Opinion ID: 2588467
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Stanley and Luz Angela Clavijo Banquero Matlock

Text: Mr. Matlock hired Kagele on April 4, 1995 to assist his fiancée, Luz Angela Clavijo Banquero, with immigration issues. She entered the United States from Colombia on a B2 visitor's visa that she obtained by misrepresenting her marital status. Kagele agreed to represent Ms. Clavijo in all her INS problems for a total fee of $7,500. Mr. Matlock signed the fully-earned, nonrefundable retainer fee agreement at this time, providing for a $7,500 retainer, payable $1500 down, $400 per month for six months with balance due by November 1, 1995. DP at 22. Mr. Matlock paid Kagele $1,500 but did not make any further payments thereafter. On April 21, 1995, Mr. Matlock married Ms. Clavijo. A few months later, Mr. Matlock informed Kagele that he did not have any money and wanted the $1,500 returned. On December 20, 1995, Mr. Matlock again requested the return of the money, and Kagele refused. Mr. Matlock then wrote Kagele a letter on December 26, requesting an itemized statement showing how he used the $1,500. Kagele did not provide an itemized statement and testified that he was available if Ms. Clavijo was arrested by the INS. He did not return any of the retainer because he did not think that the termination was justified. DP at 25. Mr. Matlock commenced a small claims court action to recover the retainer. Kagele counterclaimed for the remaining $6,000 due on the retainer. Matlock, in turn, counter-claimed for hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. Kagele prevailed and obtained a judgment of $6,000. The Court of Appeals granted interlocutory review, but Mr. Matlock abandoned the matter, filed bankruptcy, and obtained a discharge of Kagele's judgment.