Looking for an immigration law firm? here are the top things you should be looking out for when looking to hire an immigration firm to represent you. These are the top 8 things you should look for in your immigration lawyer or law firm.
2. 1. THE FINANCIAL
COST (IF POSSIBLE)
SHOULD NOT BE YOUR
PRIORITY
Immigration is an area of law notorious for
trying to make a quick buck. But while it may
be tempting to go in for the cheapest offer,
remind yourself that you are likely to get
what you pay for, which is a lack of attention,
a lack of doggedness, elements that make
all the difference between success and
failure in this complex area of law. So, if
possible, do not let finances be your priority.
3. 2. GET A REFERRAL FROM PEOPLE
YOU TRUST WHO HAVE GONE
THROUGH AN IMMIGRATION LAW
FIRM
Like in every other area of life, referrals
often guide you to the right place. That is
also the case in immigration law. Think
about it, who would be in a better position
to trust than someone who has actually
been helped by an immigration law firm?
4. 3. DON'T KNOW ANYONE?
CHECK OUT AILA
If you don't have anyone who can give you a
referral list, you can begin your search for a
lawyer on AILA.
AILA is the American Immigration Lawyers
Association. It was established "to promote
justice, advocate for fair and reasonable
immigration law and policy, advance the quality
of immigration and nationality law and practice,
and enhance the professional development of its
members."
With over 12,000 members, the group provides
regular continuing education training for
immigration lawyers.
If an immigration law firm is truly focused on
immigration law, it should be a member of AILA.
If it is not, it may be an indication that the law
firm is spread out across multiple areas, and
therefore perhaps not best equipped for your
particular case.
5. 4. ONCE YOU HAVE YOUR
REFERRAL LIST, IT IS FOR YOU TO
DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
Watch our for immigration fraud by
educating yourself on this list of commons
scams provided by the U.S. Citizen and
Immigration Services website. Amongst
these, the deceptive representation of
oneself as a lawyer under the label "notary
public" - known as the "notario fraud"- is
definitely one to be wary of.
Google: a simple google search on the
lawyer and the law firm, with key words like
"bad reviews", "complaints", "testimonials",
will take you a long way.
Also take into consideration what it would
mean for you if the law firm in question is
not present online. This may mean that the
law firm is new, or that it does not have
many clients, or that it is focused on a
particular region.
6. 5. CONTACTING
IMMIGRATION
LAWYERS AND LAW
FIRMS
At this point, your research should not be
over. You need to connect and interview
your prospective lawyers and make sure
that you get the following information.
Do they have references? if their clients
have been satisfied with their work, this
should not be an issue
Is immigration law their speciality? Make
sure that they tell you of their
experience and their performance on
your particular type of case. And get
that from them in writing.
Do they speak your language? With
immigration law, as with any area of law,
having a lawyer who can translate the
legalese into clear words in your native
language will be a source of considerable
relief.
7. 6. CONTINUE
YOUR RESEARCH
There are many immigration lawyers who take
on many cases without being able to honor
them properly. Many also relegate much of
the critical work to their paralegals. Find out
as much as you can from others about the
performance of the firm and its lawyers.
Check their credentials by contacting your
local state bar. Ideally, you want your lawyer
to be licensed, in good standing and with no
history of being subject to disciplinary action.
You can also check the following prominent
online reviews:
Avvo
Better Business Bureau
Super Lawyers
8. 7. DO YOU LIKE
YOUR LAWYER?
Immigration law being what it is, it is likely that
your relationship with the law firm you chose will
not be a one-time affair, which is why, it is critical
to like your lawyer.
Ask yourself this: is this someone that you can
see yourself building a close relationship with?
9. 8. PUSH TO
NEGOTIATE FIXED
FEES AHEAD OF TIME
If an attorney is experienced enough with
your particular need, they should be able
to provide you with a close estimate of the
cost.
Negotiate for a fixed fee ahead of time.
Note however that the practice of billing is
not uniform: some lawyers bill by the hour
while others charge a flat fee.
So before signing anything, make sure to
ask about all the hidden, additional costs
that may be incurred.
Immigration law is complex and you will
need someone who is willing to fight for
you. Do not compromise on the lawyer
who has the experience, the success rate
and the drive to make your case a
successful one. Armed with this list, you
are on your way to make a smart choice.
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