how to find an immigration lawyer

1. Gather referrals and recommendations. Most attorneys get their clients from referrals from previous clients or recommendations from other lawyers.
2. Make a list of immigration attorneys in your area. Find local immigration attorneys by visiting your state bar association’s website or by calling them to ask for referrals.
3. Locate each attorney's website. If you don't have a website address for any of the lawyers you found, run an internet search for their name, phone number, or address ...
4. Review each attorney's website. A website is a firm's public face, and it can tell you a lot about the attorney you're researching.
Search the websites for information about immigration law. Many firms provide information about immigration law on their websites.
Check the sites for grammar and spelling. Bad grammar and spelling demonstrate a lack of attention to detail.
Judge each website's design. A poorly designed website suggests that the firm doesn't place importance on how they come across to the public.
Read the background information on the attorneys. A good website will provide information about each attorney working for the firm.
Find out if the attorneys have faced disciplinary action. State bar associations keep track of complaints and disciplinary actions.
Cross lawyers off your list. As you go through the previous steps, start making judgment calls about which attorneys or firms might be a bad fit for you.

Full Answer

How to find an excellent immigration lawyer?

Jun 20, 2016 · To find an immigration lawyer or law firm to help with your citizenship or immigration issue, use the FindLaw Lawyer Directory. To get started, go to the "Find a Lawyer" box near the upper left corner of this page. You can also find an immigration law attorney near you here. You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help.

How do you become an immigration lawyer?

Mar 16, 2021 · Look for Experience. Immigration law is one of the more complicated areas of law. So, it’s even more important to find someone whose experienced. Be cautious of attorneys that practice in law in several areas (like personal injury, business, etc.) Look for a licensed attorney that focuses on immigration law.

Should I become an immigration lawyer?

Research Immigration Lawyers Online. If you can't find an immigration lawyer through your referral network or bar association efforts referrals, there always is the internet. An online search can be helpful even if you already have an immigration lawyer in mind. You can look at the lawyer's profile to make sure the lawyer handles your type of case.

How much does an immigration lawyer cost?

You can probably find out a lot about your lawyer online: whether he or she is listed as a member of a state bar association (a requirement) and of the American Immigration Lawyers' Association or AILA (a professional organization that most of the best attorneys join); whether he or she gets good reviews on websites like Martindale; whether the lawyer has written professional articles …

How much does it cost to hire an immigration lawyer?

Average Immigration Lawyer FeesItemsAverage Costs30 Minute Consultation$75 – $300 USDLawyer's Hourly Rate$150 – $350 USDForm Filing Assistance$250 – $2000 USDPermanent Residency Assistance$1000 – $7500 USD1 more row

How can I find a good immigration lawyer in USA?

Here are some guidelines to help you find a good immigration lawyer.Ask Friends or Other Contacts for an Immigration Lawyer Referral. ... Contact a Lawyer Bar Association. ... Research Immigration Lawyers Online. ... Beware of Non-Lawyers Offering Legal Services. ... Contact Prospective Immigration Attorneys.

What is the average salary of an immigration lawyer?

The national average salary for a Immigration Attorney is ₹44,990 in India.

How many immigration attorneys are there in the US?

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is the national association of more than 15,000 attorneys and law professors who practice and teach immigration law.

How to find an immigration lawyer?

Immigration law is one of the more complicated areas of law. So, it’s even more important to find someone whose experienced. Be cautious of attorneys that practice in law in several areas (like personal injury, business, etc.) Look for a licensed attorney that focuses on immigration law .

How to file for USCIS?

It’s wise to consult with an immigration lawyer before filing any USCIS forms if you: 1 Entered the U.S. without inspection 2 Failed the leave the U.S. before a visa expired 3 Were refused entry at a port of entry 4 Were apprehended by Customs and Border Protection 5 Signed a stipulated removal order 6 Were ever in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings 7 Have ever been charged with a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense

Can a lawyer give legal advice?

Only attorneys may provide legal advice. If you have one of the problems listed above, it’s very difficult for consultants not to provide unauthorized legal advice. This could get you in trouble. Lawyers are well paid for being creative and resourceful, but not to the extent that it breaks the law.

What happens if you work with a lawyer?

