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Athlon Legal, APC

Athlon Legal, APC

Reviews Summary

The consensus highlights exceptional professionalism, knowledge, and kindness, with frequent praise for clear, patient explanations and a stress-free process. Many appreciate the affordability, efficiency, and lack of pressure, noting thoroughness in addressing concerns. The team is described as organized, responsive, and detail-oriented, making complex estate planning feel manageable. Trustworthiness and genuine care for clients are recurring themes, with strong recommendations for their services. The overall experience is consistently rated as pleasant, efficient, and highly satisfactory.

About This Listing

Tax Planning
Estate and Trust Tax

Who Can Work with a CPA?

Individuals seeking tax prep, retirement planning, or financial advice
Small business owners needing bookkeeping, payroll, or tax compliance
Freelancers and contractors with 1099 income or complex returns
Couples planning finances together or managing joint returns
Investors with capital gains or rental property income
Anyone looking for year-round financial guidance and peace of mind

*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*

First-Time Clients

If this is your first time working with a CPA, don’t worry — most professionals offer a free consultation and will walk you through what to expect. You may be asked to complete an intake form, share financial documents, or set clear goals for your session.

What to Know Upfront:

Documentation Bring your most recent tax returns, income details, and any financial concerns
Availability Appointments fill up quickly during tax season — book early if possible

*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*

What to Bring

Government-issued ID for verification
Tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, investment summaries, etc.)
Receipts or logs for deductible expenses, donations, or mileage

*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*

Preparing for Your Appointment

Write down any financial goals or questions in advance
Check if your CPA offers virtual sessions or document uploads
Bring a notebook or use a notes app for key takeaways
Know your deadlines for filing, payments, or compliance

*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*

How to Get Started

Use our directory to find highly reviewed CPAs near you. Reach out directly to schedule your consultation.

Other Helpful Info

Many CPAs offer both in-person and remote consultations
Fees may be flat-rate, hourly, or based on service complexity
Some CPAs specialize in industries like healthcare, real estate, or tech
Check for client reviews and credentials (CPA license, EA, etc.)

*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*

Features

Tax Planning
Estate and Trust Tax

Contact Information

Address

14 N Fair Oaks Ave #503

Pasadena, California 91103

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 9AM-5PM
Tuesday 9AM-5PM
Wednesday 9AM-5PM
Thursday 9AM-5PM
Friday 9AM-5PM
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

We just had our estate plan, including trust, will and other ancillary documents done with Athlon Legal. Justin Shiau and his staff were great to work with. They were very patient and professional from the initial consulting appointment through the final signing of the documents. Our needs and concerns were addressed, and the whole process was seamless and stress-free. No one likes to take this on, but having a revocable trust is a way to protect oneself and family. We have been putting this off for a

Justin Shiau, Esq. is very professional. Detail-oriented. Patient to explain all aspects of the relevant topics. Answer all questions to my satisfaction. Courteous. Well-organized meetings and timely follow-up. Efficient and pleasant experience in the office. On top of that, all the staff are helpful and nice. Service was more than what I expect. The office is clean and spacious. Location is convenient and parking is not a problem. I whole-heartedly recommend their service.

Justin and his team are true professionals. Justin inspires confidence, explain things clearly, and helped us think through the pros and cons of the key decisions we needed to make in the estate-planning process. I can't recommend him highly enough.

Would highly recommend Justin and his team at Athlon Legal. The entire process was very organized and straightforward. Justin took the time to listen carefully to all our questions and guided us step-by-step in creating our living trust.

Estate planning is not the most pleasant thing to do or think about. Working with Athlon Legal - Justin Shiau and his team - made this seemingly daunting task quite easy. Justin is professional, informed and explains everything thoroughly. He and his staff are extremely organized and detail-oriented. Aside from making the planning a pleasant experience, he gave us a sense of assurance that our loved ones will be in good hands should they ever need to go to him for advice/assistance.

I greatly appreciated Justin's professionalism and thoroughness in explaining all the details to my elderly mom. He was extremely patient, calm, and clear and made her complicated situation adaptable for changes. Thank you Justin!

Justin and Sandy were wonderful--very professional, thoughtful, and kind! Justin skillfully guided us through the process of establishing our Living Trust, Health Directive, Power of Attorney--the works--answering all our questions so we could make the choices we needed to make. Really happy with the clear and easy communication throughout the experience. I'm happy to say it was a great experience, and I can wholeheartedly recommend Athlon Legal.

Clear, thorough, thoughtful work, and very pleasant and efficient to work with, making a potentially complex task much more doable. Highly recommended.

Justin was extremely knowledgable, patient and was very proactive in presenting and explaining various approaches and ramifications. Great follow up, low pressure and very professional consultation. We've showed others the documentation and they were impressed with the presentation and organization. Highly recommend his services!

Justin and his team did a fantastic job with preparing our trust. They replied to every concern and question in a timely manner and worked flexibly with our schedule. I will continue to go to Justin for any follow-ups/addition with our trust.

