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 326 - 330 of 343 reviews
Posted by Nicholas Magana | October 07, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Professional and outstanding staff!!!
I highly recommend this immigration law firm. they have a quick responsive staff and very knowledgeable and that is something i truly appreciated. Great job!!!!
Posted by Maria | August 06, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Totally recommended!
I used to work here and this firm is awesome! We have incredible paralegals and attorneys! This firm is also handling my moms case and I am amazed at how they handle everything! ❤️❤️❤️
Posted by Renee | March 19, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
We are so grateful for your help!
We contacted Federal Immigration Counselors to help the husband of a friend. We worked with several attorneys and assistants to get him the legal help he needed, and everyone was professional, helpful, and very good about calling back! Thank you so much for a favorable outcome!
Posted by anonymous | November 20, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Excellent Service
At every moment in this process, our needs were first! Not once did we second guess our decision. Truly, an amazing group of individuals with excellent customer service skills!
Posted by anonymous | November 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Amazing work
Highly recommend this lawyer, he was very kind and respectful. He helped guide me through the whole process.
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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