Opinion ID: 2718855
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Right to Effective Representation

Text: Aliens in removal proceedings enjoy a Fifth Amendment right to effective representation by their retained counsel. Tang v. Ashcroft, 354 F.3d 1192, 1196 (10th Cir. 2003). For a due-process claim based on ineffectiveness, an alien must show that: (1) retained counsel was ineffective, and (2) the ineffectiveness resulted in a “fundamentally unfair proceeding.” Id. A proceeding is “fundamentally unfair” only if it causes prejudice to the alien. United States v. Aguirre-Tello, 353 F.3d 1199, 1207-09 (10th Cir. 2004). To establish prejudice, an alien must show a “reasonable likelihood” that the outcome would have been different but for the attorney’s deficient performance. Id.