How to Choose an Immigration Lawyer and Questions to Ask at the Initial Meeting

In Tampa, FL, there are various law firms to choose from. Learn how to pick the best immigration lawyer for your case and questions to ask at the consultation.

Currently, the United States has at least 13,115 immigration lawyers’ firms. So, with the myriad of options, how do you choose the best immigration attorney?

Moving to another country entails a slew of complicated procedures and a mountain of paperwork. With the assistance of an experienced immigration lawyer, this complex process could be streamlined and made much easier to understand.

The first meeting with your immigration attorney, who will represent you in your future issues, could be crucial.

You should know that the lawyer you select will serve as your guide from immigrant status to Green Card. And you will undoubtedly desire an efficient legal representative who will devote themselves to your case and professionally take you through the entire process.

Here is a list of questions you should ask your immigration lawyer during your initial consultation.

What Are Your Accreditations?

Immigration law is a professional field. The immigration lawyer qualifications matter a lot to you as a client.

First, check the lawyer’s school accreditations. Every immigration attorney must have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree. 

The other requirement to check is the attorney’s law school accreditation. From the law school, an immigration attorney obtains a Juris Doctor degree. The degree must have covered relevant topics like immigration politics and laws.

Ensure that the lawyer attended a law school approved by American Bar Association (ABA). Choose an attorney who excelled in the law school’s tests.

A professional immigration attorney must also have done well in your state’s bar exam. Confirm the lawyer’s profile with your state bar association.

The discussed accreditations prove that the attorney has the necessary skills to help you. Such skills include problem-solving, analytical, reading, writing, and active listening skills.

Are You Trustworthy?

Immigration is a sensitive issue. Hiring an unauthentic immigration attorney will get you to the wrong side of the law and is also likely to defraud you in the long run.

Several tips will help you know if the lawyer you choose is legit. The first trick is checking if the lawyer is listed in your state’s bar association. Only attorneys accredited by ABA appear on state bar associations.

Check if the attorney has any grievances for misconduct. Avoid immigration lawyers who have faced disciplinary actions from your state bar association.

The attorney’s online reviews also tell it all. Don’t assume that every immigration lawyer you come across has positive testimonials. Reading the lawyer’s online reviews will enlighten you about the satisfaction of past clients.

Don’t also forget to verify the lawyer’s accolades. ABA awards like the National Law Journal Award prove the attorney’s excellence and reputation in immigration. Authenticity will build your confidence as you work with the attorney.

Do You Have a License?

Licensing is a key requirement for the United States legal experts. The American Bar Association accredits lawyers upon completing law school and bar exams. The immigration attorney you choose should be a member of ABA.

ABA isn’t the only body that accredits immigration attorneys. The lawyer should also be a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). AILA membership is proof that the attorney is familiar with all the ins and outs of the immigration law.

Licensed immigration attorneys know the best practices to help their clients. Note that only licensed immigration lawyers have profiles on state bar associations. Check your state bar website directory for confirmation.

Unlicensed immigration lawyers are likely to be fake. Don’t also forget to verify the relevancy of the lawyer’s license.

What Is Your Experience?

You need to work with someone who has been in the immigration legal field for some years. Experience makes immigration lawyers competent to handle simple and complex issues.

Ensure that the attorney is competent in the case you have. The attorney’s expertise will help you achieve a good outcome.

How do you confirm an immigration attorney’s experience? One way is to check the lawyer’s website to verify their years of practicing immigration law.

Again, pay attention to how the lawyer explains your case. An experienced immigration attorney should help you understand your options. The lawyer should be clear, precise, and accurate to save you from confusion and costly mistakes.

Look at the number of cases similar to yours the immigration lawyer has handled before. So, do not shy away from requesting the attorney’s track record.

An experienced immigration attorney will offer you the most quality legal services. 

How Much Do You Charge?

Different lawyers charge different types of fees. The first common option is the contingency fee agreement.

A contingency fee agreement is the percentage of the money you pay the attorney after winning the case. You must agree with the lawyer about the fee before the case starts.

Flat fees are other options. The fees apply where the outcomes of the case are more predictable. Other common legal fees are statutory fees, hourly rates, and retainer fees.

Choose an immigration lawyer that charges contingency fees, which are secure and flexible.

Several things determine the legal costs you will incur. One of them is the experience and competency of the immigration lawyer you choose. Competent lawyers offer the best legal services but at a higher fee.

The complexity of your case will also determine what you pay. Immigration cases are a bit complex compared to other cases – expect to pay more.

Contact several immigration attorneys to get estimates. Comparing immigration lawyer fees is key to finding affordable and quality legal services.

The immigration attorney you choose should also give you a clear fee structure. There should be a clear breakdown of the costs to protect you from hidden expenses.

What Is Your Specialization?

Immigration law is a vast field. Understanding the attorney’s immigration law specialization will help you make the right choice.

Citizenship and naturalization are common areas in immigration law specialization. You will need a good immigration lawyer for a smooth and successful application for U.S citizenship.

