A Meta Platforms employee, Paresh Parab, has filed a legal malpractice lawsuit against his former immigration lawyers from the firm of Berry, Appleman and Leiden LLP (BAL), accusing them of mishandling his immigration proceedings.
The suit alleges that the negligence of the law firm resulted in Parab having to leave the U.S., allegedly leading to lost employment opportunities and significant economic harm.
Other named defendants in the action include Schehryr Chaudry, Peter Alphonso and Rebecca Davis.
According to the complaint, the BAL attorneys represented Parab from November 2022 to May 2023, during which time the attorneys allegedly "missed filing and submission deadlines, missed appeal deadlines, used outdated and incorrect forms, and botched the entire EAD and visa process, and committed multiple negligent acts and omissions, resulting in denial of employment authorizations, applications, visas, and revocation of work permits," according to the complaint.
The plaintiff claims that the defendants' actions occurred in San Francisco, where BAL's office is located.
Parab is seeking damages for the lost employment and career opportunities in the US technology sector.
Parab filed suit in San Francisco County Superior Court on Jan. 29. He is represented by attorney James Fox, of the firm of Fox & Fox, of Los Angeles.