04 Dec 2020
BIA on IAC: Matter of Melgar
Matter of Melgar, 28 I&N Dec. 169 (BIA 2020)
(1) Counsel’s acceptance of responsibility for error does not discharge the disciplinary authority complaint obligation under Matter of Lozada, 19 I&N Dec. 637 (BIA 1988), particularly where the ineffective assistance allegation is rendered by the same attorney against himself.
(2) A respondent seeking reopening on the basis of a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel must show a reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s error, he would have prevailed on his claim.