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Mario Steven Zapata
About Mario
Biography
Mr. Zapata is the Owner and Managing Attorney of the Law Office of Mario Zapata where he exclusively practices Immigration and Nationality Law, and represents clients with related criminal matters. He is a past member of the American Bar Association, and remains a member of the Orange County Bar Associations, Orange County Hispanic Bar Association, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
Mr. Zapata received his Juris Doctor degree from Chapman University School of Law in 2006. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He is admitted to practice in the State of California, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, U.S. District Court for the State of California in the Central and Southern Districts.
Mr. Zapata handles a wide variety of immigration matters, including family-based and employment-based petitions, adjustment of status, naturalization, citizenship and waiver applications, and consular processing. He appears extensively at USCIS interviews and before the Executive Office of Immigration Review (Immigration Court) regarding removal and deportation cases
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Immigration
100%
19 years | 1,500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 19 years
State: California
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Mario Zapata
1100 E. Orangethorpe Avenue, Suite 200C, Anaheim, CA, 92801
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Mario Steven Zapata's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
29 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (22)
Practice Area Knowledge (13)
Recommendation (13)
Professionalism (12)
Advocacy (10)
Communication Style (10)
Character & Conduct (6)
Trustworthiness (6)
Cost of Services (5)
General Knowledge (4)
Responsiveness (4)
Staff & Support (4)
Compassion (3)
Punctuality (2)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | 2 stars
Posted by Joe M. | June 02, 2021
Out of touch
I was really interested in hiring Mr. Zapata, but as soon as I spoke with him, I noticed the lack of compassion and understanding. That is to say the least.
Mario Zapata
Replied last June 02, 2021The above commenter failed to understand the message I relayed to him during an initial consultation. He met with me wanting to know whether he could resolve his immigration status based on the fact that his child was diagnosed with a medical condition. Upon review of his immigration and family history, I explained to him that under the circumstances , his only option was to voluntarily be placed in Removal Proceedings and file for Cancellation of Removal (COR). I explained to him that such application was generally a defensive application, and that rarely did I recommend being voluntarily placed in such proceedings, and under threat of deportation. I further advised him that I was not a medical doctor, and could not offer a true assessment of the severity of his child's diagnosis. I explained to him that such assessment would be done by the judge upon review of documents and testimony. The severity of the child's condition was not demonstrated at the initial consultation or by "Joe M". I explained to him the general eligibility requirements for COR, the Immigration Judge's wide discretion, and how only a limited number of cases are granted per year across the U.S. I recommended to him to think about it, and that he could contact me if he wanted our assistance and representation before the Immigration Judge . Sadly, he took offense that I would not "guarantee" him that his case would be approved before an Immigration Judge. He vented his frustration through email several weeks later, by which our office responded once again through a thorough explanation. As a father and legal representative to many unfortunate people, I sympathize with his circumstances. Nevertheless, as an attorney, I tried to portray to him the realities that the judge, as the ultimate factfinder, deny many cases for which they have compassion towards. We encourage all potential applicants to seek honest opinions before putting yourself under the formal process of removal proceedings. One should be informed of the risks involved as well as the benefits. In turn, the attorney has the satisfaction of knowing you have made a well-informed decision. Thank you.
