Prosecutors close office of California woman accused of impersonating lawyer – The Mercury News

Officials with the district attorney's office say the sign on the building clearly read: “The Law Office of Maria Leanos.”

At the El Cajon office, a legal investigator saw business cards and signs advertising Leanos as an attorney. A sign in Spanish read: “At Maria Leanos Law Office you pay first and then the services are provided.”

However, the Office of Chief Trial Council said Leanos is not a licensed attorney. And on Tuesday, law officials closed Leanos' office with an order from the San Diego Superior Court. They also seized several items, including seven boxes containing customer files.

The District Attorney's Office of Chief Trial Counsel said in a news release Wednesday that Leanos “operated a law practice without a valid license and misrepresented herself as an attorney to clients in immigration and family law matters.”

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

Leanos declined to comment when contacted by phone Wednesday.

The Office of Chief Trial Counsel told the Union-Tribune it found evidence that Leanos “provided legal advice to clients on immigration and family law matters even though she is not and never has been a licensed attorney in California.”

Officials said they found evidence that she submitted immigration documents regarding legal status, asylum, work authorization and more.

In a court filing asking a judge to allow the company to shut down, prosecutors pointed out that its Facebook ads, website and office signage supported the claim that it was “openly and actively engaging in unlawful practice.” involved in legal practice”. They also cited her alleged “dishonesty” in claiming she was a “supposed immigration consultant.”