AGENT X11: EP 169: BRAD CONLEY: GUESTS: JULIE HOLBURN AND NADEYA LAVANDERO

In this episode we visit with Investigative Journalist Julie Holburn and her court advocate Nadeya Lavandero to discuss corruption in the Orange Country Family Court System.

Here's part of one of her articles:

EXCLUSIVE: The Paralegal Pretenders of Orange County — A Hidden Threat in Family Court
Julie M. Anderson Holburn
Mar 24, 2025

In Orange County’s family court system, a silent and dangerous threat is targeting vulnerable parents — and it’s not just coming from inside the courtroom. It’s operating just outside its gates.

Mothers representing themselves in high-conflict custody cases involving abuse — often overwhelmed, under-resourced, and desperate — report being approached by individuals claiming to be paralegals. But many of these so-called legal aides have no formal education, no license, and no legal authority to provide advice or services. Some, sources say, may be part of a larger referral scheme that is not only unethical, but illegal.
They insert themselves uninvited, demand access to sensitive court records, and steer litigants toward a select group of attorneys. According to multiple whistleblowers and documented interactions, these actors weaponize trust — and, in some cases, destroy cases from the inside out.

What the Law Says About Paralegals in California

California law is clear. Under Business and Professions Code §§ 6450–6456, a person may only use the title “paralegal” if they:

Work under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney

Complete an ABA-approved program or at least 24 semester units in legal studies

Fulfill continuing legal education requirements every two years

They may not:

Offer legal advice

Represent clients in court

File motions or pleadings

Act as legal consultants unless licensed to practice law

Violations may constitute unauthorized practice of law (UPL) under § 6125, a criminal offense punishable by jail time and fines.

The Allegations in Orange County

Multiple mothers say they were contacted online by a woman calling herself “Angel Law.” According to screenshots, public records, and whistleblower accounts reviewed by this reporter, the woman:

Claimed to be a paralegal

Presented herself as a survivor of the family court system

Built trust in Facebook groups for single mothers

Pressured women to share confidential court filings

Referred clients to a narrow group of attorneys

Became aggressive or threatening when questioned or denied court documents

Between 2022 and 2025, documents obtained show “Angel Law” repeatedly made unverified statements, including:

“I am a paralegal.”
“I’m still doing apprenticeship hours… I work inside attorneys' offices… We opened a virtual firm… I have $300,000 in retainers right now… I can practice in court next year as a paraprofessional… We are operating under the license of Eric Willens in Palm Springs until we incorporate.”

Records confirm that Eric Willens (CA Bar No. 207125) — the attorney she referenced — was disciplined by the California State Bar in March 2023 following a conviction for domestic battery (Penal Code § 243(e)(1)). He was suspended for one year and placed on probation for three.

In other messages attributed to “Angel Law,” she claimed:

“I got Stark off the list — she’s a corrupt slob who owns a business with the Galindos.”
“Judge Vu tried to traffic children into foster care — I’m having him removed from the bench.”

Sources say she has shown up in public places and even at workplaces demanding sensitive court documents. Several mothers allege the attorneys she recommended failed to advocate effectively — or worse. One such attorney, Art LaCilento, was named by multiple women who say he ignored evidence of abuse, berated them, and failed to file motions in a timely manner.

Records link “Angel Law” to Christy Black, who has been tied to similar activities for at least five years.

A whistleblower confirmed in February: “Christy adores Monarch,” referring to David Monarch, an Orange County attorney allegedly connected to her.

Monarch, the son of former OC Superior Court Judge Honorable Robert D. Monarch, has been referred to in scathing terms by insiders — one describing him as “a scumbag.” He was opposing counsel in several cases involving women approached by “Angel Law.”

To read more please subscribe to Julie's substack.
You can assist her by donating money to her at:
Venmo: Julie-Anderson28

Grievance: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-y0UQ3edTl9QEuIGWphS7RVQGfQ0oA6R/view?usp=drivesdk

Folder w documentation: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16tCNVepGOtjGzoKfYDW3Q2D5B4WybNDq

Right to Protect
www.rtp501c3.org

You can find us at:
Brad Conley: X: JB_Conley
Joan Rene: Joanrene27
Penny L.A. Shepard: X: Shepardout
Nadeya Lavandero: TikTok, IG, FB @rtp501c3