Ortega Obtains Favorable Settlement Against University of Arizona

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

October 27, 2023

Castro Family Reclaims Historic Home After Lawsuit

Briana Ortega Law PLLC is pleased to announce Attorney Briana Ortega has obtained a favorable settlement for her clients, the surviving family members of Governor Raúl H. Castro, after a hard-fought legal battle against the Arizona Board of Regents. As part of that settlement, the Castro Family has reclaimed ownership of its historic home in Nogales, Arizona and received a six-figure payout from ABOR.

In 2015, the Castro Family entered an agreement with ABOR, in which it agreed to convey the family’s home to the University of Arizona. In exchange, the University agreed to launch a new border studies program, named after Governor Castro, and house the program in the family’s home. In 2023, the University announced its abandonment of the border studies program and plans to sell the home.

The family’s home, which has been in the family for decades, is a symbol of Governor Castro’s legacy and a cherished landmark in the Nogales border community. Governor Castro served as Arizona’s first Latino governor, U.S. Ambassador to Argentina, Bolivia, and El Salvador, and Superior Court Judge in Pima County. In 1999, the State designated the family home as a historical site.

The Castro Family hired Ms. Ortega to represent them in their lawsuit against ABOR. Briana Ortega Law PLLC is honored to have had the Castro Family’s trust as their advocate. We recognize that this outcome is not only a victory for the family, but also for our border community.

About Briana Ortega Law PLLC: Briana Ortega Law PLLC is a civil law firm with offices in Tucson and Nogales. The law firm represents Southern Arizonans in business and employment matters, including litigation, compliance, and general counsel.