Justin is super easy to work with. He's sensitive, genuine and there is no sale pitch! He cares! We were lucky to be referred to Justin by a colleague. Apparently our friend raves about him now too after we referred him. Justin is just easy to refer. My SO used him for his planning. Since my case was very very small. He was so kind to even go through the consultation, and give me options, understanding where I financially stand. He even mentioned legalzoom as a more affordable option, and he wouldn't take i

Highly highly recommend Justin Shiau. I had some questions regarding probate and he was able to answer all my questions and concerns. He did not charge any consultation fee and gave me sound advice! It really felt like he wanted to help than anything. Before I reached out to Justin, I spoke with other law firm and they were charging $500 per hour! Justin did not charge anything, not even a $1 and he just wanted to help. I can't thank him enough. If you want a real trustworthy attorney, look no further. Thi

Amazing attorney and support staff. Justin did my estate plan/trust and the entire process was efficient, easy and very affordable. I would highly recommend Athlon Legal.

Justin is a professional who took his time answering our questions. So glad we went to him for his services.

Justin and his staff are seriously prompt communicators. Extremely efficient!

Great experience with our trust. Competent, efficient, friendly, responsive and professional in every way!

Efficient, professional, very knowledgable, as well as being friendly and easy to work with.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should I look for in a CPA?

Look for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, which ensures they’ve passed rigorous exams and meet state requirements. Check for relevant experience in your industry, additional certifications like CFA or CMA, and membership in professional organizations like the AICPA. Verify their credentials through state licensing boards.

How do I find a CPA in my area?

Use online directories like the AICPA, CPAverify, or state CPA societies. Search platforms like Yelp or Google for local CPAs with reviews. Ask for referrals from business associates, friends, or financial advisors. Local chambers of commerce can also provide recommendations.

What’s the difference between a CPA and an accountant?

A CPA is a licensed professional who has passed the CPA exam and met state requirements for education and experience. An accountant may lack this certification and could have varying levels of expertise. For complex tasks like tax audits or financial reporting, a CPA is typically more qualified.

How do I know if a CPA specializes in my needs?

Ask about their experience with your specific financial needs, such as tax preparation, small business accounting, or estate planning. Review their website or LinkedIn for case studies or client testimonials. Inquire about their client base to ensure they handle similar financial situations.

Should I check a CPA’s reviews before hiring?

Yes, reviews provide insight into a CPA’s reliability, communication, and performance. Check platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau for client feedback. Look for patterns in reviews, but verify their authenticity, as some may be biased or outdated.

How can I verify a CPA’s license?

Visit your state’s Board of Accountancy website or use CPAverify.org to check a CPA’s license status. Confirm their license is active and check for any disciplinary actions or complaints. This ensures they’re in good standing and meet professional standards.

What questions should I ask during a CPA consultation?

Ask about their experience with your financial needs, fee structure, availability, and communication style. Inquire how they handle tax filings, audits, or financial planning. Ask for references or examples of similar work to assess their expertise and fit.

How much should I expect to pay for a CPA’s services?

Fees vary based on location, services, and complexity. Basic tax preparation may cost $150-$500, while business accounting or audits can range from $1,000 to $10,000+. Request a detailed fee structure upfront and compare quotes from multiple CPAs.

Can I work with a CPA remotely?

Yes, many CPAs offer remote services through secure online platforms for document sharing and virtual consultations. Ensure they use encrypted tools for data security. Remote CPAs can be effective if they understand your local tax laws or business regulations.

How do I assess a CPA’s communication skills?

During consultations, evaluate their ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly. Ask sample questions about taxes or financial strategies and note their responsiveness and clarity. Good communication ensures you understand their advice and fosters a productive relationship.

What red flags should I watch for when screening a CPA?

Beware of CPAs who guarantee specific tax refunds, lack a valid license, or have disciplinary actions on record. Avoid those with poor communication, vague fee structures, or negative reviews highlighting unethical behavior. Always verify their credentials independently.

Should I choose a CPA from a large firm or a solo practitioner?

Large firms offer more resources and specialized teams but may charge higher fees. Solo practitioners often provide personalized service and lower costs but may have limited availability. Choose based on your needs, budget, and preference for personalized attention.

How often should I meet with my CPA?

For individuals, annual meetings for tax preparation may suffice. Businesses may need quarterly or monthly check-ins for bookkeeping, tax planning, or financial reporting. Discuss your needs upfront to establish a meeting schedule that aligns with your financial goals.

Can a CPA help with both personal and business finances?

Yes, many CPAs handle both, but confirm their expertise in both areas. Ask about their experience managing personal taxes and business accounting simultaneously. Ensure they can balance both without compromising attention to your specific financial needs.

What should I do if I’m not satisfied with my CPA?

Discuss concerns directly with your CPA to resolve issues. If unresolved, check your contract for termination terms. Seek a new CPA by researching reviews, credentials, and referrals. Request your financial records to ensure a smooth transition to a new professional.

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