Opinion ID: 2588467
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Salvador Camacho

Text: On November 13, 1997, Mr. Camacho hired Kagele to assist him in an immigration matter. The previous day Mr. Camacho, a naturalized citizen, received a notice of revocation of naturalization from the Immigration and Naturalization Service which appeared to be an undated draft notice and was not served on Mr. Camacho. When Mr. Camacho hired Kagele he signed the fully-earned, nonrefundable retainer fee agreement, providing that he would pay Kagele a $3,500 retainer. On November 24, 1997, Mr. Camacho and Kagele met for an initial consultation, and Mr. Camacho signed a second fee agreement, which stated that he would pay $600 initially and at least $200 per month with the total due before the final hearing. Mr. Camacho paid Kagele $1,600 before he terminated Kagele's services. On December 15, 1997, Kagele wrote a letter to the INS district director in Seattle, substituting himself for Mr. Camacho's previous lawyer, requesting a hearing in Spokane, explaining the case, and indicating that he would pursue the matter in federal district court if necessary. He included a notice of appearance (Form G-28) and also sent the notice to the executive office for immigration review/immigration court. Kagele received a letter dated December 17, 1997 from the Immigration Court returning his notice of appearance and indicating that the office did not have jurisdiction because the case had yet to be filed. On May 15, 1998, Mr. Camacho terminated Kagele's services and requested a return of $1,400 of the retainer fee. Kagele refused to refund any of the retainer.