what do you like least about your immigration lawyer

by Mariela Torp 9 min read

What should I look for in an immigration lawyer?

Your lawyer should be able to tell you that he or she is confident that you’ll get your desired outcome, but immigration law is very complicated and sometimes things happen that derail a case. 5. How Long Have You Practiced Immigration Law? The adage that there is no substitute for experience is as true in immigration law as it is elsewhere.

Do I need an immigrant lawyer?

Immigration is a complex practice. You’ll want an experienced professional to provide you with effective legal representation. Your best bet is to interview more than one lawyer. Here are 10 questions to ask at your initial meeting.

Is immigration law your attorney’s primary focus?

Many law firms include immigration law as only one part of a broader portfolio of specialties. If immigration law is not the attorney’s primary focus, changing laws and accelerated enforcement may catch him or her off guard.

How can a visa immigration lawyer help me?

Some visa immigration lawyers offer a free consultation to meet, become acquainted and discuss ways in which their associates can assist you with visa and immigration issues. The purpose of an initial visit is for you and the attorney to determine if representation makes sense, and for you to decide if the attorney is the right choice for you.

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How stressful is being an immigration lawyer?

Stressful work Immigration lawyers often represent clients who are going through difficult times in their lives. They may work with people who feel scared or nervous about the prospect of being removed from the country or frustrated with lengthy and complex immigration processes.

Are immigration lawyers stressed?

Practicing law is stressful, and immigration lawyers are commonly faced with circumstances that make their jobs immensely draining. In addition to the physical costs of keeping up with a heavy case load, the emotional toll can be significant.

What are the benefits of immigration lawyer?

Immigration attorneys can offer advice and direction in dealing with the legal system. Our law firm can help you in acquiring permanent residency, citizenship, and other benefits. Immigration lawyers spend less time in court than other types of lawyers.

What skills do immigration lawyers need?

What are some of the most important skills for Immigration Lawyers to have? Good judgment, creative solution problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills with customers, the ability to speak in public, compassion and good people skills.

What are the pros and cons of being a lawyer?

Top 10 Being a Lawyer Pros & Cons – Summary ListBeing a Lawyer ProsBeing a Lawyer ConsLawyers can earn really good moneyLawyers often work long hoursBeing a lawyer implies excellent career optionsStress can be enormousLawyers can work in many different jobsBeing a lawyer may affect your family life7 more rows

Why do you like immigration law?

Why? Because immigration law provides you with a foundation to represent people who have immigration matters to resolve, but it also allows you to recognize how a person's immigration status might impact them in many seemingly unrelated ways.

Is it worth getting an immigration lawyer?

Hiring an immigration lawyer adds additional legal fees to your case, but often it comes with numerous benefits. Hiring an immigration lawyer can save you time and stress and increase your chances of success.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.

Can immigration lawyer speed up process?

The immigration process can be intimidating and take a long time, but hiring an immigration attorney to support you with your case can speed up the process and help you meet your goals.

Is becoming an immigration lawyer hard?

All told, an aspiring immigration lawyer needs a total of seven years of full-time study after high school to obtain a Juris Doctor degree. He will also need a few more months to pass the bar exam and meet local bar association requirements.

How do I find a good US immigration lawyer?

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.

Does Uscis know everything about you?

The simple answer, of course, is that it is impossible to know whether USCIS knows if an applicant for a green card or for naturalization is lying to them. The safe assumption is that they DO know everything about you and that, if you lie in the interview, you will be caught.

What is the adage that there is no substitute for experience in immigration law?

The adage that there is no substitute for experience is as true in immigration law as it is elsewhere. Knowing how immigration courts operate, understanding law enforcement, or even having gained the respect of the officials involved can put your case in a more favorable light. Attorneys who are familiar with court policies and procedures can navigate the system more easily than those who don’t – and it never hurts to work with a lawyer who has worked with immigration cases long enough to have earned a name for him- or herself.

What happens if immigration law is not the attorney's primary focus?

If immigration law is not the attorney’s primary focus, changing laws and accelerated enforcement may catch him or her off guard. Knowledge and experience are the best defense, and dedicated visa immigration lawyers understand how to manage unique situations.

What is the first step to solving your immigration problems?

Scheduling a free immigration consultation with a reputable immigration attorney is the first step to solving your immigration problems. The team at Davis & Associates is eager to answer all of your questions and guide you on what your options are.

What should a visa immigration lawyer do?

The plan should include a timeline and defined deliverables. When you explain your case to an attorney, he or she will most likely have a good idea about what to do from the start – and after a good conversation, the attorney you’re working with will fine-tune a strategy that gets you the best possible outcome.

Why is integrity important in law?

Integrity is important (especially because some attorneys accept cases and fees even when they believe there is no chance for success), and you want to work with an attorney who believes in what you’re trying to accomplish. Again, no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome.

What to ask in an initial consultation?

In an initial consultation, you can ask questions to determine if. you and the attorney are a good fit. At the same time, the attorney will be evaluating the circumstances of your case to determine whether your case is actionable – and whether you’re likely to succeed.

