7 Factors to Consider When Hiring Immigration Lawyers
Becoming a non-natural-born citizen of the United States isn’t always easy. There are several hoops you’ll need to jump through before you can call yourself an American.
In some cases, it might seem impossible. However, if your hopes, dreams, and future depend on becoming an American citizen, you should exhaust your resources before calling it quits.
For example, have you looked into hiring immigration lawyers yet? If not, that should be your next step. The only question is, how do you find the best options for lawyers?
We’re here to help you answer that question. Keep reading for everything you need to know about hiring immigration lawyers.
1. Referrals
As someone trying to immigrate to the US, you might know other people who have done so in the past. It could be friends, immediate family members, or other relatives.
Reach out to these people to ask them about their immigration experience. Did they have a difficult time obtaining US citizenship? If so, did they end up hiring immigration lawyers?
If the person in question hired a lawyer to help them become a US citizen, what law firm or lawyer did they use? Did they have a positive experience working with the lawyer? Do they have any recommendations for you?
2. Experience and Expertise
Next, when looking at your options for lawyers, consider their immigration case experience. How many other people have they helped obtain US citizenship? Are they well-versed in the laws on immigration?
It’s okay to ask potential lawyers difficult questions like these. Your entire future will be affected by the outcome of your immigration case.
As such, you’ll probably feel more comfortable hiring a US citizenship attorney that has been in the field for several years. They will have better instincts and more knowledge.
3. Client Reviews
If you don’t know anyone who has experience hiring immigration lawyers, take your search online. Using Google (or any other search engine site), search for immigration lawyers in the area. Then, follow the links to their websites and social media pages.
Here, you should be able to find client reviews that they’ve published. You might also be able to find their case records and results. If you can’t find what you’re looking for on their website, Google the name of the lawyer/law firm and “reviews.”
Find out what other immigrants have to say about the attorneys in question. This is one of the best ways to find unbiased opinions.
4. Case Evaluation
Most attorneys in the United States understand the importance of earning someone’s business. Therefore, many immigration lawyers are willing to schedule a free consultation with potential clients. Reach out to the local immigration attorneys to schedule a case evaluation.
They can help you learn more about your case and the steps you’ll need to take to become a US citizen. However, you should also use this time to get to know the attorney and get a feel for the character.
Is the lawyer someone you will work well with? Do you feel like they’re genuinely invested in your case? Do you feel a level of mutual respect with the lawyer?
5. Communication
Communicating clearly and effectively with people is one of the most important life skills. However, communication is more than just verbalizing or writing words. Communication is about the feeling and intent behind the words.
When you talk to your lawyer, evaluate their communication skills.
For example, do they talk to you and treat you with respect? Do they take the time to listen to what you have to say? Do they make an effort to explain things, answer questions, and address concerns?
If you get a bad feeling about the attorney with whom you are consulting, it might be a good idea to explore your other options for lawyers. You need to establish a good rapport before hiring immigration lawyers.
6. Case Load and Accessibility
No matter how well an attorney knows the laws on immigration, they won’t provide quality legal services if they don’t have time for you in their schedule. It’s normal for lawyers of all specialties to carry dozens of cases at once. Most legal cases take several months to settle.
However, there is a difference between staying busy and being overloaded with cases. Talk to your lawyer to verify that they have room for you in their schedule. How many other cases are they juggling?
As noted earlier, the results of your immigration case will affect you forever. Find a lawyer who will prioritize your case and treat it with the significance it deserves.
You shouldn’t have a hard time contacting your lawyer. While everyone’s allowed to be busy and miss a phone call, they should get back to you within a few hours. It’s not okay to go days without hearing back from your attorney.
7. Pricing and Legal Fees
Finally, let’s talk about comparing lawyer fees. Different types of lawyers have different charging methods.
For example, personal injury lawyers charge contingency fees. They take a percentage of their client’s winnings if they help them win the case. If they are unsuccessful in procuring a win, the lawyer doesn’t charge the client anything.
However, hiring immigration lawyers works differently. They may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee for their legal services.
Get a quote from prospective lawyers. Find an attorney you can afford to pay and make sure you are fully aware of the fees involved.
Are there any other costs not included in their quote? Will they include the quoted price in their contract to ensure you won’t be hit with any surprise fees? If you don’t have the money on hand to pay for an attorney, is it possible to set up a payment plan?
Hiring immigration lawyers you can’t afford won’t end well. Make sure you know how to pay legal fees.
Do You Need Help Hiring Immigration Lawyers?
If you’re in need of legal services to help you obtain US citizenship, start looking at your options for lawyers today. Hiring immigration lawyers is essential to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. Follow the steps above to find the right attorney.
And if you’re looking for more legal, professional, or lifestyle tips, take a look at some of our other articles before you go. Our blog covers everything from immigration and travel to financial planning and real estate.
