Downed by Law

Immigration attorney Antonio Salazar's clients got more than they bargained for—namely, deportation.

A A A Comments (3) By Nina Shapiro Wednesday, Apr 21 2010

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Klein asked the association to immediately suspend Salazar's practice. The bar has asked the Supreme Court that Salazar be immediately suspended, pending the judgment.

In the meantime, his Lake City office is open for business. Salazar was there on a recent day, though he said through a receptionist that he was too busy to meet with a reporter who arrived at his door. On somebody's speakerphone, a recording from the immigration court system could be heard. A few pieces of Latino art hung on the walls and a box of files stood on the receptionist's desk.

Jonathan Wilcox

Peter Mumford

American-born Celeste Addai (shown with son Kwasi) is forced to meet in secret with her husband, who could be deported at any time.

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He continues to advertise in the Spanish-language press, though a recurring ad in El Mundo gives his old Third Avenue address. It also contains a photo of his supposed staff that includes at least one associate, Adolfo Ojeda-Casimiro, who left in 2006 and whom Salazar sued for allegedly pocketing fees that should have gone to the firm. (Salazar later dropped the suit.) Perhaps the outdated information is no surprise, though, given the attention to detail, or lack thereof, that Salazar has become known for.

Reached by phone in Duvall, where he now works, Ojeda-Casimiro declined to comment on the photo or his experience with Salazar. "It's something I want to put behind me," he says.

nshapiro@seattleweekly.com