Immigration Attorney Who Was Not Legally In US Disbarred For Violating Suspension Order

The Louisiana Supreme Court has imposed disbarment as reciprocal discipline based on a Colorado sanction

Respondent, who is originally from India, came to the United States in 1987. Although he had already completed a law degree in India, he earned a second law degree from Tulane University. He was admitted to the practice of law in Louisiana in 1988 and to the practice of law in Colorado in 1992.

Respondent legally remained in the United States under a work visa until December 1995, when his visa expired. He did not obtain a new work visa and, thus, was in the country illegally. Nevertheless, he continued to practice law in Colorado, representing clients in immigration matters. In 1999, respondent married a United States citizen.

It was not until June 2009, after immigration authorities discovered he was in the United States illegally, that respondent obtained official authorization to work. At that time, he also applied for permanent residency, but he did not receive permanent residency status until May 2012.

In the meantime, on July 21, 2009, the Supreme Court of Colorado suspended respondent from the practice of law for one year and one day for practicing law while unlawfully present in the United States. The Supreme Court of Colorado also banned him from applying for reinstatement until he obtained permanent lawful immigration status and employment authorization. This court imposed reciprocal discipline on December 18, 2009. In re: Kanwal, 09-2192 (La. 12/18/09), 24 So. 3d 189.

In 2011, while he was still suspended from the practice of law in Colorado, respondent assisted a previous client with an immigration matter; he failed to inform the client that he was suspended from the practice of law. Another attorney working for the client discovered respondent was under suspension and reported him to the Colorado attorney disciplinary authorities.

As it was in Colorado, so shall it be in Louisiana.

Our coverage of the initial suspension is linked here. (Mike Frisch)