There are thousands of attorneys that can be hired to assist you with paperwork, questions, and court proceedings in the United States. The American Immigration Lawyers Association alone has over 13,000 members alone. With that being said, it can be hard finding a good immigration lawyer. To make the task easier, here are 10 tips that will lead you to a great attorney.
- Avoid hunting for a bargain.
Choosing an immigration attorney based off of what they charge will result in a terrible defense or advice. Many of the cheaper lawyers handle too many cases at the same time, making them less likely to dedicate the necessary amount of time you need on your case. Look for experience, not price. - Ask about past cases.
Don’t be shy asking an immigration attorney about their past cases. Asking about their past cases will inform you of their experience and if they’ve handled cases similar to yours. You want someone who is familiar with cases similar to the one you need help with. Be sure to ask about the result from each case. - Use the AILA database.
As mentioned before, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a group of attorneys specialized in immigration law. By hiring someone from AILA’s database, you know that they are updated on United States immigration law. Plus, they are more likely to work with their clients to come to an affordable price. - Compare additional fee costs.
Some immigration attorneys will charge you in cases that others may not. For an example, some lawyers charge for postage, courier fees, or long distance charges. While the price per hour shouldn’t be a deciding factor, beware of attorneys that charge excessive fees. Some firms treat immigration law like a “cash cow.” - Negotiate fixed fees ahead of time.
Like any service, immigration attorneys charge for their time. However, some lawyers have fixed rates for standard cases. Those who are experienced should be able to estimate how much time and money it will cost to handle your case. Don’t be shy about asking for a discounted price based off of income or paying in installments. - Find an attorney that reads and speaks your language.
Language can be a barrier in every circumstance. Several immigration firms now will offer services in your native tongue, which will provide you with the best service possible. If you find a good attorney that doesn’t speak your native tongue, ask if they will work with a translator and how much the costs will be. - Check client reviews.
Google is a good source to find opinions on immigration lawyers. However, you can also check places like Avvo and Yelp. These websites offer reviews by actual clients. This will assist you when determining the character of your lawyer without bias. Don’t count the number of good reviews, but rather comb through and read them carefully. - Find out your attorney's primary form of communication.
Many immigration lawyers communicate using postal mail, such as the United States postal service or UPS. This is fine for documents, but you want to be sure that your attorney is there when you need him or her. Are they available through the phone or email? Do they respond promptly through email or return phone calls quickly? - Avoid those who guarantees claim approval.
Good immigration lawyers cannot promise the outcome of a case. There can be unforeseen circumstances that can greatly affect your case. Promising unrealistic or grandiose outcomes to cases is a good way to spot dishonesty in an attorney. - Get a written contract signed by both parties.
In any legal case, written documents signed by both parties are essential. Most attorneys, regardless of field, will ask you to sign papers regarding their fees. Immigration lawyers should always provide documentation for themselves and for you regarding fees and services.
