4 Important Things to Consider Before You Select an Immigration Attorney
4 Important Things to Consider Before You Select an Immigration Attorney
An immigration lawyer is the best chance for anyone who wants to settle down lawfully in another country. A good lawyer will ensure that your case is treated fairly without bias and with the highest chance of success. Are you confused about getting a lawyer who can represent you? Here are 4 important things to be considered before selecting an immigration attorney.
Choose Early:
An immigration process is very tedious and time taking task. It is important to choose an experienced immigration attorney as soon as the process kicks off. Do not delay. Never think that you have plenty of time. Start your search as early as possible. They need to review your case properly and prepare a petition to ensure that you stand a good chance of success in the shortest time possible. It is important for you to keep an eye out for immigration lawyers, who are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). This narrows down your search to reputed lawyers avoiding fraudsters, who might just take your money without doing anything.
First Impression:
Once you have successfully settled for the best lawyer, fix an appointment and discuss your situation. Be alert and look how he addresses your case initially. If he cannot convince you that he is tailor-made for your case, it might be a tough call to convince anybody else.
Ask Questions:
Ask him questions regarding the proceedings or about anything you wish to know. The legal system can be confusing and frustrating one. It is important that you do not leave everything to the attorney, wishing for a favourable verdict. You need to be in loop. You need to know all your options and think about them thoroughly. You should ask some relevant questions like: How long he has been practicing? Does he charge for consultation? How many special cases has he handled similar to that of yours? What is his track record? What is his reputation in the legal community? Is he respected or reviled? It might come in handy to contact immigration lawyers before eventually choosing one. Once you have settled for the best immigration lawyer in your books, you can discuss your case in detail.
The First Meeting:
You should be prepared for your first consultation. Prepare your goals and a brief statement of your situation and he will advise you accordingly. Be sure to bring relevant documents, crucial to your case including any form of communication between government agencies like the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). It is important that you ask him a few questions in your first meeting or consultation.
1. How long will it take to handle your case? Despite every case being peculiar, a tested immigration attorney can give you a time frame for a decision.
2. What are the chances of success? Even the best immigration lawyers cannot guarantee 100% success. He can only give a sincere appraisal of your case and highlight the advantages therein that could make it successful.
3. How much does he charge? This is expected. You will not find any immigration lawyer, who will work for free. It is good for you to know the financial implications of your case and whether it suits your budget. However, do not settle for a second-rate lawyer simply because you want to save money. It might cost your application dearly.
If you get positive or satisfactory answers, you should feel rest assured that your case is in good hands. Keep in mind that getting the best attorney increases your chances of a favourable petition and successful verdict.