Resignation of Immigration Attorney Alexandra Lozano from Washington State Bar Association
Immigration attorney Alexandra Lozano, based in Tukwila, Washington, has permanently resigned from the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) to avoid disciplinary action. This resignation effectively prohibits her from practicing law in Washington, including representing clients in immigration cases.
The resignation was filed on Tuesday, shortly before a federal lawsuit was brought against Lozano and her law firm. The lawsuit alleges that they misled immigrants regarding their applications, mishandled cases, and demonstrated a lack of understanding of clients’ needs.
The WSBA confirmed in a statement to KING 5 that resigning in lieu of disciplinary action is a permanent decision. This will carry more severe consequences than standard disbarment, as those who resign under such circumstances are barred from applying for readmission to the bar in Washington State.
According to the court, Lozano can no longer practice law in Washington or represent clients in federal immigration proceedings. Attorneys must hold a valid state law license in good standing to appear in federal immigration court.
The WSBA also emphasized that attorneys who resign for disciplinary reasons acknowledge the misconduct allegations from the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and choose resignation over contesting those allegations.
The WSBA stated that informing the public about the conduct of Alexandra Lozano was a priority, which indicates significant concerns about her professional behavior. The allegations that prompted the disciplinary action are expected to be disclosed in a forthcoming public document.
Lawsuit Alleges Misconduct Linked to Client Abuse Claims
The resignation follows a substantial federal civil lawsuit filed earlier this month by nine former clients. The suit accuses Lozano and her firm of medical malpractice, breaches of fiduciary duty, consumer protection violations, and other serious claims. Plaintiffs allege they were pushed to seek immigration protections related to domestic violence and human trafficking, despite the fact that these allegations often did not apply to their personal situations.
Some plaintiffs reported that they signed documents they did not fully understand and discovered inaccuracies in the immigration applications that were filed on their behalf.
While Lozano has previously denied any allegations of wrongdoing and maintained that her firm has assisted thousands of immigrant families, the situation has raised numerous red flags about her practice.
Investigative Reports Reveal Consistent Patterns of Complaints
Prior to the federal lawsuit, KING 5 obtained records from the Washington Attorney General’s Office, highlighting similar complaints stretching back several years. One such complaint from 2021 detailed how a woman was advised to file an I-360 petition reserved for survivors of domestic violence, even though she had not reported any abuse.
Another recent complaint alleged that Lozano instructed a client to fabricate claims of abuse to aid a VAWA application, which is designed to provide an immigration pathway for certain survivors of domestic violence.
Moreover, investigations included claims of dubious signatures, refund disputes, and clients’ assertions that they did not comprehend the immigration applications filed on their behalf.
Former Clients Express Concerns Over Their Immigration Status
Several former clients spoke with KING 5, voicing their fears about their immigration cases, which they believe were improperly managed. Gabriel Martinez Garcia, a plaintiff in the federal lawsuit, explained that although she had a legitimate VAWA claim linked to her ex-spouse’s abuse, she felt that Lozano failed to adequately explain the process to her.
Garcia stated, “She didn’t explain to me what VAWA was. She didn’t explain the paperwork to me. I had to find a way to Google it myself.” She later found her application was rejected due to issues related to signatures, leading her into deportation proceedings.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs indicated that they have received hundreds of additional inquiries from immigrants worried that their cases may have been mishandled. They are currently reviewing more than 800 intake forms from Lozano’s former clients.
The future of Lozano’s current clients, who maintain ongoing lawsuits with her, remains uncertain.
