Searching for the ideal immigration attorney is a tedious process.
When you have to find the correct one for you, it’s almost maddening. The last thing you need right now is to select the wrong attorney. The delay or the possible loss of a large amount of money and time are not something that you want to happen.
And, with so many to choose from, how in the world can you know who is the right immigration attorney?
The truth of the matter is that with an immigration attorney that will successfully solve your case, your success is certain.
But without a competent lawyer, the chance of your request being approved or denied is extremely high.
Did you know that recent data shows that asylum seekers with legal counsel are 3x more likely to win their case? For the other who could not get a chance to acquire a legal advisor, 81% had their request denied by the court. Now, is that the percentage that you would like?
Here’s what we’ll be covering in this blog:
- You Must Hire an Immigration Attorney
- What to Look for in a Lawyer
- Inquire About
- Concerns
You Must Hire an Immigration Attorney
The entire Immigration law itself is an exceedingly complex field of law.
On a regular basis, new laws that are changing take place. This is why what may have worked at a certain point in time is now being disregarded. It is very significant to make every part of the application accurate. In any case, neglecting to do so could mean postponement of your case for months or years, or total denial of your case.
This is the place where immigration attorneys can help you to a great degree. Lawyers who are familiar with the rules, forms and even the judges who will be on your case.
Would you like to be performing surgery on yourself? Of course not. You would rather find a good surgeon who is capable of doing it for you. In the same way, you should get a decent immigration attorney for your case.
What a good attorney can provide you with include the following:
- Specialist direction through the mazes of paperwork and documentation
- Advice on how to go with your case and manage it
- Support you on the court of law in the event you require it
- Assist you to relax since your case is in good hands
The entire US immigration system is under a great deal of pressure.
For instance, by the end of 2024, U.S. immigration courts had over 3.7 million pending cases according to some reports.
By having an attorney on your side, the pressure that comes with all of the above could be lessened.
What to Look for in a Lawyer
Different immigration lawyers are different from one another.
Where one may specialise in family case, another would specialise on employment visa, etc. But it is best to find a lawyer that actually deals with cases that are the same as yours. This will increase your chances of getting what you desire.
The following are some of the things that you should consider in order for you to be able to have an immigration attorney that you need to have;
- Experience. This is something that you need to put in mind. As stated before, immigration cases are very technical and this is the reason why; it is really important that you look for a lawyer that has been in the field for a number of years. Also it is important to ensure that you get a lawyer who has worked on several cases just as yours.
- Communication. This is another factor that you should take into account. A lawyer who is the best in the world will be of no help if he or she will not be able to get back to you.
- Location. This may seem like a simple thing, but it is of high importance as well. A lawyer who has an experience with the local immigration court will be of much help. This is because; he or she will be familiar with the procedures of that particular court.
Inquire About
This is an area that you should pay great attention to. The actual moment that you go for your first meeting, you will be required to ask the attorney some questions. But you have to ensure that you ask all the necessary questions.
The following are some of the questions that you may like to ask your attorney during the first meeting;
- How many cases just like mine have you done?
- What is your success rate in these cases?
- Will I personally work on my case or is it someone else?
- How will we communicate?
- What are your charges and how will you charge them, and what are the options available?
Concerns
There are some signs that you have to be aware of when you’re seeking for a good immigration attorney.
The immigration profession is one of those professions that has many quacks. This is the reason why; you have to be alert when you are searching for a good lawyer. Some of the things that you have to look out for include;
- Guaranteed outcomes. Any attorney who is ethical would never promise a certain outcome.
- Signs that you have to sign there and then. Good attorneys will never try to rush you into signing.
- Licensed to practice. One thing that you must check with is the permit of the attorney.
- Communication. If an attorney is hard to reach now, imagine what will happen when he or she begins to work on your case.
- Extremely low fees. Quality legal help costs money.
The good thing about asking many questions is that it would help you get a good answer to them.
An attorney who is a good one would not hesitate to give you an answer. In fact, he or she would be proud to do so.
The attorney that you need to look out for is one that would not ask questions concerning your case. This is a case because he or she must at least, understand your situation before agreeing to work on your case.
Listen to your heart. If there is something that is not right about the attorney that you met for the first time, that would be a clear indication.
Wrapping Things Up
The decision on which immigration attorney you will go for is entirely yours.
It depends on what you feel is best for you. You need to take your time and ensure that you consider all the options.
The following are some of the factors that you may have to look into;
- Experience
- Their manner of communication
- Charges
- Availability
- Successful track records
Do not be in a hurry when it comes to looking for an immigration attorney. You can take your time and ensure that you meet as many attorneys as you can.
And again, just as you may have noticed, the most expensive or the cheapest is not a good indicator.
The next thing that you should consider when it comes to choosing the attorney is to get everything that you both have agreed into writing.
In a nutshell, the best immigration attorney is he or she who is capable of meeting all the needs that you have.
