Seven keys to the pool of qualified Immigration Attorney
Choosing a lawyer, as well as choice of doctor or other professional, is a serious matter and approach it to seriously. In this article I want to acquaint readers with the basic aspects that must be taken into account if a situation in which needs the assistance of counsel.
1. be careful with immigration lawyer and immigration law firm
Make sure that the specialist to whom you refer - really a licensed attorney. Very often the so-called immigration attorney or common among Hispanics <notary> posing as lawyers require you to pay your services (more often - in advance), and cause more problems than it resolved. Directly ask whether this person a lawyer. Have a business card, which should be written or . If you are a lawyer in the office, please note whether there is a degree of legal education (Doctor of Jurisprudence or Juris Doctor) on the wall and the certificate (s) for a license to practice law.
<Immigration Consultants> and <notary> does not legally have the right to demand financial compensation for their services. Those of them who claim to be licensed attorneys, may be subject to criminal investigation for illegal the practice of law (unauthorized practice of law). American Immigration Lawyers Association (AAIA) keeps records of such cases, and is currently in Massachusetts recorded about 50 cases to investigate the activities of lawless <immigration consultants> and <Notary>.
2. Get recommendations from former clients
If you know someone who used the services of a lawyer and was satisfied with the end result is - a positive sign. Of course, one should bear in mind that every business, every situation - an individual, and a positive result in one case does not guarantee success in another. It is also important to make sure that the personal quality of a lawyer, like his attentiveness and sensitivity, you will fit.
3. Do not choose a lawyer on the amount of his fee
High or low, attorney’s fees does not always reflect the level of his (counsel’s) competence. There may be a situation where you can not afford to hire a lawyer, you want to hire because of the high amount of the fee. Talk to him about whether there could be some way to pay his fees at more convenient for you to plan. If not, you will have to find another lawyer. Keep in mind that if a law firm or lawyer takes for immigration services is very low fee, then it is likely that the firm or lawyer is not there enough resources to do an excellent job. On the other hand, the high fee - not a guarantee of absolute competence. Always make sure that your contract with the lawyer, the list of all services, the amount of the fee and time of payment. Carefully read the contract before you sign it and make sure that the contract is the signature of counsel.
4. Do not save money for the first consultation
One of the main components in the relationship between client and lawyer is mutual trust. You should make sure that the lawyer you hire, not only competent, but also inspires confidence. Most immigration lawyers First consultation - non-free, but it is a very small price to pay to ensure the correctness of your choice. Most lawyers deduct fees for advice from the total fees, if it is taken for your case. The consultation asks all your questions and determines that the lawyer can do for you. If you feel that the lawyer hesitates or uncertain, be sure to find out why. If you feel that it’s lack of competence, seek other counsel.
5. Find a lawyer specializing in immigration laws
I think everyone would agree that one should not refer to a dentist if you need a heart transplant. Lawyer specializing in any other area of law - the best candidate to solve your immigration situation. Even in the field of immigration law, there are several massive sub-categories, and lawyers specializing in deportation or refugee status, for example, often do not take up the case in other areas of immigration. Make sure that the lawyer whom you want to hire and specializes in your problem and the latest developments in the world is constantly changing immigration law. If a lawyer is a member of a specialized bar association or professional association (such as the AAIA, the most serious and respected organization of immigration lawyers) - is a good sign.
6. Will the lawyer work on your case personally?
Most law firms utilize the services of clerks, paralegalov and other categories of assistants. This is absolutely the practice is acceptable, and nothing alarming in it. Bad check, however, that the lawyer will main part of your case personally and that he will scan the documents before they are sent to the INS.
7. Advertising, Yellow Pages, and Reference Services
If all your efforts to find a lawyer through a friend did not succeed, then be careful with the choice through advertising. Must <test> candidate, using the methods specified in this article. You can always call the department of recommendation of such organizations as mentioned above AAIA or local bar association.