Romben Estrada Aquino
About Romben
Biography
When I graduated from law school, I did not have plans to become an immigration lawyer. To be honest, I thought that if I practiced immigration, I would end up doing a lot of my mom’s relatives’ petitions in exchange for lumpia.
I have been doing immigration exclusively since 2005. I stumbled into my first immigration job as a result of a number of happy coincidences. A friend of mine forwarded me a job listing that she received from her law school classmate, who was trying to help out alums of his law school. So, when I showed up at the interview, one of the questions was “Hmmm, we were expecting a bunch of New York Law School grads, how did you get here?” I guess my answer didn’t blow them away; I didn’t get the job. They chose someone who went to NYLS after all. About a month later, though, I got a call from the firm: “Hey, um, it didn’t work out with the other lawyer. You still available?”
During that stint in New York City, I learned immigration law by sitting at my boss’s elbow. I shadowed him in immigration court and I observed his skill in court. Ed didn’t really like to write briefs and motions, so those tended to land on my desk. Turns out that writing briefs, motions, and appeals is an effective way of learning substantive immigration law. After about a year of observation, he sent me to my first court hearing by myself. When I initially panicked, he said something like “If you haven’t learned anything after watching me for a year, we’re in a heap of trouble.”
I have had the same mentor for over twenty years. He inscribed this story in a book he gave me for my college graduation:
One day, I was walking down the beach just before dawn. In the distance, I saw an old man picking up stranded starfish and throwing them back into the sea. As I approached the old man, I asked, “What are you doing?” The old man explained that the stranded starfish would die if left in the morning sun. And I exclaimed, “But there must be thousands of starfish. How can you possibly make any difference?” The old man picked up a starfish next to my feet and as he threw it to safety in the sea, he said, “I just made a difference to that one!”
That mentor, by the way, happens to be the Fong in Fong & Aquino. (We go way way back.)
There are many unhappy lawyers, but I am one of the lucky ones. I have found a field of law that I enjoy, and I love my clients. I like to think that I am the old man — helping make a difference to the thousands and thousands of immigrants in Los Angeles, one at a time. But I realize that it has been my clients who have touched me. It is they who have chosen me to entrust with their futures, their children’s futures.
I live in Hacienda Heights with my beautiful wife, two wonderful kids, and a Jack Russell terrier / chihuahua mix.
Oh, the funny thing about my mom: she is one of my top five sources of client referrals. So, whether my mom sent you or you got here through a series of happy coincidences, I’d love to hear about your future in the United States and how I can be a part of it.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
21 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 15 years
State: California
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Licensed in New York for 23 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Location
Romben Law, APC
1760 West Cameron Avenue, Suite 100, West Covina, CA, 91790
Romben Law, APC
777 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA, 92262
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Romben Estrada Aquino's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
26 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | September 05, 2023
Highly Recommend!
I want to express my sincere gratitude to Atty. Romben for his invaluable assistance and guidance during this challenging time of my life. Although Atty. Romben was unable to directly represent me in my case, his expertise and willingness to help were truly commendable. He took the time to listen to ...
Posted by Milo | November 27, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Immigration Law Application
I had an important immigration law application and considering the complexity of my case, it would have been very easy to get lost in the legalese. I wouldn't have known how to maneuver through all of it without the expertise of Attorney Aquino. I am very thankful for his counsel and expertise.
Posted by Tania | January 31, 2011 | Immigration
Awesome immigration attorney
I have much gratitude to Romben for ALL his dedication and hard work on my behalf. Just when things were looking bad for my deportation case, he was the one to handle it with knowledge and resourcefulness. He provided me options on how to proceed forward with it and kept in touch with me communicati...
Romben Estrada Aquino's Lawyer Endorsements
"Romben is a great attorney and a great person. He does everything possible to help his clients every single step of the way. When people ask me for a referral to an immigration attorney, I refer them to Romben."
"Romben is very knowledgeable and experienced in the area of Immigration Law. He is at the top of my list of attorneys to refer immigration matters to handle. I strongly endorse Romben."
"I endorse this lawyer. You can tell how much Romben cares for his clients when he describes his practice and how he is committed to helping his clients through the often draining and difficult immigration process. His compassion and integrity sets him apart from other attorneys."
"I endorse this lawyer. Romben is one of the most compassionate lawyers I have had the opportunity to meet. His clients and their story come first. I personally send all of my Immigration referrals to Romben and know that my referrals are in the best hands. His compassion for his clients is only outweighed by his knowledge and his experience. If you want an attorney who cares, and takes pride in what he does, Romben is the attorney for you."
"Romben is very approachable and committed to telling his clients the honest reality of their situation. I highly recommend him."
"Romben is a good attorney who enjoys a good reputation in the community. If you have an immigration issue, you should give him a call."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Mr. Aquino due to his experience and expertise in his practice area."
"I met attorney Aquino over ten years ago. Since that time he consistently showed his knowledge, tenacity and passion for helping clients in need. I recommend him without qualification."
"I have seen many examples of Mr. Aquino's legal writing and can say that he is a highly competent immigration attorney who is passionate about his work."
"During the time I worked with Romben at the Los Angeles County Bar Association Immigration Project I found him to be an outstanding, competent, and ethical member of the Bar. He is knowledgeable about immigration matters and diligent in his efforts on behalf of clients. I highly recommend him."
"Romben is a fellow immigration attorney, and he has been my go-to lawyer for deportation/removal cases. He has an incredible understanding of immigration law and I trust him wholeheartedly to handle any removal cases that I may send his way."
"I have known and worked with -- and occasionally supervised -- attorney Romben Aquino for over ten years. His knowledge of removal (deportation) is deep and broad. As the son of immigrants himself, he understands how bewildering the deportation process can be for the lay person. He works with his clients using his strong knowledge and his kind heart. I endorse Mr. Aquino whole-heartedly. Anyone who has a deportation case, an asylum matter, an argument for cancellation of removal, or an appeal should contact Romben to obtain his perspective on the matter."
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Immigration lawyer
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Experience
Work Experience
2024 - Present
Managing Attorney, Romben Law, APC
2015 - 2023
Partner, Fong & Aquino LLP
2011 - 2014
Attorney and Counselor at Law, Law Office of Romben Aquino
2009 - 2011
Associate, Law Office of John R. Perry / Perry & Associates
2005 - 2009
Associate, Ferro & Cuccia
2004 - 2005
Agency Attorney, NYC Department of Consumer Affairs
2002 - 2004
Staff Attorney, NYC Commission on Human Rights
Associations
2009 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar Association
2009 - Present
Philippine American Bar Association of Los Angeles
Sample of Legal Cases
Court reopened case
USCIS granted
Remand to BIA
Ultimately, plaintiff's natz application approved
Education
2001
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2021
Naturalization Workshop
2013
Removal Proceedings
2011
2011
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Why am I not getting interview appointment for N400 even after over a year?
14 Oct 2021
I would like to know what to do and if this could affect my immigration status and benefits now or in the future?
04 Oct 2021
Divorce?
04 Oct 2021