how to find a good immigration attorney

by Prof. Newton Kerluke 9 min read

How to Find a Good Immigration Attorney

  • Do your research. Not all immigration attorneys are the same, and there is a difference in the quality of service you will get.
  • Consult and compare. Depending on your circumstances, you may be working with your lawyer anywhere from six months to ten years.
  • Trust your instincts. There are red flags you may be able to notice right away. ...
  • Hire an expert. ...

Full Answer

How to find an excellent immigration lawyer?

You can probably find out a lot about your lawyer online: whether he or she is listed as a member of a state bar association (a requirement) and of the American Immigration Lawyers' Association or AILA (a professional organization that most of the best attorneys join); whether he or she gets good reviews on websites like Martindale; whether the lawyer has written professional articles …

What skills do you need to be an immigration lawyer?

What education is needed to become an immigration lawyer?

How do you become an immigration lawyer?

Mar 16, 2021 · Look for Experience. Immigration law is one of the more complicated areas of law. So, it’s even more important to find someone whose experienced. Be cautious of attorneys that practice in law in several areas (like personal injury, business, etc.) Look for a licensed attorney that focuses on immigration law.

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Is it worth using an immigration lawyer?

Immigration services can be just as complex, and it is likely worth the expense to hire an immigration lawyer for immigration questions and processes to avoid unnecessary staffing and legal employment compliance hurdles.Apr 20, 2022

How much does it cost to hire an immigration lawyer in the US?

An immigration lawyer charges between $150 and $300 per hour, with a typical 30-min consultation fee of $75 to $150. Legal assistance when filing basic immigration forms costs $250 to $800, while green card assistance runs from $800 to $5,000, plus the USCIS fees of $460 to $700.

How do I choose immigration?

7 Key Considerations When Choosing Your Immigration Attorney
  1. Talk To Friends And Family. If you hope to hire an immigration attorney, your friends and family are a priceless resource. ...
  2. Use The Internet. ...
  3. Essential Qualifications. ...
  4. Language Services. ...
  5. Accessibility. ...
  6. Schedule A Consultation. ...
  7. Take Notes.
Dec 17, 2020

How do I find an immigration lawyer in the US?

Here are some guidelines to help you find a good immigration lawyer.
  1. Ask Friends or Other Contacts for an Immigration Lawyer Referral. ...
  2. Contact a Lawyer Bar Association. ...
  3. Research Immigration Lawyers Online. ...
  4. Beware of Non-Lawyers Offering Legal Services. ...
  5. Contact Prospective Immigration Attorneys.

Can immigration lawyer speed up process?

While an immigration attorney cannot per say “speed up” your case, the immigration attorney is knowledgeable in immigration law and will know the best strategy and options for your case. Undeniably, this avoids any unreasonable delay by anyone lacking specialized knowledge in this area of law.

What are the 4 types of immigration?

To begin with, let's look at the four types of immigration status that exist: citizens, residents, non-immigrants and undocumented. The characteristics of each status are explained below.

What do immigration lawyers do?

Immigration lawyers represent individual and business clients before the USCIS, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and in Immigration Courts and the federal circuit courts on issues dealing with immigration, emigration, visas, green cards, adjustment of status, political asylum, and other important immigration and ...

How do I find a good immigration consultant?

The top 5 tips to choose an Immigration Consultancy
  1. Google Reviews. Nothing surpasses word of mouth when it comes to endorsing as marketers always tell. ...
  2. Social Media. View the social media platforms of the prospective agency – LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. ...
  3. Past record. ...
  4. Security. ...
  5. Background Check.
Feb 19, 2019

What makes a good immigration officer?

excellent communication and interpersonal skills when talking to people with limited English language ability. the ability to work under pressure. a good eye for detail. the ability to work in a team.

What are the immigration questions?

Green Card and Immigration Basics
  • What is a green card? ...
  • What is USCIS? ...
  • What is a lawful permanent resident? ...
  • What is conditional permanent residence? ...
  • Why would a green card application be denied? ...
  • Can I work in the U.S. while waiting for my green card? ...
  • What is the Visa Bulletin? ...
  • What is a biometric screening?

