How to Hire an Immigration Attorney

Are you a member of AILA?
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is the national association of more than 14,000 attorneys and law professors who practice and teach immigration law. AILA member attorneys represent U.S. families seeking permanent residence for close family members, as well as U.S. businesses seeking talent from the global marketplace. AILA members also represent foreign students, entertainers, athletes, and asylum seekers, often on a pro bono basis. Founded in 1946, AILA is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that provides continuing legal education, information, professional services, and expertise through its 39 chapters and over 50 national committees. (see www.aila.org)

How long have you been practicing immigration law?
An experienced attorney can deal more effectively.  Some attorneys are better than others for many reasons.  But one of the main reasons is due to experience.  This is what separates the good from the great.  Ultimately, the client reaps the benefits from an experienced and skilled attorney.  This case involves your life and your money.  The outcome of your future rests in the hands of an attorney you choose.  Do not take this decision lightly.  No two cases are the same no matter how many friends you talk to or how much you Google your case.  There is no one size fit all in immigration law. 

Do you only practice immigration law?
Some attorneys dabble in different areas of law.  "Jack of all trades, master of none" is a figure of speech used in reference to a person that is competent with many skills, but spends so much time learning each new skill that they can not become an expert in any particular one (Wikipedia).  It is ok to ask an attorney about their educational and professional background and credentials if it is not available on their website or email signature.

Have you worked on similar immigration cases?  
An attorney who has been successful working on a case that is similar to yours is a great start to an attorney client relationship.  Again, no two cases are alike.  However, having an experienced attorney working on your case can make a great deal of difference.  

What is the immigration process?
This is where the client gives the facts of the case to try to understand what lies ahead.  An attorney will provide a road map to a destination.  The attorney should begin with a starting point and finish at a successful ending.  The client and attorney should provide their expectations.  The attorney will decide if this is a typical or complicated case. 

What are my chances of  Success?
An experienced, reputable attorney will have a good idea what’s ahead and won’t make promises that can’t be kept. An attorney should not make any guarantees as to an outcome.  If it sounds too good to be true, then it might be.  Follow your instincts.  

What is my part in the immigration process?
The client should bee a good team member.  The client is responsible for providing requested documents in a timely manner to the attorney.  Delays in providing any requested materials may delay your case and cause the attorney to run close to meeting a deadline.  Also, it is helpful when a client is truthful no matter the facts.

What are the processing times for my case?
The government provides processing times on their websites.  But these are not always accurate.  It depends upon the manpower of the government agency in order to meet these timelines.  It is very difficult to have a precise idea as to the processing times of an immigration case.  However, an experienced attorney can provide a rough estimate of what your case timeline may look like.  You also can check on your case status directly with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Who will be working on my case?
An attorney may hire support staff to assist with an immigration case.  Do not be afraid to ask about any paralegals, investigators, researchers or even secretaries that will be assisting the attorney.  If translation is needed, ask attorney if they provide these services as well.  

What is the best form of communication?
The attorney should ask the client when is the best time and what is the best method to communicate with them about their case.  Ask the turnaround time for returned phone calls or emails.  You want an attorney who does not ignore your communication but who provides prompt attention to you and your case.

How much?
Do not be afraid to ask an attorney how they earn their legal fee.  Also, ask what type of payments do they accept.  Some attorneys may even accept installments. 

If you have more questions or would like to inquire about hiring an immigration attorney at The Thanyachareon Law Firm, please email us at info@ThanyachareonLaw.com.

For more information, visit these websites:

http://www.forbes.com/2008/10/08/hiring-legal-help-ent-law-cx_rb_1008bovarnickhire.html

http://hirealawyer.findlaw.com/choosing-the-right-lawyer/interviewing-a-lawyer.html

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0180-hiring-lawyer

https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/when-to-hire-a-lawyer