Watch CBS News

San Francisco Sues Immigration Law Firm

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - The city of San Francisco is accusing a former lawyer of providing shoddy representation to clients with immigration problems even after giving up his license to practice law.

City Attorney Dennis Herrera has called Martin Guajardo "a notorious predator" who robbed thousands of immigrants of their assets.

The suit claims that Guajardo gave up his license, but continued to advise immigrants with problems, charging high fees and then abandoning their cases.

KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports::

"These were thousands of people over the course of the last 35 years whose rights were not protected or pursued," said Herrera.

The suit also names attorney Christopher Stender, who took over Guajardo's law firm.

Attorney Lynn Hermle said a class action lawsuit has been filed by the Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe Law Firm to recover the victims' money.

"There is a crying need for justice in this case and to have the victims made whole," she said.

Guajardo and Stender have not responded to KCBS' request for comment.

(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.