Even after you have done your research and started working with a lawyer, you could later find that the lawyer's performance is not meeting your needs or expectations. If that happens, ask to speak to the lawyer to determine if you can get your case back on track, or whether there's a valid explanation.

What is the purpose of a notary?

In the United States, however the function of a notary primarily is to witness someone signing a legal document. Unscrupulous actors prey on the public's misunderstanding of the difference between a notary or notario in another country and the United States. The best thing you can do is avoid them.

Do lawyers have to pay retainers?

Others simply send an invoice each month or at the conclusion of your case. Some lawyers allow clients to pay the fees in monthly installments.

Can an immigration lawyer help you?

At the outset, it's important to be aware that an immigration lawyer can help you organize and present your case but will not have any control over the U.S. government official's decision over whether to approve or deny what you're seeking.

Can an attorney guarantee success?

Not even the best attorneys can guarantee success. Ultimately, the outcome of your case is up to an immigration judge, the Department of Homeland Defense and/or USCIS. Any attorney claiming he or she has a 100% success rate and guaranteeing you a particular outcome may need to be more closely evaluated.

Is it ethical to hire a low value immigration attorney?

A few "high-volume, low value" immigration attorneys prowl the hallways of immigration offices attempting to solicit business. This is not considered ethical behavior by the legal bar. Besides, any good immigration attorney is probably going to be too busy practicing immigration law and working for their clients to spend their time rounding up new clients this way.

What are Some Tips on How to Find an Immigration Lawyer?

Not every immigration lawyer will provide the same types of legal services. Thus, the first thing a foreign-born national must do is to determine why they need an immigration lawyer.

What Questions Should I Expect at a Meeting with an Immigration Lawyer?

While a prospective client should come prepared with a list of questions they may have for their immigration lawyer, they should also be aware that an immigration lawyer may have some questions for them during their meeting.

What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?

Some common examples of the types of legal services that an immigration lawyer may provide can include:

What Should I Bring to a Meeting with an Immigration Lawyer?

There are many types of documents that a person may need to bring with them when they meet with an immigration lawyer. Some of these documents, however, will depend on the immigration matter in question.

Where Can I Find the Right Immigration Lawyer?

As previously discussed, there are many different resources you can use to find the right immigration lawyer. From online search engines to attorney databases like the one offered by LegalMatch, there are plenty of ways to find the right immigration lawyer for your case.

How does LegalMatch work?

We've helped more than 5 million clients find the right lawyer – for free. Present your case online in minutes. LegalMatch matches you to pre-screened lawyers in your city or county based on the specifics of your case. Within 24 hours experienced local lawyers review it and evaluate if you have a solid case.

Expert Q&A

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Tips

You may be able to narrow down your search for immigration lawyers right away, by contacting your local Bar Association and asking for a recommendation for an immigration attorney.

Warnings

The contents of this article contain legal information, but NOT legal advice.

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 12,582 times.

What can an immigration attorney do?

A lawyer can help fill out your application or look it over before you submit it, making sure you have all the required documentation. This can help you avoid the extra time and expense of having to redo all of your work.

What to do if you don't have a visa?

Obtain legal status: If you do not have documentation or have overstayed a temporary visa, an attorney can advise you on your next step. If you are legally entitled to citizenship via the 14th amendment to the constitution then a lawyer can also help to prepare those papers.

Can a lawyer help you get a green card?

Green card: A lawyer can help you file an immigrant petition and apply for adjustment of status to get a green card. If you are filing for a marriage-based green card, your lawyer can help you prepare evidence to prove your marriage is authentic. Visa: A lawyer can help you apply to live in the United States for work, school, or travel.

Who can represent you before USCIS?

An attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative can represent you before USCIS. Your legal representative must file Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, with the related application, petition or appeal.

What is an accredited representative?

An accredited representative must work for a DOJ-approved nonprofit, religious, charitable, social service or similar organization established in the U.S. An recognized organization must primarily serve low-income/indigent clients and provide its fee waiver policy for those unable to pay.

Immigration Cases

Decisions of some immigration-related agencies, including the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer (OCAHO), and the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA), can be appealed to the U.S. Courts of Appeals and ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court.

Citing U.S. Courts of Appeals Cases to the Federal Reporter

The U.S. Courts of Appeals select approximately 25% of their cases for publication. Only cases that have been selected for publication are mandatory (binding).