Can an immigration lawyer guarantee a specific outcome?

Again, no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome. However, working with a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of immigration law – and knows how most of his or her cases turn out – is extremely important if you want a successful outcome. 8.

How much does an immigration lawyer charge?

While rates will vary based on where you live and the complexity of your case, most immigration lawyers charge between $150 and $300 per hour.

Why is it important to hire a lawyer?

Because there are such high stakes with your immigration case, it’s very important that you hire a lawyer with a good reputation. The best way to learn about a lawyer’s reputation is to talk to others who have used their services. So, make sure to ask lawyers for references before hiring.

What should a lawyer's website include?

The website should include information about the law firm, contact information, client testimonials, and hopefully, a blog. Spend some time perusing the lawyer’s website so you can learn as much about them as possible.

Is immigration complicated?

Immigration can be a difficult and complicated process, and you want to be as prepared as possible for the road ahead. By having a general timeline of how long everything will take, it’ll be easier to understand what you need to do during each step along the way.

How long does it take to become an immigration lawyer in Canada?

Canada requires immigration lawyers to have a 4 years college degree plus a law degree which typically takes 3 years to complete and they must pass Canada's legal bar admission exam in order to practice law.

Why is Evelyn Ackah so passionate about immigration?

Ms. Ackah is passionate about immigration law because it focuses on people and relationships, which are at the core of her personal values. Starting her legal career as a corporate/commercial ... More About Evelyn Ackah.

Is it easy to get an immigration application to Canada?

Getting your immigration application to Canada approved is not easy - if it was, Canada would have more immigrants and fewer immigration lawyers and consultants. There are many requirements for immigration to Canada, and many forms, fees and deadlines that must be met - and are constantly changing.

1. How Much Experience with Cases Like Mine Do You Have?

You want to know that if an immigration lawyer is working with you, then they have prior experience in both immigration cases and intricacies about your particular asylum or deportation situation (if applicable). You can also ask if they are a part of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).

2. Will You Be Overseeing My Case Through the End?

No matter what, you don’t want a lawyer who is only available to help you to a certain point in the process, only to get passed off to another lawyer you don’t know or a non-lawyer associate. Your lawyer should stay by your side and support you.

3. How Will You Communicate With Me During the Process?

As with any legal case, communication between you and your lawyer is essential. You want a lawyer who is communicating with you directly, either through email or phone. A big red flag to look out for is if they say you will mainly be in touch with their legal secretary or paralegal.

4. What Fees Do You Charge?

On top of the upfront fees and consultations, an immigration lawyer’s office could charge you up to many thousands of dollars once the application, work permits, and defense strategies finish. This is an important factor to consider as you don’t want to go into debt during and after the immigration process.

5. Are There Other Clients I Can Talk To About Their Experiences?

Immigration cases are very high-stress. In order to know whether you can trust a certain lawyer, you need to talk to their previous clients to see how their cases ended up. You can also see if they’ve been reported for bad practices through the Better Business Bureau.

1. How Experienced Are They?

First and foremost, determine your potential lawyer’s familiarity and experience with immigration issues similar to yours. For example, if you are seeking asylum, you’ll want to know about past asylum cases in which representation was provided.

2. Where is the Lawyer Licensed?

It is important for you to find out where the lawyer you intend hiring is licensed. If the lawyer’s office is in Auckland, for instance, you need to be sure the lawyer is licensed to practice there. Why? This is to protect you.

3. Who is Handling the Case?

You should know whether the lawyer in question will really be the one setting up your case or if another person will handle it. Often it is usually an inexperienced lawyer or a paralegal who is left to do the work. This may cause some problems which can cost you extra money.

4. How Busy is the Lawyer?

Find out how many cases every month the attorney handles. If the lawyer has several cases to handle, the quality of work rendered to you may not be excellent. The best lawyers handle only a few cases and do the cases themselves. Immigration cases can take several months or even years to complete.

5. When will He Begin?

You also want to find out from your potential attorney when they can start on your case, and how he will communicate the progress of your case. You will need to make sure you are hiring a lawyer who is ready to begin work and can give your case the attention that it deserves.

6. How much will it cost?

It is very important to get a clear estimate of the legal fees. Some lawyers may charge you a little amount initially and find ways to get more money by charging an additional fee. Ask them what the fees cover. Dors it cover for initial filing only or does it include ancillary matters, follow-up appointments etc.

7. What About Testimonials?

Can the Lawyer provide actual client testimonials from previous successful cases? What do past clients say about him, his integrity, and his willingness to provide both successful and compassionate legal representation? Take the time to research testimonials from different outlets like the website of the attorney, social media, and online review sites..

What should an immigration lawyer do after a thorough analysis of your case?

After a thorough analysis of your case and setting the final objectives, your immigration lawyer should present you with an actionable plan with a set timeline, and following steps, you should undertake explained in detail. The main purpose of this strategy is to avoid all potential risks you might confront while your application process is in progress. This plan should cover the deadlines for collecting all the necessary documentation, affidavits, and interview preparations.

