Andres James Ortiz

Andrés James Ortiz is a distinguished California attorney specializing in immigration law, federal crime, and criminal defense. With over a decade of legal practice, he is widely recognized as a foremost authority on the intersection of criminal convictions and immigration consequences, specifically in formulating "Padilla Opinions." Defense attorneys nationwide regularly consult with Mr. Ortiz to structure plea negotiations and resolve complex criminal charges without triggering adverse immigration repercussions such as deportation or removal.

Mr. Ortiz earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School after completing a Master of Education at the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor of Arts at St. Mary's University. His legal acumen has earned him significant industry honors, including designation as a Super Lawyers "Rising Star" and recognition as Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy's Pro Bono Attorney of the Year in 2016. He actively serves on the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Immigration Section Executive Committee and acts as an ICE Public Advocate Field Liaison. His extensive practice spans immigration court litigation, appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and federal proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Dedicated to comprehensive and compassionate advocacy, Mr. Ortiz handles a wide array of matters including removal defense, asylum, post-conviction relief, adjustment of status, and humanitarian relief under VAWA, U-visas, and the Convention Against Torture. He approaches every case with rigorous legal strategy and personalized attention, ensuring that clients and their families receive steadfast representation while safeguarding their legal status and future.