About
In the complaint, include statements like:
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“The lawyer sold me a package/service that was not legally possible.”
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“The lawyer misrepresented the law.”
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“The lawyer did not perform the services promised.”
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“The lawyer took money and provided little or no actual work.”
Upload receipts, screenshots, messages, contracts, and anything that proves deception.
Step 4: What Happens After You File
The State Bar may:
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contact you for more information
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contact the lawyer
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begin an investigation
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request documents from both sides
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issue discipline if misconduct is confirmed
Possible discipline includes:
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warnings
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required training
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probation
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suspension
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disbarment
Note: Filing a complaint will not automatically return your money — that requires a separate civil action —
but it protects others and holds the lawyer accountable.
Step 5: Report Fraud Even If You Are Undocumented
You do not need legal status to file a complaint.
You will not be asked your immigration status.
Your information is used only for the investigation.
Scammed migrant families still have full rights.
Semillas Arizona Can Help
If you were scammed by a lawyer, consultant, notary, or legal services provider:
📩 Email us
📍 Attend the Semillas General Assembly (Fridays)
We can help you:
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understand your rights
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organize your documents
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write your timeline
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submit your complaint
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explore next steps
Filing a Complaint When a Lawyer Scams You
If a lawyer promised something impossible, sold you a fake package, or took your money without real service.
Some lawyers exploit migrant families by selling “packages” or services that cannot be done legally, such as:
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guaranteeing green cards or work permits
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promising “VIP” treatment
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charging thousands for cases that don’t exist
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offering “special connections” with USCIS
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selling bundles that never move forward
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lying about timelines or eligibility
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taking payment and disappearing
This is misconduct.
This is fraud.
And you have the right to report it.
Below are the steps specifically for scam and fraud situations.
Step 1: Gather Evidence of the Scam
Collect anything that shows the deception:
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receipts, invoices, CashApp, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, etc.
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text messages, WhatsApp, emails
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written promises or contracts
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flyers, ads, or website screenshots
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proof you paid for a “package” or result you never received
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a timeline of how long you were ignored or misled
Write down exactly what they promised and what really happened.
Step 2: Understand What Counts as Lawyer Misconduct
The State Bar investigates lawyers who:
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lie about what a case can do
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take money and provide no service
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mislead you about your eligibility
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charge unreasonable fees
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disappear or stop communicating
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fabricate timelines or “guaranteed results”
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encourage you to lie on legal forms
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give unethical or illegal advice
These are all serious violations.
Step 3: File a Formal Complaint with the State Bar
You can file a complaint if a lawyer:
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sold you something impossible
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took money without doing work
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promised a guaranteed outcome
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lied about what your case allows
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pressured you into paying right away
Where to file:
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Online:
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Phone (Intake): 602.340.7280