Navigating the complex U.S. immigration system is incredibly daunting without proper legal guidance. For immigrants, selecting the right immigration attorney can make or break an application’s success. However, not all lawyers possess the ideal expertise, resources, and experience. Choosing strategically is crucial, according to the experts at immigration law firm Graham Adair.
Conduct Thorough Research
An abundance of options makes selecting challenging. Begin research by seeking trusted referrals from satisfied clients, community groups, religious centers, and immigrant advocacy organizations. Review lawyer profiles on LinkedIn, highlighting immigration credentials and expertise. Check online reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp and Avvo mentioning case success and customer service.
Visit websites of multiple attorneys to compare experience, case results, and client testimonials. Search state bar association directories to confirm lawyers are licensed and in good standing. Create a shortlist of several worthy contenders for further examination.
Ask Revealing Interview Questions
During initial consultations, ask probing questions to assess competency and fit. For example, you will need to know how many years the lawyer has been practicing immigration law. Longevity indicates valuable experience across changing regulations and policies. Also ask about the specific types of cases handled similar to yours.
Enquire as to whether the lawyer has experience representing clients before your local immigration office, court, or USCIS service center. Familiarity with local nuances can provide an advantage. Also, ask about case approval and success rate. Higher than national averages indicates better-than-average results although all cases differ.
Understand Fee Structures
Immigration lawyers use varied fee models:
- Flat Fee: A fixed overall case cost regardless of time invested. Provides predictability but may incentivize haste.
- Hourly: Assesses fees based on time expended. May maximize attention but total cost is variable.
- Contingency: Lawyers paid a percentage only if case succeeds. Rare in immigration law.
- Value-Based: A hybrid model balancing fixed and hourly fees tailored to specific case complexities.
Always obtain clear written fee agreements outlining payment schedule and details before contracting services. Be wary of demands for large upfront payments before filing. Understand fee refund policies if applications are unsuccessful.
Watch for Red Flags
Certain attorney behaviors should raise red flags:
- Promises easy approval despite lack of details on your situation. Success is never guaranteed.
- Pressures you to provide false information on applications. Unethical and illegal.
- Submits applications without your review and consent. You should verify everything.
- Is difficult to reach and provides minimal updates on your case progress. Communication gaps compromise success.
- Shows lack of knowledge on new policies and laws impacting your case. Immigration rules frequently change.
- Does not inquire about important case details and nuances specific to your situation. Rushed processes increase denial risk.
Establish a Sound Partnership
Once retained, you and your immigration lawyer must build a cooperative partnership. Provide comprehensive details about your immigration history, family, finances, arrests, past application issues and all other case aspects. Omissions severely harm success odds.
Follow attorney recommendations diligently – obtain requested documents, complete forms accurately, attend biometrics appointments, etc. Falling behind undermines cases. If using an accredited translator for documents, review finished products carefully to ensure accurate content free of errors. Keep copies of all application materials and correspondence for your records in case originals are lost.
Notify your attorney immediately of any changes to contact information, employment, immigration status adjustments, crimes committed, or other relevant updates. Recognize that factors outside the attorney’s control like immigrant backlogs, policy changes or USCIS errors can affect timelines and outcomes.
Conclusion
Selecting the right immigration attorney for your situation may seem daunting initially. But through research, relationship-building and continued engagement, immigrants can secure the legal expertise and service critical for overcoming challenges.
