IS IT REALLY NECESSARY TO HIRE AN IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM? WOULDN’T IT BE CHEAPER TO HIRE A GENERAL PRACTICE LAW FIRM OR JUST REPRESENT MYSELF?
The immigration stakes are incredibly high and U.S. Immigration Law is extremely complex and confusing. Hiring a specialty Immigration Law Firm assures that you will get the most up-to-date knowledge and the very best advice concerning the latest changes in U.S. Immigration law and procedures. Since Immigration Law Firms work exclusively in the field of immigration law you won’t be spending extra money for a general practice attorney to ‘get up to speed’ on current immigration laws. Hiring an Immigration Law Firm gives the client more power in dealing with the U.S. government than they would have representing themselves and increases the probability of a positive final decision on their case.
-WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A GOOD IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM?
The firm will be experienced in and focus exclusively on U.S. immigration law including:
1. Citizenship Preparation to pass the citizenship exam and assist with
exemptions and waivers
2. Family Immigration including Spousal Petitions, Fiancé Petitions
and other Immediate Family Members
3. Deportation Defense including Appeals, Court Representation and Obtaining Bonds
4. Deferred Action
5. Employment Immigration including Permanent Residency through the Employer
and Temporary Employment Visas
-HOW MUCH DO IMMIGRATION LAW FIRMS CHARGE?
Immigration lawyers charge fees based on the complexity of the case and depending on the services required. When contacting an Immigration Law Firm be sure to tell them how you learned of their practice and ask them what they charge for an initial consultation. This consultation is your opportunity to interview the lawyer with whom you’ll be working. Think of the consultation fee as a very inexpensive way to find the right law firm to meet your legal needs.
-HOW DO I FIND, HIRE AND WORK WITH AN IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM?
Finding the right Immigration Law Firm is probably the most important decision you will make in addressing your immigration matters. The personal recommendation of a friend or acquaintance who has consulted a lawyer about an immigration or visa matter is a great place to start. If that is not a possibility, requesting a referral from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) at www.ailalawyers.com is a smart choice. The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the only legal association in the United States specifically for immigration attorneys. AILA lawyers have been approved members for at least 2 years; carry professional liability insurance; have completed at least 9 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) classes within the past year; and are licensed and in good standing with a State Bar Association. No matter how you found them, be sure to ask for references from the Immigration Law Firm you are considering.
Hire the firm after completing your initial consultation with them. During the consultation, be sure to:
1. Learn about some of the firm’s past clients.
2. Find out how long the attorney has been practicing immigration law.
3. Find out if the lawyer has ever been disciplined by the state for incompetent
or unethical acts or omissions.
4. Double check what percentage of the practice is devoted to immigration law.
Once you feel that you’ve found the Immigration Law Firm that is right for you, and you have full confidence and trust in them, you’ll want to get right to work addressing the problem that caused you to search for a lawyer. The attorney-client relationship must be built on the foundation of trust. You need to be willing to share your most personal information and the intimate details of your life with your lawyer. U.S. lawyers are absolutely prohibited from discussing your private matters with anyone else, so it is in your best interests to share the most accurate and complete information possible about your situation in order to provide the best possible outcome. Be sure to update your Immigration Law Firm whenever your situation changes or you learn new information that might affect your case.
Having a qualified Immigration Law Firm on your team, someone you can trust and feel comfortable calling when you have questions or a problem, can afford great peace of mind.
If you are currently looking for an Immigration Law Firm we hope you’ll consider Christensen Law Firm. We’re conveniently located off LBJ Freeway and I-35E. We provide affordable services, maintaining the highest ethical standards, while staying abreast of the latest changes in immigration laws. You can trust our firm for rigorous attention to detail, and personalized and honest representation, leading to your high and full satisfaction.