property sale and purchase transactions, housing loans, and financing-related matters. In addition, she has gained exposure in probate and administration matters, assisting in matters relating to the administration of estates and the preparation of relevant legal documentation. She now continues to develop her practice with Messrs. LV Partners, building upon the foundation she gained during her pupillage while broadening her experience and continuing to grow as a young lawyer in Sabah.
Born and raised in the interior of Sabah, Leona carries with her a deep-rooted connection to the communities and places that shaped her. Her upbringing has given her a particular appreciation for the importance of making the law understood and accessible especially to those in the rural and interior communities of Sabah. She believes that the law should not feel distant or inaccessible to the people it is meant to serve. Through her practice, Leona hopes to play a small part in bridging the distance between the law and the local communities it serves, bringing the law closer to the people and helping ensure that where one comes from does not determine how far one can reach for justice.
Looking ahead, Leona hopes to grow with the profession while remaining rooted in the community that shaped her. She hopes that, through her practice, the law can feel a little less distant, a little more understood and always within reach of those who need it.