State Bar of California seizes woman’s unlawful practice after complaint from a relative

EL CAJON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — The State Bar of California seized the unlawful practice of an El Cajon woman after her own relative filed a complaint, stating that she misrepresented herself as an attorney and was operating a law office without a license.

The investigation into Maria Leanos was initiated after her own niece filed a complaint with the bar in December, stating that Leanos had misrepresented herself as an attorney on multiple occasions. She added that Leanos operated a business under the name “Law Office of Maria Leanos” and advertised it on Facebook and through an immigration service website, according to a release Wednesday from the state bar .

The Superior Court of California County of San Diego granted a petition to execute the seizure on Sept. 26, the release stated.

Leanos’ actions led her social media followers to believe she was an actual licensed attorney, the complaint explained, according to the bar.

When an investigator visited the business in El Cajon, they found business cards and signage that promoted her services, including a sign that stated in Spanish, in part, “…first you pay and then services will be rendered.”

When the Office of Chief Trial Counsel made contact with Leanos, she reportedly identified herself as an immigration consultant and denied holding herself out as an attorney, the release said.

She also claimed to be bonded as an immigration consultant with the California Secretary of State’s office, the bar added.

Leanos was registered as an immigration consultant from May 2017 to June 2020, but no record of her current registration or bonding could be found at the time of question, the release stated.

Seven boxes of client files at Leanos’ business were seized by OCTC, according to the bar.

People can file an unauthorized practice of law complaint with the state bar, should they feel they have been the target of someone not licensed to practice law.

Clients or former clients who sought Leanos’ services may request the return of their files by contacting the state bar at (213) 765-1649.

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