Depending on your interests, relocating to another country may involve starting a new business, looking for employment, or joining a school. This increases the need to work with an immigration attorney since any issue may impact your future. Your attorney will describe the processes to you, possible options and results, and recommend an ideal solution for your case.
Hiring an immigration attorney can be a tedious and intimidating process, as not all lawyers are as they claim to be. Therefore, to settle for the best, you should consider certain factors during your search and interview of your referrals. Here is what you need to look for when hiring an immigration lawyer.
Area Of Specialization
While a general practitioner can represent you, they may be unaware of the latest updates, putting you at a disadvantage. Immigration law comprises ever-changing practices, procedures, and policies, making hiring an attorney specializing in the field important. A specialized immigration attorney features all the advantages of a specialist and will step up when other areas of law come into play in your case.
Here are some of the immigration specialization areas to consider.
- Family Immigration
- Green cards
- Appeals
- Deportation defense
- Federal immigration litigation
- Work visas
- Naturalization and citizenship
- Nonimmigrant visa
- Permanent residence
The Experience Level
Experience is another key element when looking for an immigration lawyer. You want to guarantee that your case will be successful, and this is only possible if you are working with an experienced lawyer. An attorney with past experience in similar cases will know how to handle the case. Such a lawyer is familiar with court processes and procedures and will navigate the system effectively, placing your case in a favorable position.
Your immigration attorney should also describe some of the strategies they used to achieve past successful results to build your confidence. While it may still be hard to predict your case outcome given their uniqueness, an experienced attorney will be more competent and confident, increasing your probability of winning the case.
A lawyer with a professional membership is also a good fit, given their commitment to the standards set by the respective body. Such lawyers are also abreast of legal developments and best practices. You can find a lawyer’s experience by looking through their website or calling them directly and asking about their experience in handling cases similar to yours.
Ask Your Lawyers About Their Work Ethics
A successful client-attorney relationship is built on trust; therefore, you need to ask your lawyer if they have been disciplined for unacceptable behavior. When a client files a complaint against an attorney or an attorney is censured due to misconduct, these records will be put in the state bar association. Therefore, when looking for a lawyer to handle your immigration matters, check the State’s Bar Association to confirm their experience and any professional issues in the past.
You can also get clarity on your attorney’s ethics through social media, based on the comments in their client reviews. Avoid a lawyer that records negative or unethical reviews as you risk similar experiences as their past clients.
Good Communication Skills
At any point in the proceedings of your immigration matters, you will want to stay informed and updated on what is happening, the challenges, and how to overcome the obstacles. Therefore, consider an immigration lawyer who will proactively communicate with you and be forthright on your case status. While you can ask your attorney how often they will communicate with you, checking their client’s rating on communication skills is advisable before signing a contract.
Consider An Honest Lawyer
Immigration cases can be complex, and you should be wary of an attorney promising a smooth path as they may be inexperienced and naïve. An experienced and honest attorney can predict possibilities and develop strategies to overcome them. Your lawyer should also be honest in their terms and stick to them.
Conversance In Multiple Languages
While you may be a native English speaker, having an immigration attorney that offers services in multiple languages is essential, especially if your case involves colleagues or family members who do not speak the language. A lawyer who speaks your language is an excellent pick to streamline the process and ensure you are on the same page. Such a lawyer will also ensure the accuracy of certified translations of your documents.
Availability For Your Case
Getting hold of your attorney in case of questions, concerns, advice, or reassurance about your case is vital. In most cases, qualified and competent attorneys will have heavy caseloads, but this should not amount to neglecting your case. Therefore, as you call and email your referrals, pay attention to the duration it takes them to get back to you, as this will give you an inside view of how they truly are. You want to work with a reliable lawyer who will take on your case without making you feel it is a second thought for them. An attorney with a history of not picking up or getting back to their clients will likely frustrate you, and you should continue shopping for another lawyer.
Lastly, ask your lawyer when they intend to start your case and the possible timeline in which they will process and complete it. Consider the next referral if you suspect your attorney will not give your case their best efforts.
Consider Your Budget
Immigration cases comprise various costs, such as traveling and document filing fees. Before signing a contract:
- Ask your immigration lawyer how much their services will cost, what you will pay upfront, and the lawyer’s total fee.
- Ask about the payment timelines and how often they will bill you.
- Where the costs are negotiable, consider this to ensure you work within your budget.
Be Diligent When Looking For An Immigration Lawyer
An immigration attorney will determine your case outcome, and while considering the above factors seems like a lot of work, this process is worth your effort. Start with many referrals and interview the chosen few for the above qualities. The one that best meets the above qualities will be a perfect fit to handle your case with favorable results.