How much do immigration lawyers make?

The salaries of Immigration Lawyers in the US range from $55,870 to $187,200 , with a median salary of $115,820 . The middle 60% of Immigration Lawyers makes between $115,820 and $120,480, with the top 80% making $187,200.

Who is an authorized representative for USCIS?

An attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative can represent you before USCIS. Your legal representative must file Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, with the related application, petition or appeal.Nov 21, 2019

How to find an immigration lawyer?

Immigration law is one of the more complicated areas of law. So, it’s even more important to find someone whose experienced. Be cautious of attorneys that practice in law in several areas (like personal injury, business, etc.) Look for a licensed attorney that focuses on immigration law .

How to choose an attorney?

Choose an attorney that you like and trust. Determine if he or she does a good job answering your questions in a way that you understand. You should feel confident that the attorney will fight for you. This includes the staff. An attorney’s staff will do much of the work. Ask questions about their level of experience. Do they promptly return your calls and make you feel valued?

What is CitizenPath partnered with?

CitizenPath partnered with JustAnswer to get quick answers to your legal questions. Simply type your question online. You’ll get an answer to your question from a licensed immigration attorney online.

What happens if you are caught in immigration?

At the very minimum, talk to another attorney for a second opinion. If you are caught, it could mean potentially permanent damage to your immigration hopes.

How to check if an attorney is licensed?

Do a quick background check on the attorney to make sure he/she is licensed and in good standing, or if he/she has ever been subject to disciplinary action. There is no cost. Most state bars allow you to look up the attorney by name or bar number online.

How to make sure your needs match the lawyer's expertise?

It is also important to make sure your needs match the lawyer’s expertise. Call each attorney’s office and explain your need. Ask for an opportunity to meet the attorney so that you can ask questions and make a decision. The truth is, you may have to pay for your time with the attorney as an initial consultation.

Is Citizenpath a legal service?

An attorney can help you navigate that journey. For people with straight forward cases, CitizenPath has been an affordable way to easily prepare USCIS forms correctly. Our service was created by lawyers, but we are not a legal service. For individuals with more complicated cases, including applicants with a criminal history or immigration violations, we recommend the help of an immigration lawyer. And we want to help you find an immigration lawyer that’s right for you.

The Experience

You may have heard several times that experience is the top-most factor to consider when looking for an attorney who can make your legal needs seamless, and yet you do not understand why it should be so. Some people think that as long as an attorney has proof that they have the right qualifications, they should do an incredible job.

Excellent Communication Skills

In addition to the experience, the other critical factor that you must consider is communication skills. A reasonable attorney should have remarkable communication skills. Besides, communication skills are very critical for articulating your points in a court of law.

Legal Fees

When you have pressing matters, the legal fees may not be a priority when looking for an immigration lawyer. However, it is vital to consider the amount you will have to pay for the legal services as that can sometimes tell you more about the ability of the attorney to provide you with quality services.

The Track Record

Lastly, you need to ensure that you are seeking the services of an immigration lawyer with a remarkable track record. The track record tells you the lawyer has served the previous clients well and therefore may not have difficulties serving your interest in the best way possible.

By Henry Lim

Now more than ever, it is critical that if you need an immigration attorney, you hire someone who is the right fit for your situation. Immigration law is complex and has dire consequences if there is a mistake. A person with a winnable case could be deported because of a missed deadline, or a form unfiled.

Do your research

Not all immigration attorneys are the same, and there is a difference in the quality of service you will get. There is a difference between preparing documents and performing legal services. Knowing the difference will save you time, energy, and heartache. Some people claim to be legal professionals, but may not be a licensed attorney.

Consult and compare

Depending on your circumstances, you may be working with your lawyer anywhere from six months to ten years. See what qualities they have, and find someone who will be compassionate and will care about you and your family’s needs.

Trust your instincts

There are red flags you may be able to notice right away. If they say they can guarantee results, solicit you in a public place, or demand payment before a consultation, they may not be the attorney for you. If something does not feel right, trust your instincts.

Hire an expert

Immigration law is complex. Often, people may want to hire an attorney they know who may not be in the field of immigration law. An attorney not committed to immigration law may not understand the nuances in a complex area of law.

