On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Arizona Supreme Court reprimanded attorney Salvador De La Torre, Jr. for professional misconduct in an immigration case. The decision followed an Agreement for Discipline by Consent filed on March 25, 2025, between De La Torre and the State Bar, represented by Senior Bar Counsel Craig D. Henley. De La Torre, who chose to represent himself, admitted to violating multiple Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct and U.S. Immigration Court regulations.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Salvador De La Torre, Jr,” with case number PDJ 2025-9020.
The disciplinary action stems from De La Torre’s representation of Nekesha Gurdon, a Jamaican native and long-term U.S. resident, in immigration proceedings. Gurdon, detained at Perryville Detention Center, hired De La Torre in February 2020 to handle her case after receiving a Notice to Appear from the Department of Homeland Security in 2018, citing criminal convictions. De La Torre was paid a $12,000 flat fee by Gurdon’s family. During his representation, he failed to file a Notice of Appearance, missed a March 2020 court hearing, and did not submit required relief applications by court deadlines in March 2021 and February 2022.
In February 2022, De La Torre filed an unsigned Form I-589 for asylum, which lacked details about Gurdon’s mental health issues, including her schizophrenia diagnosis and history of sexual assault. He later submitted 72 pages of documents, including medical records, six days before a January 2023 merit hearing, but these did not address Gurdon’s mental health or request a competency hearing. At the hearing, De La Torre conceded Gurdon’s ineligibility for asylum due to her convictions, limiting her relief to a deferral under the Convention Against Torture. The court denied the application and ordered Gurdon’s removal from the U.S.
De La Torre conditionally admitted to violating Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct, including ER 1.2 (scope of representation), ER 1.3 (diligence), ER 1.4 (communication), ER 1.8(h)(2)/8.4(a) (improper agreements restricting complaints), ER 3.2 (expediting litigation), and ER 8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to justice). He also violated U.S. Immigration Court rules related to diligence, communication, and the use of boilerplate language in filings. The agreement noted his negligence caused actual and potential harm to Gurdon, the legal system, and the public.
As part of the sanction, De La Torre was placed on two years of probation, effective April 9, 2025. Probation terms include extending his participation in the State Bar’s Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) for two years, with costs borne by De La Torre. Within 90 days, he must complete a continuing legal education course, “What I Wish I Learned in Law School: Running the Ethical Office in the 21st Century,” and submit proof of completion, including notes and a sworn statement. He is also required to avoid further violations of professional conduct rules. Non-compliance may lead to additional disciplinary proceedings.
De La Torre was ordered to pay $1,200 in State Bar costs within 30 days, with interest accruing for late payment. The agreement cited two aggravating factors: prior disciplinary offenses, including a 2024 reprimand and 2021 admonishments, and substantial experience. Mitigating factors included no dishonest motive and cooperation with the disciplinary process.
The Presiding Disciplinary Judge, Lisa A. VandenBerg, accepted the agreement, noting it aligns with the American Bar Association’s Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions and serves the purpose of protecting the public and the legal profession.
According to Avvo, Mr. De La Torre is a criminal defense attorney in Phoenix, Colorado. He acquired his law license in Arizona in 2017.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
