Iowa Ct. App. on Immigration Malpractice: Miranda v. Said

"Plaintiffs’ expert, Laura Lichter, an attorney practicing immigration law in Colorado with clients from Central and South America, testified the waiver form prepared by Said had a zero percent chance of success at the consulate as the officials had no discretion with respect to who could be a “qualifying relative.”  She testified that both Klever and Nancy had other immigration options  that would not have required them to leave the country.  In addition, she testified Klever had an “excellent” chance of success and  Nancy  a fifty percent chance of success to obtain lawful residency.  In her opinion, the $11,000 paid for Said’s work was a complete waste of money, and based on how Said filed the paperwork, the consulate could have investigated Klever and Nancy for fraud. ... We ... affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand this case for a trial only on the issues of mental distress and punitive damages." - Miranda v. Said, June 27, 2012.