You can also hire an immigration lawyer if you’re facing deportation. The attorney will defend you and reduce the chances of your removal from the United States.

You’ll also get help with your Green Card application, visa application, and provisional waiver.

The lawyer should be clear about their specialization in your first conversation. Don’t also forget to check the attorney’s website to verify the areas they specialize in.

The past immigration cases handled by the attorney will also enlighten you about their immigration law specialization.

Do You Have Referrals?

Every reputable immigration attorney has referrals, which will also help you know more about the attorney you’re interested in.

First, get recommendations from friends and family. Discuss your needs to the people you can trust. Those you get recommendations from should know about immigration attorneys.

If possible, get recommendations from people who have hired immigration lawyers before. Ask them about their experience, fees, relationship with the attorneys, and other relevant issues.

Reputable immigration lawyers should not have problems connecting you with their past clients. Avoid any lawyer who fails to give you the contacts and names of their past clients.

Other legal experts can also connect you with a good immigration attorney. Pablo Martinez also has professional personal injury lawyers who can connect you with their colleagues practicing immigration law.

Note every piece of information you get about immigration lawyers. The information from friends or other legal experts will help you find the best immigration attorney.

What Strategy Will You Use?

The immigration attorney’s strategy will determine the outcomes of your case. The lawyer should first take time to evaluate your case.

After evaluation, the attorney should give you a clear plan, which should include the necessary steps you should take when applying for immigration. The attorney should explain every step clearly to prevent mistakes.

The immigration lawyer should also inform you about the documents you need. The strategy aims to streamline your process of applying for immigration. You will also avoid missing the deadlines during the application process.

Do You Allow Free Consultations?

Consultations are key before hiring an immigration attorney. A lawyer who does not allow free consultations will likely leave you frustrated.

A consultation will allow you to interview the immigration attorney of your choice. Prepare your questions prior to visiting the immigration attorney.

Ask the lawyer about their experience, success rate, and fees, among other things. Pay attention to how the attorney answers your questions. A good immigration lawyer should not take you in circles while answering your questions.

A consultation will also allow you to get free legal advice about your case. The lawyer will evaluate your options and suggest the best steps to take.

The understanding of immigration lawyers about the U.S. immigration system is a reason to schedule a consultation. You’ll know about key things like green card applications, permanent residency, and temporary work visas.

Initial attorney consultation will also help you know the available options before deciding. Knowing your options will also help you come up with a good action plan.

Have a book and a pen to write down notes during the consultation. At Pablo Martinez, we allow free consultations to help our clients make informed decisions.

What Is Your Success Rate?

The attorney you hire should help you succeed in whatever immigration issue you have. The lawyer should be honest with you before you pay the agreed fees.

How do you know that the lawyer will increase your odds of success? The first trick is checking the past immigration cases handled by the attorney.

A lawyer with a successful work history will help you toward a positive outcome. Again, pay attention to the attorney’s knowledge of immigration law.

A lawyer who’s well-informed in immigration law is crucial for the success of your case. The attorney’s integrity is also a consideration. Avoid immigration lawyers whose focus is on your money rather than positive outcomes.

Will I Sign a Contract?

A contract is crucial for both an immigration lawyer and the client. You will know your responsibilities and expectations from the agreement.

You should enter into a written contract with the attorney. A written contract is necessary to prevent any misunderstanding between you and the immigration attorney. The agreement is legally binding and will prevent the attorney from mistreating you.

Always read the terms before entering into the contract with the attorney. The contract should not limit you from requesting for new scope of the attorney’s services.

Sometimes, disputes can arise between you and the attorney. Such incidences will hinder the success of your immigration. So, ensure that the contract outlines how you can resolve conflicts.

The written agreement you decide to enter into should be tangible proof. So, both you and the lawyer should have copies of the contract.

What Payment Method Do You Accept?

Many lawyers accept four payment methods. The immigration attorney you choose should be clear on their payment method.

Credit cards are the most suitable payment method. The method is easier and more common to many people.

Another advantage of credit payment methods is flexibility and efficiency. The lawyer should help you get through if you get stuck when making the payment.

How Many Languages Do You Communicate?

Communication is an important factor when hiring an immigration attorney. Good communication is key to building a good rapport with the lawyer.

The lawyer should be in contact with you frequently. The languages used by the immigration lawyer also matter. Maybe you are not very good at English.

Poor communication creates misunderstandings, which will complicate your immigration process. Avoid such uncertainties by hiring a lawyer fluent in your native language.

Choose an Immigration Lawyer

Getting U.S. citizenship will be more complex if you ignore legal help. Hiring an immigration lawyer is necessary when applying to move to the United States. The lawyer will help you avoid costly mistakes and possible legal consequences.

Are you looking for an immigration attorney in Tampa, FL? At Pablo G. Martinez Law Firm, we have over 20 years of experience in immigration law. We specialize in removal and deportation, citizenship and naturalization, and temporary work visas.

Contact us today for a consultation.