State Bar Shuts Down Unauthorized Law Practice Targeting Farmworkers Friday, November 30, 2018 Categories: News Releases The State Bar of California obtained an interim order to shut down an unlicensed law practice that targeted and took advantage of immigrant farmworkers. The Los Angeles County Superior Court order assumes jurisdiction of the unauthorized law practice, which allows the State Bar to shut it down and reclaim client files and other records of the office of Vincent Enriquez. Enriquez has been doing business as NVE Associates, Inc. The court order obtained by the State Bar also authorizes the State Bar to freeze any bank account associated with the office and includes an injunction against Enriquez. A court date in this matter is set for December 11. The State Bar argues that Enriquez offered legal services to farmworkers on California’s Central Coast, portraying himself as an immigration attorney. He was retained by several people in Santa Maria, ensured them they qualified for green cards, and provided legal advice. Following this, he filed asylum applications that resulted in removal proceedings being initiated against two of the clients. Enriquez has fraudulently charged over $12,000 in legal fees in these two matters. The State Bar has previously sent Cease and Desist Notices to Enriquez regarding his unauthorized practice of law. When he did not comply with those notices, the State Bar initiated these additional enforcement actions. The State Bar will attempt to return seized client files or documents to Enriquez’s former clients and inform them that it may be in their best interest to seek other legal counsel. Former clients should contact the State Bar directly at 213-765-1636 to inquire whether any of the seized documents or files belong to them. Multilingual interpretation is available. The State Bar of California has a dedicated unit to investigate and address the unauthorized practice of law, including those who give unlicensed legal advice and people posing as attorneys. If consumers consult immigration consultants for example, the law allows them to translate answers to questions on state or federal forms, obtain copies of supporting documents and refer their clients to legal representation. The use of the term notario is prohibited in California. Immigration consultants can't represent clients in court, however, or provide specific legal advice. If they do, they could be prosecuted for the unauthorized practice of law. If an attorney practices law while their license is suspended or they are 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 against a non-attorney. There is no cost to file a complaint. U.S. citizenship is not required to file a complaint and the State Bar will not ask about citizenship or immigration status. The State Bar advises anyone in California to avoid fraud from attorneys and unlicensed legal providers, including non-attorneys using the title notario, by taking some of the following steps: Ask for the attorney's full name and State Bar number. Before hiring the attorney or paying any sum of money, look up the attorney on the State Bar website (www.calbar.ca.gov), 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 Executive Office of Immigration Review. Make sure to 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. Also be wary of those who threaten 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: File a complaint about the unauthorized practice of law (complaint forms are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Russian) File a complaint about an attorney Look up an attorney to check the status of their license and whether there is a history of discipline Multilingual State Bar legal resources for consumers Previous Article Next Article