Former Employee Settled Al Otro Lado Lawsuit
A wrongful termination case against the immigration advocacy group reached an unconditional settlement.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Immigration
Live Poll
Should nonprofit organizations face more rigorous internal accountability for their billing and employment practices?
Diego Javier Aranda Teixeira has reached an unconditional settlement in his wrongful termination and whistleblower retaliation lawsuit against Al Otro Lado. The resolution was formally disclosed to the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Why it matters
The lawsuit centered on allegations that the organization violated Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts program conditions and engaged in fraudulent billing. The settlement concludes the legal dispute that followed the plaintiff's termination in 2024.
The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court to address allegations of whistleblower retaliation. The case remains resolved via an unconditional settlement, with the specific terms not disclosed in public filings.
The players
Diego Javier Aranda Teixeira
He is the former employee who filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination and whistleblower retaliation.
Al Otro Lado
It is a non-profit organization that provides legal services to migrants and refugees in San Diego County and Tijuana.
Christopher K. Lui
He is the Los Angeles Superior Court judge presiding over the case.
The details
Diego Javier Aranda Teixeira alleged he was fired in December 2024 after reporting potential workplace violations and fraudulent billing beginning in August 2024. Al Otro Lado denied these claims in earlier filings, asserting the termination was due to violations of company policy and data security rules.
Timeline
January 2020: Aranda Teixeira was hired by the organization.
2022: Aranda Teixeira was transferred to the U.S.-based advocacy team.
August 2024: Aranda Teixeira began complaining about alleged illegalities.
December 2024: Aranda Teixeira was terminated by the organization.
December 18, 2025: Aranda Teixeira filed the lawsuit against Al Otro Lado.
Political Context
The case raises questions regarding the internal governance and regulatory compliance of legal non-profits operating under the Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts program. Critics and advocacy groups often clash over the transparency required for organizations that manage sensitive legal funds.
Residents and donors should note that the resolution ends the legal proceedings, clearing the organization to continue its stated operations in the region. There are no new regulatory changes or mandatory security updates for the public resulting from this specific case settlement.
The takeaway
Disputes regarding internal workplace reporting often create significant friction within non-profit structures that rely on specialized funding. Establishing clear, compliant reporting protocols remains essential for organizations navigating complex state-managed legal accounts.
Further reading
For more background on regional policy, explore the latest developments in Immigration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My News LA.
Live Poll
Should nonprofit organizations face more rigorous internal accountability for their billing and employment practices?
