What to Look for in US Immigration Attorneys

How do you know your lawyer is one of the best immigration lawyers? Here are some things to look for when choosing a lawyer.

• Choose a lawyer who is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
• Look for a lawyer who has fees that are competitive. If you choose a lawyer with low fees, chances are that you will not get quality work. Most immigration lawyers charge a flat fee.
• Check to see if the lawyer has ever been under disciplinary action. The Board of Professional Responsibility of your state will have a record of lawyers they have disciplined.
• Choose a lawyer with a good community reputation.
• Ask for client references.
• Choose a lawyer whose practice focuses on the subspecialty you need, whether it be deportation, employment, or some other aspect of immigration law.
• Choose a lawyer who exclusively works with immigration cases.
• Choose a lawyer who has been around for a while, but not too long. A lawyer who is too new may not have the experience you need, but one that is too experienced may have become lazy in keeping up with current laws and trends.
• Avoid firms that use large numbers of paralegals.
• Make sure your lawyer does not have too large of a caseload.
• Choose a lawyer who has good technology. Do they file their applications electronically? Do they have email alerts to inform of breaking developments? These uses of technology are extremely important.
• Make sure your lawyer is board certified.
• Check where the lawyer went to school. Just because they are from a great school does not mean they are a great lawyer, but it shows they have the ability to stick with challenges.
• Look for professional promotional materials. If a law firm is willing to invest in themselves, they will probably be a quality firm.
• If you are applying for employment immigration, look for a lawyer that has a focus in your particular industry
• Avoid lawyers who promise too much, such as saying they have never lost a case. Chances are they are not being truthful.
• Read your engagement letter carefully. Look for a lawyer who does not try to make this letter confusing.
• If you are not a native English speaker, you might want to choose a lawyer who can speak your native language or who has access to a translator.
• Do not use a lawyer who asks you to lie in your case. This puts you at risk of serving jail time and being banned from ever entering US again.

Choosing one of the good US immigration attorneys is the most important decision you can make. Ask others for references for good attorneys they have used. Because immigration is a national issue, you are safe using a lawyer that is not in your state. Your American immigration lawyer is your key to safe and successful entry into the US, so choose wisely!