On Thursday, December 11, 2025, the Supreme Court of Indiana suspended attorney Edgardo Javier Martinez Suarez from practicing law for 30 days, with automatic reinstatement following the suspension period. This disciplinary action stems from a case of attorney misconduct involving neglect of a client’s immigration matter.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Edgardo Javier Martinez Suarez,” with case no. 25S-DI-26.
The ruling, detailed in a per curiam opinion, approves a “Statement of Circumstances and Conditional Agreement for Discipline” submitted jointly by the Disciplinary Commission and Suarez. The agreement stipulates agreed facts and a proposed discipline, which the Court has accepted. Suarez is subject to the Court’s disciplinary jurisdiction.
The case originated in March 2023 when a client, seeking to remain in the United States, hired Suarez, an immigration lawyer, and paid him a $2,500 retainer. The client had entered the country in 2022 and was scheduled for an immigration hearing on May 19, 2023. Two days before the hearing, the client inquired about the procedure. Suarez, after checking online case records, advised her that she did not need to attend because the government had not yet filed the necessary paperwork.
However, the paperwork was filed shortly thereafter, and because the client did not appear, the immigration court ordered her removal in absentia. After discovering the removal order, the client contacted Suarez, who entered an appearance and filed a motion to reopen the proceedings. The client claimed she was not provided copies of these filings and was unaware of the actions Suarez was taking on her behalf. The motion to reopen was denied in October 2023.
Suarez apparently initiated an appeal, but the client stated she did not receive a copy. She terminated Suarez’s services in December 2023, at which point he refunded $2,000 of the retainer. Despite being fired, Suarez received notice of a briefing schedule but failed to file a brief, withdraw his appearance, or forward the briefing schedule to the client.
Subsequently, the client hired new counsel, who requested the client’s file and information from Suarez in April 2024. Suarez did not respond to this request.
The Supreme Court found that Suarez violated Indiana Professional Conduct Rules 1.1 (failing to provide competent representation), 1.4(a)(2) (failing to reasonably consult with a client), 1.4(a)(3) (failing to keep a client reasonably informed), 1.4(a)(4) (failing to comply with reasonable requests for information), 1.4(b) (failing to explain a matter sufficiently), and 1.16(d) (failing to withdraw in a timely manner and return case file materials).
In addition to the suspension, Suarez is required to pay $267.38 to the Clerk of the Indiana Supreme Court to cover investigative expenses and court costs. The suspension is scheduled to begin on January 22, 2026, during which time Suarez is prohibited from taking on new legal matters and must fulfill the duties of a suspended attorney.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Suarez is an immigration attorney. He acquired his law license in Indiana in 2005.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
