Who We Are
Jonathan C. Dunten, Principal Attorney
It should go without saying that a lawyer must be honest. Nevertheless, Jonathan chooses to highlight his honesty because clients often remind him it is the reason they refer others to him.
"Clearly explaining to you why I think your case is strong or weak is critical. I am not satisfied our consultation is over until I truly believe you comprehend the choices that lie before you and the possible outcomes of each decision you might take. I will educate you on relevant laws to your case and you will better understand the reasons for my questions and instructions. I will enjoy teaching you because fear feeds on ignorance. Nobody enjoys lying awake at night worrying. Knowing what to expect, for the better or the worse, is always better than the hell of uncertainty we would otherwise create for ourselves. What I love most about my job is bringing legal and emotional relief to our clients."
Jonathan is licensed to practice law before the Executive Office for Immigration Review, the Board of Immigration Appeals, all California State Courts, the Federal District Court for Northern California, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Jonathan received his undergraduate degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara with honors, and his Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University School of Law with certificates of specialization with distinction in international law and business law.
Jonathan began practicing immigration law in 2004, at a boutique San Francisco firm. Law Offices of Jonathan Dunten opened in 2006, at One Hallidie Plaza. By 2009, the firm's practice included criminal defense. In 2013, the office to its permanent location in Oakland's Madison Square Professional Building.
Jonathan was a media liaison for the Bay Area chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. He was also a professor of immigration and criminal law at Oakland's East Bay Law School. He was an attorney advisor for the Consulates General of Guatemala and Mexico in San Francisco.
For over 16 years, Jonathan has donated his time and expertise in various capacities to local and international organizations, receiving certificates of gratitude from places like the San Francisco AIDS Legal Referral Panel, Pittsburg School District, East Bay Law School, and the Bay Area Chapter of the Coalition of Concerned Legal Professionals, and the Latina Center of Richmond.
Jonathan participates in many outreach activities and regularly spoke at community events. He also enjoys accepting domestic and international radio interviews to discuss current events concerning immigration on radio and television. Jonathan currently chairs the executive board for The Latina Center, a non-profit community center in Richmond, and is an attorney-advisor for the Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco.
“A good client is an educated client, so it is the lawyer's job to make sure the client gets that training early on. What better time to begin that legal training than during a consultation?” – Jonathan
Susana Lopez, Legal Assistant
Immigration cases usually require collecting and organizing voluminous amounts of documents. Such processes an be an overwhelming experience, especially for someone that is unfamiliar with the legal system. Susana is committed to deconstructing abuse and injustice within low income communities. She served as a domestic violence counselor with SAVE (Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments) and is certified to continue providing information and assistance to survivors.
As first generation graduate with Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from San Francisco State University, Susana is bilingual in Spanish and English. Not only is she the first in her family to graduate from college, she also graduated cum laude.
"I have the privilege of not only serving a variety of ethnic communities but primarily the Latino community which is very near and dear to my heart." - Susana
Vania Valle, Paralegal
Vania Vale moved with her family from Brazil to the Bay Area in December 2018. In Brazil, Vania was a civil and family lawyer.
She was a member of the Brazilian Institute of Family Law and the Brazilian Association of LGBTQ Families.
Vania has a master's degree in Intellectual Property, a specialist certificate in alternative dispute resolution and a specialist certificate in civil law (Universidad de Buenos Aires). Vania is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.
Brenda Garcia, Paralegal
The legal system is relentless in imposing evidentiary requirements and deadlines. Fortunately, our paralegal and office manager Brenda makes sure you collect all necessary documents, assists you in completing relevant forms, and keeps you informed of your upcoming appointments and deadlines.
Brenda has dedicated herself to helping low-income families fight oppression. She started her journey at the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant in Berkeley, where she worked in the UAC (Unaccompanied Minors) department and helped children from Central America who were escaping violence and seeking asylum or special immigrant juvenile status here in the United States.
As a first-generation graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, Brenda is bilingual in Spanish and English.
"Every day there is something new we can learn." - Brenda
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David Montenegro, Legal Assistant
Understanding the individual needs of every client is part of being a good legal assistant, David Montenegro is here to guide you in the right direction. David is on his way to graduating with a bachelor’s degree in law, from the Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana, and is bilingual in Spanish and English. He has experience working with all types of clients and is going to make sure your experience is as pleasant as possible. “As a Latino myself, I’m going to make sure we can help you as best as we can!” - David
Mayra Martinichi, Receptionist
Serving the needs of our immigrant community begins with having someone truly ready and happy to listen. Our receptionist, Mayra Martinichi makes sure everyone who contacts our offices feels heard. Even if we can't represent you, Mayra will make you feel heard and point you in the right direction. Mayra brings years of experience helping people crystalize the nature of their problems and taking the first steps of problem resolution with them. She is empathetic and caring. "Through the years I’ve been able to face different types of challenges that allowed me to solve conflicts efficiently. I’m trained and prepared to provide clients with the best experience I can give them." - Mayra
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