Ibarra Professional Law Corp. v. Gu CA1/3

BACKGROUND

In October 2017, the firm sued Gu, alleging he breached five retainer agreements by failing to pay attorney fees. The firm sought $94,262.78 in compensatory and general damages and attorney fees and costs. In March 2017, Gu sought the firm’s assistance in seeking asylum. After meeting with Crisostomo Ibarra — the firm’s principal attorney — Gu signed a retainer agreement for “asylum defense.” He agreed to pay hourly fees for the firm’s services, costs and expenses related to the representation, and 10 percent annual interest on all amounts 30 days past due. The parties 1 also agreed the prevailing party could recover reasonable attorney fees and costs for any action to enforce payment. In April 2017, the firm prepared an asylum application and submitted it to the immigration court. Meanwhile, immigration authorities detained Gu after he was arrested for threats, battery, and violation of a domestic violence restraining order. When Ibarra visited Gu at the detention center, Gu asked for representation on four other matters — corporate consulting, criminal defense, marriage dissolution, and a petition to establish paternity. The firm drafted four retainer agreements.…