I have been practicing law in Arizona and California since 1990, and have devoted my career to helping people who need immigration help. My practice includes all types of immigration matters. We handle deportation cases, bonds, appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, family petitions, work permits, and labor certifications and non-immigrant visas.
It is my goal to serve the needs of my clients, and to solve their problems as best I can. I also speak Spanish and German.
I have had experience trying cases throughout Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Texas and New York, including Federal District Court and several Circuit Courts. I have in-depth experience before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on a number of appellate cases.
I am a member of the following Professional Associations: Former Vice-President, American Immigration Lawyers Association, AZ Chapter; Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association, San Diego & Arizona Chapters; Member, Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee, AILA, AZ Chapter; Former Member, Immigration Section, State Bar of Arizona
Being a lawyer has helped me contribute to my community in many ways. I had the privilege of serving with the following organizations and charitable activities: Board Member, Foster Care Review Board (FCRB), Grace Point Church, Usher, Audio/Visual, Honduras Mission, Kids Choir, Tijuana Schools Mission, Homeless Outreach, Salvation Army, Cesar Chavez School Mission, Homeless Outreach; YMCA, Florence Immigrant Rights Project (FIRRP); Feed My Starving Children, Red Mountain Christian Center, Adult Bible Study; 2007, California Public Defenders Association: Representing Noncitizen Criminal Defendants, San Diego, CA; 2007, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers: Juveniles, Gangs, Immigration, San Diego, CA; 2014, Judge, Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition, Scottsdale, AZ.
I have had the following published opinions in immigration law:
Moris Quiroz v. Sessions, No., 13-73967 (9th Cir. Aug. 29, 2018)
Pritam Kaur Taggar v. Holder, 736 F.3d 886 (9th Cir. 2013)
Vasquez de Alcantar v. Holder, 645 F.3d 1097 (9th Cir. 2011)
Eneh v. Holder, 601 F.3d 943 (9th Cir. 2010)
Chawla v. Holder, 599 F.3d 998 (9th Cir. 2010)
Uppal v. Holder, 605 F.3d 712 (9th Cir. 2010)
Trejo-Mejia v. Holder, 593 F.3d 913 (9th Cir. 2010)
Turcios v. Holder, 582 F.3d. 1075, (9th Cir. 2009), opin. wthdwn, 608 F.3d 491 (9th Cir. 2010)
Escobar v. Holder, 567 F.3d. 466 (9th Cir. 2009), vacated 572 F. 3d 957 (2009)
Marmelejo-Campos v. Mukasey, 519 F.3d 907 (9th Cir 2008)(en banc)
Aragon-Munoz, 520 F.3d 82 (1st Cr. 2008)
Nath v. Gonzales, 467 F.3d 1185 (9th Cir. 2006)
Salvatierra-Cermeno v. Gonzales, 404 F.3d 1119 (9th Cir. 2005);
Diaz-Ramos v. Gonzales, 404 F.3d 1118 (9th Cir. 2005);
Martinez-Garcia v. Ashcroft, 366 F.3d 732 (9th Cir. 2004);
Murillo-Espinoza v. INS, 261 F.3d 771 (9th Cir. 2001);
Albillo-Figueroa v. INS, 221 F. 3d. 1070 (9th Cir. 2000);
Cardenas-Uriarte v. INS, 227 F. 3d. 1132 (9th Cir. 2000);
Magana-Pizano v. INS, 152 F. 3d. 1213, as amend, 159 F. 3d. 1217, cert. granted, 526 U.S. 1001 (1999);
Magana-Pizano v. INS, 200 F. 3d. 603 (9th Cir. 1999)(Magana II);
Lafarga v. INS, 170 F.3d 1213 (9th Cir. 1999);
Sebastian-Sebastian v. INS, 195 F.3d 504 (9th Cir. 1999);
Kalaw v. INS, 133 F.3d 1147 (9th Cir. 1997);
Mendez-Tapia v. Sonchik, 998 F.Supp. 1105 (Dist. AZ 1998);
Matter of Escobar, 24 I&N Dec. 231 (BIA 2007);
Matter of A-S-B-, 24 I&N Dec. 493 (BIA 2008)
Matter of Andazola-Rivas, 23 I&N Dec. 319 (BIA 2002)
Matter of U-M-, 20 I&N Dec. 327 (BIA1991)
I enjoy being a lawyer, and I hope that I have a chance to help you with any legal needs you may have.
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Chat withState: New York
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
State: Connecticut
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
State: Arizona
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
141 E Palm Ln Ste 112, Phoenix, AZ, 85004-1554
945 4th Ave, Suite 301, San Diego, CA, 92101
343 Client Reviews
Showing 86 - 90 of 343 reviews
Posted by Rolando | November 01, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
So satisfied
I’m and so satisfied with the results this law firm produced for me. I hired this attourney and i am. Sio grateful to have found him when I did. This is where to go to if you need help in your case he will get the job done
Posted by Marie | October 31, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Great service
I hired this attourney and he gave me outstanding results with my case. He did what other Attourney’s refused to and said was not possible. I’m so happy with this law firm and would highly recommend them
Posted by Beto | October 28, 2022
Highly Satiated
Very kind staff always happy to help. Competent legal team addressed all my concerns thank you all. Highly recommend to all family, friends and colleagues.
Posted by Nune | October 21, 2022
amazing service
Absolutely amazing service and kind staff. Took care of my needs. Recommend to everyone.
Posted by Carmen Moralez | October 18, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Excelente Abogado
I want to thank this attorney for all the help he did in my husband’s case I would for sure recommend him to all our friends and family thank you very much God bless you
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2011 - Present
Owner, Federal Immigration Counselors, AZ
2008 - 2011
Owner, Stender & Lappin
2004 - 2008
Owner, Stender & Pope, PC
1993 - 2004
Owner, Stender & Larkin
1990 - 1993
Attorney, Immigration & Naturalization Service
1994 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember
Granted
Denied
Denied
withdrawn
Granted
Granted
Granted
Transferred
Vacated
1990
Juris Prudence
1987
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1986
Undergraduate
2014
Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition
2007
Juveniles, Gangs, Immigration
2007
Representing Noncitizen Criminal Defendants,
Spanish
German
English