News Releases

State Bar Seizes the Practice of a Fontana Nonlawyer Who Preyed on Immigrants

The State Bar of California has seized the unauthorized law practice of a Fontana woman who scammed hundreds of immigrants by claiming she could help them obtain legal residency. Samaris Estrada, who did business as Immigrants Legal Options in Fontana, led her clients to believe that she was qualified to perform legal services in immigration matters, a deception with dire consequences for several of her clients. Estrada has never been admitted to the State Bar of California.

On October 28, the State Bar’s request to the Superior Court of San Bernardino County for a permanent court order was granted, enabling the State Bar to assume jurisdiction of Estrada’s office. Under an interim order granted earlier this month, the State Bar seized over 100 boxes of client files. Staff estimate that approximately 80 boxes contain active files. Estrada opposed the State Bar’s request for the permanent court order, denying that she engaged in the unauthorized practice of law. However, the State Bar presented documentary evidence that showed that clients were paying Estrada several thousand dollars per immigration case, and the court found that Estrada was engaging in the unauthorized practice of law.   

The State Bar has established a bilingual dedicated phone number for clients of Estrada who wish to reclaim their files or documents: 213-765-1673.   

The State Bar of California has a unit dedicated to investigating and addressing the unauthorized practice of law, including those who give unlicensed legal advice, advertise themselves as “notarios,” or otherwise pose as attorneys. The State Bar had previously issued three cease and desist notices to Immigrants Legal Options; most recently in 2018.*

Immigration consultants can translate answers to questions on state or federal forms, obtain copies of supporting documents, and refer their clients to legal representation. Immigration consultants cannot provide legal advice or represent a client in court. If they do, they are breaking the law and can be prosecuted for the unauthorized practice of law.

If an attorney practices law while his or her license is suspended, or they have been disbarred, it is also considered the unauthorized practice of law.

People who have been targeted by someone who is unlicensed can file an unauthorized practice of law complaint with the State Bar. There is no cost, and U.S. citizenship is not required; the State Bar will not ask complainants about citizenship or immigration status.

The State Bar advises anyone in California to avoid fraud from attorneys and unlicensed legal providers, including those using the title notario, by taking the following precautions:

• Ask for the attorney's full name and State Bar number. Before hiring an attorney or paying any sum of money, look up the attorney on the State Bar website or the state in which they are licensed, to see if their license is active and whether they have any history of discipline. Consumers can also call the State Bar at 800-843-9053.
• If the attorney is representing you in immigration matters, make sure they are licensed to practice before the U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The office posts a list of practitioners who are not currently authorized to practice.
• Get your contract in writing as well as receipts for payments you make.
• Be wary if someone requires cash payments. If you must pay in cash, be sure to have a written receipt.
• Do not hire anyone who threatens to report your immigration status if you do not pay them immediately.
• Keep a paper trail. If you don't have a bank account, use a cashier's check, and insist on a written receipt. If you've already made a payment, you are entitled to ask for an accounting of your bills. 

Additional State Bar resources for consumers:

• Immigration legal resources
• Fraud alert for immigrants seeking legal aid to avoid family deportations English | Spanish

* Correction: The State Bar had previously issued two cease and desist notices to Immigrants Legal Options; most recently in 2017.

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The State Bar of California's mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.