one thing you guys can do is, ask help from paki, if he refuses then threaten to complain his business to labor department. he has already made mistake by calling the meeting with SCHOOL to defend his action, which prove that his action of hiring students was deliberate. Drag him to this mess as well, that way you guys might have some chance of help from him. 2nd option: go to the dean or IS director's office and geniuinly ask for forgiveness and even ask if you can be in probation. tell him/her that you did not intend to voilate the law rather tried to make extra money during the crunch time. Also explain that the owner tried to persuade you guys saying its ok and he can handle it (his calling of the meeting will prove this). make an appointment and talk to the directory, make yourself geniunly sorry and honestly ask for second chance. yes, indian lawyers arent the best, but they could be worse for vunerable nepalese. if you really need lawyer, try to find young dude with hispanic background. at least they are cheaper and easier to deal with.