Mario Steven Zapata's Lawyer Endorsements
"There is often a crossover between criminal defense and immigration law. There are many potential immigration-related pitfalls facing non-citizen clients in criminal court that require expert advice to navigate. Whenever I need to consult with an immigration law expert, Mario is my first call. He is smart, experienced and a dedicated advocate for his clients. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Zapata is consistently knowledgable and thoughtful in his advice on the Avvo forum and I believe to be an accurate reflection of his commitment to his own clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Zapata is a very knowledgeable and effective advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mario Zapata is a well respected and knowledgeable attorney in the community. I have referred cases to him and would trust him wholeheartedly with any matter entrusted upon him. He is a top notch lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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"Highly recommended. Knowledgeable and experienced. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Zapata is a highly trusted member of the legal community, his contribution is greatly appreciated and valued."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is an excellent lawyer who is well respected in the community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mario Steven Zapata is well known in the legal community as an effective advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I've worked with Mario in the past and have known him for many years now. He is a very knowledgeable and diligent attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I believe Mr. Zapata is details-oriented lawyer. I liked his answers on AVVO"
"It is my pleasure to endorse Steve Zapata, young but already knowledgeable, attentive and well distinguished lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2026
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2015
Top Contributor Award, AVVO
2014
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2014
Top Immigration Attorney, Avvo
2014
Excellent Attorney, Avvo
2014
Top Contributor, Avvo
2007
Attorney and Counselor of the Court, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
2006
Attorney and Counselor of the Court, United States District Court, Central District of California
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Managing Attorney, Law Office of Mario Zapata
2014 - 2015
Pro Bono Attorney, Public Law Center
2006 - 2014
Associate, Nicastro Piscopo, Attorneys at Law
2005 - 2006
Immigration Law Clerk, Law Offices Of Gali Koren, PLC
2004 - 2005
Judicial Extern, Supreme Court Of California
Associations
2014 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember
2014 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers Association (Southern California chapter)Member
2014 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Orange County Hispanic Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
Orange County Bar Association, Immigration Law SectionMember
2007 - Present
Executive Office for Immigration ReviewMember
2007 - Present
United States Court for the Ninth CircuitAdmitted to Practice
2006 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
United States District Court, Central District of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
2005 - 2008
National Hispanic Bar AssociationGeneral Member
Sample of Legal Cases
In Matter of X
Termination of Removal Proceedings
In Matter of Padilla
Granted Cancellation of Removal
Humanitarian Revalidation of Immigrant Visa Petition
Adjustment of Status Granted
In the Matter of ARELLANO-Sanchez
Granted Motion to Reopen
Writ of Mandamus Forces USCIS to Adjudicate N-400
Client granted US Citizenship
Lawful Permanent Resident Granted Cancellation of Removal
IJ Granted Cancellation of Removal
Education
2006
Chapman University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
UCLA
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2002
UCLA
Minor
Speaking Engagements
2015
Information Session Regarding Administrative Relief: DAPA and DACA
DAPA and DACA
2015
2015
Administrative Relief Forum
Administrative Relief
2014
Clinica Legal Contra la Deportacion
Legal Clinic Against Deportation
2010
Immigration Presentation for Immigrant Parents
Removal Defense, Raids, and Legalization
2010
Consequences of Criminal Convictions and Waivers
Consequences of Criminal Convictions and Waivers
2009
Citizenship Fair
Citizenship
2007
Volunteer Immigration Clinic
Volunteer Immigration Clinic
Publications
2016
Law Office of Mario Zapata
Seis cambios posibles en inmigración con Presidente Trump--lo que se espera.
2015
2015
2014
Law Office of Mario Zapata Website Blog
USCIS Policy Memorandum on CSPA Creates an Exception for Late "Sought to Acquire" Filing
2014
Law Office of Mario Zapata Website Blog
There is Hope for Violent Crime Victims and Their Family
2014
Law Office of Mario Zapata Website Blog
Blessed by Arrabally: DACA and TPS Recipients Who Entered the Country Illegally May Be Eligible for Green Cards
2014
Law Office of Mario Zapata Website Blog
PARENTS, SPOUSES AND CHILDREN OF CURRENT & FORMER MILITARY (Including RESERVES) MAY NOW BE ELIGIBLE FOR GREEN CARD (even if you entered “without inspection”)
2014
Law Office of Mario Zapata Website Blog
Undocumented Immigrants: Be Prepared as Obama on the Verge of Granting Temporary Status to Millions
2014
Law Office of Mario Zapata Blog
Why You Should be Concerned About Applying for a Driver's License in California Under AB 60
2012
AVVO website
Guideline for the Filing of I-130 Petition for a Spouse
2012
AVVO Website
ICE Detention - Getting a Family Member Released on Bonad
2012
AVVO Website
Guideline to the Nonimmigrant U-Visa
2011
OC Weekly
Vaya Con Mom
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Meaning of Status for i131 travel document
19 Jun 2015
Q&A
Need instruction on filling I-539 form to change of status from F1 to H4 visa
17 Jun 2015
Q&A
How to specify previous employers name (if name changed and acquired later) on the citizenship application (N400)
12 Jun 2015
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
General Guideline to FIling I-130 for Spouse
05 Apr 2012
Legal Guide
ICE Detention - Getting a Family Member Released on Bond
05 Apr 2012
Legal Guide
What to do if you are detained by ICE
05 Apr 2012