What are Some Tips on How to Find an Immigration Lawyer?

Not every immigration lawyer will provide the same types of legal services. Thus, the first thing a foreign-born national must do is to determine why they need an immigration lawyer.

What Questions Should I Expect at a Meeting with an Immigration Lawyer?

While a prospective client should come prepared with a list of questions they may have for their immigration lawyer, they should also be aware that an immigration lawyer may have some questions for them during their meeting.

What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?

Some common examples of the types of legal services that an immigration lawyer may provide can include:

What Should I Bring to a Meeting with an Immigration Lawyer?

There are many types of documents that a person may need to bring with them when they meet with an immigration lawyer. Some of these documents, however, will depend on the immigration matter in question.

Where Can I Find the Right Immigration Lawyer?

As previously discussed, there are many different resources you can use to find the right immigration lawyer. From online search engines to attorney databases like the one offered by LegalMatch, there are plenty of ways to find the right immigration lawyer for your case.

How to find an immigration lawyer?

To find an immigration lawyer or law firm to help with your citizenship or immigration issue, use the FindLaw Lawyer Director y. To get started, go to the "Find a Lawyer" box near the upper left corner of this page. You can also find an immigration law attorney near you here.

Why is it important to have an immigration attorney?

may be denied if things go wrong, having an immigration attorney on your side is an important step you can take to protect your legal rights and ensure the best possible outcome.

3. 7 Key Considerations – Choosing Your Immigration Attorney

Dec 17, 2020 — How to Find The Best Immigration Attorney on the Internet: · Utilize search engines to identify immigration law firms and lawyers in your area. (7) …

4. How to Select the Best Immigration Lawyer to Represent You

Before you visit an attorney’s website, google to see what others have written about him or her, especially former clients and fellow immigration attorneys. (9) …

6. HSa FINDING AN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY – MSU OISS

Immigration law is complex and changes frequently. Locating a good immigration attorney is important. You will likely spend considerable time and money working (17) …

9. The 10 Best Immigration Lawyers Near Me – Thumbtack

Research is key to finding a good immigration lawyer. The immigration process can be overwhelming and complex, so a trustworthy advocate is critical.What does an immigration attorney do?How do you find a good immigration lawyer? (27) …

How to choose an immigration lawyer?

Dec 13, 2016 — 7 Tips to Choosing an Immigration Lawyer · 1. Don’t Look for a Bargain · 2. Get a Trusted Referral · 3. Ask for References · 4. Negotiate Fees · 5. (32) …

What to do before visiting an attorney's website?

Before you visit an attorney’s website, google to see what others have written about him or her, especially former clients and fellow immigration attorneys. (10)

What can the state bar do?

The State Bar can connect you to services that will help you find a trustworthy lawyer or immigration consultant. We can also refer you to legal aid (18) …

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The Experience

  • You may have heard several times that experience is the top-most factor to consider when looking for an attorney who can make your legal needs seamless, and yet you do not understand why it should be so. Some people think that as long as an attorney has proof that they have the right qualifications, they should do an incredible job. Even though that is correct, it is crucial to unders…
See more on pvblawyers.com

Excellent Communication Skills

  • In addition to the experience, the other critical factor that you must consider is communication skills. A reasonable attorney should have remarkable communication skills. Besides, communication skills are very critical for articulating your points in a court of law. In other words, an attorney who does not have excellent communication skills will have a hard time representin…
See more on pvblawyers.com

Legal Fees

  • When you have pressing matters, the legal fees may not be a priority when looking for an immigration lawyer. However, it is vital to consider the amount you will have to pay for the legal services as that can sometimes tell you more about the ability of the attorney to provide you with quality services. Moreover, it is not prudent to spend a lot of money on legal services when lawy…
See more on pvblawyers.com

The Track Record

  • Lastly, you need to ensure that you are seeking the services of an immigration lawyerwith a remarkable track record. The track record tells you the lawyer has served the previous clients well and therefore may not have difficulties serving your interest in the best way possible. Further, avoid lawyers who do not want you to know about their past be...
See more on pvblawyers.com