What to ask an immigration lawyer after presenting a case?

After you present your case to an immigration lawyer it is almost expected to ask for an opinion about your case. An experienced and reputable immigration lawyer will give you an honest and realistic idea of your prospects, final outcome, and chances for success.

Is it important to get a local immigration lawyer?

However, if your case involves appearances before local immigration judges or the local USCIS district office, it is recommended to get a local immigration lawyer.

Why is it important to hire an immigration lawyer?

One of the most important benefits that hiring an immigration lawyer can offer is less tangible than the others. The help of an expert that has experience making immigrants' dreams into realities cannot be understated. You see, it's invaluable to hire someone that's done it before for thousands in the same position as you find yourself now.

What can an immigration attorney do?

An experienced immigration attorney can walk you through the correct steps to apply for work permits, marriage licenses and citizenship, without allowing mistakes that derail your chance to get these crucial documents authorized by the proper parties. 2. They Are Seasoned by Experience.

What happens if you don't follow immigration laws?

If you don't follow these laws during your time in the country, you could be deported before your visa is expired or after acquiring permanent resident status. A skilled immigration lawyer can help understand these laws so you don't endanger your status as an immigrant with residency in the United States. 6.

Is immigration law a process?

As anyone that's gone through the process will tell you, navigating any area of immigration law is not an endeavor you'd want to go through alone. There is an extensive paperwork process that goes along with immigration that even natural-born U.S. citizens would struggle with, let alone immigrants from other countries for whom English is not their first language.

Can an immigration lawyer help you?

Immigrants have a more difficult time trying to find legal employment than the average American, let alone a job that earns a competitive salary in the United States. An immigration lawyer can assist you in the process of applying to jobs, interacting with human relations staff, and seeking employment opportunities.

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What Kind of Experience Do You have?

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First things first, you’ll want to ask an immigration lawyer what kind of experience they have. Ideally, you’ll want to find an immigration lawyer who has at least several years of experience under their belt. Additionally, you want to make sure the lawyer you hire has experience specifically in immigration law. As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, immigration law is very intricate…
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How Can You Help Me?

  • Asking how a lawyer can help you is a very broad question. But, that’s the point. By asking such a broad question, you’ll be able to tell how well a lawyer can think on their feet and how eloquent they can speak under pressure. When you’re searching for an immigration lawyer, you want to find one who can clearly tell your story to a judge. Therefore, this is a very important question to ask.
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What Do You Need from Me?

  • Immigration law is about more than just having your lawyer write some letters and fill out some forms. In order for your immigration process to go as smoothly as possible, you’ll want to take on an active role. By figuring out what your attorney needs from you and getting it to them on time, the process will be a lot easier for the both of you.
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What Sort of Timeline Should I Expect?

  • As you’re probably already aware, immigrating to the US is not an overnight process. Immigration can be a difficult and complicated process, and you want to be as prepared as possible for the road ahead. By having a general timeline of how long everything will take, it’ll be easier to understand what you need to do during each step along the way. While your immigration lawyer won’t be able to give you exact dates upfront, they should be able to prov…
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How Will We Communicate?

  • It’s very important that you communicate with your lawyer throughout the immigration process. This will help ensure that you don’t miss any important deadlines or appointments. Ideally, you want to find an immigration lawyer who will be staying in touch with you directly, either through email or phone. If they mention that you’ll be primarily in touch with their legal secretary or paralegal, this is a sign that they may not be able to give your case …
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How Does My Case Compare to Others?

  • Before you begin the immigration process, it’s very important to understand how your case compares to others that your lawyer has handled. Not only will this help you understand your lawyer’s experience, but it’ll also help you plan for the road ahead. A good lawyer won’t sugar coat your case for you. Rather, they’ll tell you the specific areas they’re confident in and what areas still need work. With this information in hand, you’ll be able to refine your case.
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How Do You Charge Clients?

  • Before you sign on with an immigration lawyer, it’s very important that you understand how you’re going to be charged and how much you’re going to be charged. While rates will vary based on where you live and the complexity of your case, most immigration lawyers charge between $150 and $300 per hour. Typically, consultations cost between $75 and $150 per hour. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest rate possibl…
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Do You Have references?

  • Because there are such high stakes with your immigration case, it’s very important that you hire a lawyer with a good reputation. The best way to learn about a lawyer’s reputation is to talk to others who have used their services. So, make sure to ask lawyers for references before hiring. But, keep in mind that lawyers are only going to give you their best references. Therefore, it’s important to also read reviews online. You should also check to s…
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Do You Have A website?

  • If a lawyer is reputable, then they should definitely have a professional-looking website. The website should include information about the law firm, contact information, client testimonials, and hopefully, a blog. Spend some time perusing the lawyer’s website so you can learn as much about them as possible.
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Are You Ready to Hire A U.S. Immigration Lawyer?

  • Now that you’ve read this article, it’s time to hire a U.S. immigration lawyer. Hopefully, you’ll soon be a citizen of the United States thanks to the lawyer you hire.
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