Unlicensed Lawyer Targeted by State Bar | Los Angeles News

A California immigration lawyer with over 40 years of experience is facing serious legal trouble after the State Bar uncovered he’s never been licensed to practice law in the U.S. A former client, who paid $4,500 for a work permit that never materialized, sparked the investigation. Minnella operated under multiple business names, misled clients with false credentials—including claiming Nicaraguan licensing and U.S. law school status—and never registered as an immigration consultant. The State Bar warns this poses grave risks to vulnerable immigrants, and while criminal charges are possible under California law, authorities are still deciding whether to pursue them. Clients seeking their files can contact the State Bar directly, and everyone should use their online tool to verify attorney licenses before hiring. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/537440cf98b9b723 Presented by The Plant Daddies — rare specimen trees, living art, and hand-carved limestone vessels and fountains for extraordinary spaces. Showrooms in Los Angeles and Irvine. Listeners of Los Angeles News Today receive 10% off with code LANEWS10. theplantdaddies.com/lanews