Avoid a practice that uses a high number of paralegals and assistants. Every office will have some of these, but you do not want to employ a firm that will send the majority of your casework to an assistant. One or two paralegals per attorney is an acceptable number.

Caseload

Make sure your lawyer is not taking on more cases than he or she can handle. Lawyers are out to make a living, and sometimes this means that they take on ridiculously heavy workloads. If you can, avoid a lawyer who has a huge caseload.

Technology

If your lawyer has up-to-date technology, such as computer filing systems and research software, chances are they are also up-to-date on the latest news about changes in immigration law. Also, lawyers who master the latest technology are often best at managing their time and caseload.

Communication

Choose a lawyer who will keep you informed about what is going on with your case. Ask them what their procedures are for keeping their clients informed. You have the right to expect communication, but don't be excessive. Remember, your lawyer is working hard for you!

Promotional Materials

Study the promotional materials for the law firm you are considering. If they have quality promotional materials, chances are you are a looking at one of the top immigration law firms. If the materials look cheap, you may not get good service.

Personality

This may sound superficial, but you will be spending a lot of time with your immigration attorney. If you do not feel comfortable with his or her personality, it is not going to be a pleasant experience. Choose a lawyer with whom you are comfortable working. Avoid a lawyer who makes excessive promises. If he or she claims to never have lost a case, run the other way! Chances are they are lying. If your lawyer asks you to lie on your forms, get a different one!

Language Skills

If you are not fluent in the English language, look for an attorney who speaks your native language. This will help you to communicate with your attorney.

What Recourse is There if You Have a Problem?

No matter what precautions you take, you can still end up with a bad lawyer. If attempting to work out the situation with the lawyer doesn't work, you may need to consult a second attorney to resolve your immigration issue. To address the mishandling of your case by your initial attorney, you have two avenues of recourse. You can file a complaint with the board of professional responsibility for the bar where your attorney is licensed and you can sue the attorney for legal malpractice.

However, the best way to avoid a bad lawyer is to do your homework. Learn all you can about immigration law and immigration attorneys. Know what you are hiring your immigration attorney for, whether it be legal advice, representation, or something else. By doing your research and shopping around, you can make sure you get the best immigration attorney possible.

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