For Second Time, State Bar Seizes Unlawful El Monte Immigration Practice of Elena Orizabal

For Second Time, State Bar Seizes Unlawful El Monte Immigration Practice of Elena Orizabal

The State Bar of California seized the unauthorized El Monte-based immigration practice of Elena Orizabal, who has a history of offering immigration and other legal services that she has no license to provide, the Office of Chief Trial Counsel announced today.

The seizure of Orizabal's practice was authorized by an interim order of the Los Angeles County Superior Court and took place on August 29. It is the second such seizure executed by the State Bar against Orizabal, doing business as Unity Immigration.

Despite the previous seizure, Orizabal resumed providing legal services without a license. On May 24, 2023, a former client reported to the State Bar that Orizabal offered to continue representing her in immigration matters, indicating that Orizabal had not ceased her unauthorized practice. This led to a new investigation by the State Bar. Additionally, a consumer complaint filed on August 10, 2023, accused Orizabal of failing to fulfill legal services in an asylum case and collecting $3,200 in fees without providing the promised representation.

"Ms. Orizabal's brazen disregard for the rule of law does serious harm to her clients," said George Cardona, Chief Trial Counsel. "Even after our previous action, many who came to her for help, including immigrants in need of legitimate legal counsel, remained unaware of her illegal practice until it was too late."

During the latest seizure, OCTC seized 45 boxes of client files.

Clients or former clients of Elena Orizabal, or Unity Immigration, Unity Immigration Law Offices, and Unity Immigration Corp., among others, seeking the return of their files may contact the State Bar's dedicated phone number at (213) 765-1679. Consumers can also file a complaint against Orizabal with the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. Visit their website and select "File a Complaint," or call (800) 593-8222 for assistance. The department's Consumer Protection Bureau investigates cases of immigration consultant fraud and unauthorized practice of law (UPL).

The State Bar also has a unit dedicated to investigating and addressing UPL throughout California. People who have been targeted by someone who is not licensed to practice law 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 their citizenship or immigration status. The online complaint form is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

As a warning to the public, the names of those who have received unauthorized practice of law Cease and Desist notices are posted, by county, on the State Bar website. The State Bar also provides consumer information about avoiding legal fraud, including the unauthorized practice of law.

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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.