Clients lined up outside the Tukwila office to request case records, worried about immigration applications and years of legal fees.
TUKWILA, Wash. — Hundreds of current and former clients of former Tukwila immigration attorney Alexandra Lozano are now scrambling to obtain their legal documents after Lozano permanently resigned from the Washington State Bar, leaving many unsure of what will happen next with their immigration cases.
Clients gathered outside Lozano’s Takwila office on Monday, many seeking copies of case files so they could consult with other immigration attorneys.
One of the women, whom KING 5 calls only “Sarah,” said she spent years and thousands of dollars seeking legal status through Lozano’s company.
“My attorney, Alexandra Lozano, is no longer licensed, so I don’t know where my case is going at this time,” Sara said.
Resigned amid lawsuits and years of complaints
Lozano Resigned from the Washington State Bar last week The move replaces disciplinary action that would have permanently barred her from practicing law in Washington and barred her from seeking re-entry. The attorney called the move “worse than being disbarred” because Lozano cannot reapply for her license, which is different from being disbarred.
Lozano’s resignation comes as Lozano’s immigration practices have come under increasing scrutiny.
Last month, a federal civil lawsuit accused Lozano and her law firm of steering some immigrants to file immigration claims based on abuse they allegedly were ineligible for, including applications under the Violence Against Women Act, commonly known as VAWA.
The lawsuit alleges that some clients were encouraged to file claims involving domestic abuse or human trafficking, even though they said those situations did not apply to them. Lozano has denied wrongdoing.
Prior to filing the lawsuit, KING 5 obtained years of complaints filed with the Washington Attorney General’s Office. The complaints include allegations that clients were encouraged to file immigration applications based on abuse, that documents were submitted without proper authorization and that clients paid substantial legal fees for cases they said were mishandled.
After KING 5 reported and filed the lawsuit, attorneys representing the plaintiffs said hundreds more people contacted them with concerns about their immigration cases.
Clients worried about impact on pending immigration cases
Sarah said she now worries whether her immigration application will be affected by the allegations surrounding the company.
“I don’t know if my case will be denied or accepted because of the fraud,” she said.
Sarah estimates she paid the company approximately $10,000 over six months.
“It’s sad. I worked really hard to get this money,” she said. “My grandparents paid some money to help me.”
She said she is now preparing to hire another attorney, despite the increased costs.
“I fought for this for a long time and I have a son here,” she said. “To me, it’s worth it.”
The law firm appears to have changed its name
As clients sought answers outside the Tachira office, KING 5 spotted some walking out with documents identifying the firm as “Luz Legal” instead of Alexandra Lozano Immigration Law.
Inside the office, staff declined to answer questions about Lozano’s whereabouts or the company’s transition.
When asked if Lozano was still in Washington, an employee told KING 5: “I’m not sure. I can’t make that comment.”
Records filed with the Washington Secretary of State show La Luz Del Camino Legal is registered with Alexandra Lozano, who is listed as a director of the organization. The secretary of state’s office clarified that the governorship does not necessarily imply ownership.
However, the development raises new questions about the future structure of the company.
Under Washington law, individuals who are not active members in good standing of the Washington State Bar are generally prohibited from owning a business primarily engaged in the practice of law.
Luz Legal said in a statement posted online that Lozano “will permanently cease the practice of law” and that existing client matters remain active and will not be affected by the transition.
Lawyers urge clients to obtain documents
Lawyers who filed the civil lawsuit against Lozano said existing clients should request a complete copy of the case file and seek independent legal advice on their immigration matters.
They say clients have a right to access their files and should not have to pay for it. They also advise clients to submit a Freedom of Information Act request to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to obtain their documents. Freedom of Information Act requests are free.
However, for many families, uncertainty remains.
Lozano’s firm has handled thousands of immigration cases over the years, and many clients are now trying to determine whether their applications were filed correctly and whether their path to legal status is intact.
As for compensation for financial losses, lozanocivilaction.com Outlines some clients who may be eligible for a refund through the Washington State Bar Association. For more information see www.wsba.org.
