Law office of El Cajon woman accused of impersonating lawyer seized – NBC 7 San Diego

California prosecutors have seized the law office of an El Cajon woman who allegedly pretended to be an immigration and family law attorney, authorities said Wednesday.

The District Attorney's Office of Chief Trial Counsel says Maria Leanos posed as a licensed attorney in her East County law office and by advertising her legal services on social media.

Leanos allegedly operated her business as the law firm of Maria Leanos, Latino Unidos Immigration or Mejia Income Tax.

After her niece filed a complaint with prosecutors last year, Leanos responded to an inquiry by identifying herself as an immigration consultant rather than a lawyer, officials said. According to prosecutors, Leanos was registered as an immigration consultant from 2017 to 2020, but was neither registered nor bonded as an immigration consultant at the time of the investigation.

“From her law firm's signs to first-hand accounts and inconsistent statements, Ms. Leanos' actions provide ample evidence that she engaged in the unauthorized practice of law,” said George Cardona, the prosecution's chief trial counsel. “As prosecutors have been told, she appears to have misrepresented her status and qualifications to immigrants in need of legitimate legal representation.”

Any current or former clients of Leanos who wish to have their files returned are encouraged to contact the District Attorney's Office at 213-765-1649.