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If you are having an issue with immigration law or having a problem with the process, it is important to hire the best possible attorney to help you.
Immigration is considered as one of the most daunting and very complex processes. It involves months of preparation, numerous interviews, endless documentation and more.
Working with a lawyer can save you a lot of time and frustration from acquiring different requirements and can help you prepare for the tests that must be passed for citizenship purposes. Also, having one during the hearing can assure you that your interests are fully protected.
However, most people don’t even know where to start when it comes to finding the right attorney. This can be overwhelming, so how do you choose? Listed below are some tips that can help you pick the right one for you.
Determine What Type of Attorney You Need To Hire
What kind of services do you need? There are many diverse types of lawyers. Most immigration attorneys can handle a wide variety of issues relating to immigration law. But if your case is something more unique, then you may have to look for someone who specializes in the case you need help with and has extensive experience handling cases similar to yours.
Make a List
Gather a list of prominent lawyers who offer the services you need. It can be stressful to look for a good one, especially if this is your first time to deal with immigration matters. But worry no more; you can always seek good recommendations from reliable sources such as your family and close friends. Possibly, some of them may refer you to a great one they know. If not, you can always perform a Google search. For example, if you’re located in Houston, Texas you can browse for immigration lawyer houston tx and choose a solid attorney like Ruby Powers.
Talk to Each of the Lawyers You Listed
Once you have compiled a list of your possible attorney, consider meeting and talking to each of them. Treat each meeting as an interview process. Pay close attention to how well they answer your questions. Your lawyer should be familiar with your case and answers your concern directly.
Meeting each of them can give you valuable insight into their level of experience and success rates with cases like yours. It can also help you determine who’s sympathetic to your situation, proactive and the one you are most comfortable with.
Check References
Make sure to do your research and check out your prospective lawyer’s client reviews. These reviews can provide you with a subjective opinion on the attorney, such as if he or she is trustworthy or not.
There are many websites where you can check their reviews and ratings but beware of fake reviews.
Aside from the reviews, it is equally crucial to check their track records, background information, credentials, and industry achievements.
Check the Rate
Prior to hiring an attorney, it is important that you understand his or her rate. Each charge differently. Some prefer to get paid by the hour; some prefer to charge a flat fee. If he or she charges a flat fee, ask if there are services that are not included in that fee so you won’t be surprised when it comes to paying your bills.
This case is important for you, and you have to bear in mind that you cannot risk having your application being rejected. If you are tempted to hire the one with the cheapest rate, you might want to consider what people often say that “You get what you pay for.”
Developing a Solid Relationship with Your Attorney
Being able to communicate freely and having trust is important in lawyer-client relationships. Just like any relationship, things won’t work if there’s no trust. This might not be the only time you’ll need an immigration lawyer. That’s why it’s critical to nurture your sense of camaraderie with her or him. So when you need one again in the future, you know you have someone you can depend on.
Dealing with immigration matters can be stressful, but having an experienced attorney beside you throughout the process can give you peace of mind. Following these six steps as your guide might help you in choosing the right lawyer who will best serve your needs.
My friend’s dad is from Italy, and she has some cousins that want to move here to be closer to her family. Since they are hoping to be here by the end of this year, she has been thinking about looking for an immigration lawyer to help them. I’ll let her know your advice that it will help to create a list that she compiles through recommendations from family and friends.