How to Hire the Right
The number of immigrants in the USA is constantly increasing. The total population of immigrants in the USA was 44.9 million in 2019, over 13% of the total population. While the country is very accepting of immigrants, you might face some legal challenges at times. In those scenarios, you will need a lawyer to fight from your side.
Hiring a lawyer is a big decision and can be incredibly intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with the legal system. But there are ways to ensure you’re hiring the right person for your case, no matter what type of immigration issue you’re dealing with. Here are some tips on how to hire the best immigration lawyer for your situation.
Don’t Go for a General Practitioner
One of the most important things to remember when trying to find an immigration lawyer is that not all lawyers are equal. There are over 1.3 million lawyers in the USA, according to the American Bar Association’s (ABA) 2022 ABA National Lawyer Population Survey.
However, data from IBIS World shows there will be only 13,115 immigration lawyers in 2022. Going with a general practitioner might cost you less, but you won’t get as effective results as going with a specialized immigration lawyer.
While it might seem obvious and straightforward, you’d be surprised how many people don’t realize this. If you spend time and money hiring a lawyer, you want one who will do their job well, and that’s where specialization comes in.
The first thing you should consider when selecting an attorney is whether or not your case requires specialized knowledge of immigration law. For example, if your issue involves highly complex international trade laws, then chances are your case will require more than just general legal expertise from your attorney.
If it turns out that you need specialized knowledge for your case, then look for an attorney who focuses on those types of issues exclusively. Don’t just choose someone based on their overall experience level.
Meet a Few Lawyers and Talk to Them
Once you’ve narrowed the field of potential immigration lawyers, it’s time to meet a few and talk with them. Try to meet with at least two or three lawyers who will discuss your case so that you’ll get a sense of their style and personality. Ask each lawyer about their experience and credentials.
Also, ask how they charge. Do they have flat fees? Do they charge more for certain types of cases than others? When meeting with them, take notes on any questions during the conversation to remember what was discussed when making your final decision.
Get Free Consultation Before Hiring a Lawyer
If you are interested in hiring an immigration lawyer, the first step is to get a consultation. A consultation is a free 30-45 minute meeting with an attorney to discuss your legal needs and how the attorney can help you. During this free lawyer consultation, it is essential to ask as many questions as possible so that you can make sure that he or she is a good fit for your case.
In general, there are three things to look for when selecting an immigration lawyer:
- The ability of the lawyer’s firm or office to handle all aspects of your case from start to finish
- Experience in handling similar matters
- Commitment on price
Ask the Right Questions
Asking the right questions is crucial when hiring an immigration lawyer because the lawyer you choose will play a critical role in helping you navigate the complex and often stressful process of immigrating to a new country.
The right lawyer will have the necessary expertise and experience to guide you through the process and advocate for your rights and interests. They will be able to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information about the laws and regulations related to your case and help you understand your options and the potential outcomes of your case.
By asking the right questions and doing your due diligence, you can increase your chances of finding a lawyer who is well-suited to your needs and will work diligently to help you achieve your immigration goals.
While asking questions, you must also be aware of the kind of responses you want from them. According to ABA, there is no single answer to any question, as the answers depend on various factors. This means that you should not expect a hard yes or no from the lawyer. Also, if any lawyer gives unrealistic promises, understand that going with such an attorney is not a good choice.
Check Their Professional Memberships and Affiliations
Checking a lawyer’s professional memberships and affiliations is important when hiring an immigration lawyer because it can provide insight into their expertise, experience, and reputation in the legal community.
Many reputed associations offer quality resources to lawyers. For example, the American Bar Association, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Federal Bar Association, etc.
Membership in professional organizations and affiliations with other legal professionals can indicate that a lawyer is dedicated to staying up-to-date on the latest developments in immigration law and is committed to upholding ethical standards in their practice. These memberships and affiliations can also provide access to valuable resources and networks that can be beneficial in handling immigration cases.
Don’t Let Money Stop You From Hiring the Right Lawyer
It’s natural to be intimidated by the cost of hiring a lawyer. However, it doesn’t have to mean getting it wrong. As with any other service, you want the best lawyer you can afford. And that may mean paying more in the short term than you’d like.
For instance, the average cost of hiring an immigration lawyer can range between $150 and $300 an hour. But suppose you choose a lawyer who doesn’t specialize in immigration law or has been practicing for less than 10 years. In that case, it will only cost more money in the long run when dealing with an experienced attorney who knows what they’re doing and can get your case resolved quickly and efficiently.
It’s also important that your chosen attorney is honest with you about how much time they expect their services will take. An attorney should not charge rates that vastly exceed reasonable expectations or take on cases where there is no chance of success without first discussing it with their client.
Conclusion
Finding the right immigration lawyer for your case is an important decision that requires research and due diligence. By taking the time to understand the different types of immigration lawyers, researching their qualifications and experience, and asking the right questions, you can make the best decision for your case.
With the right immigration lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your case is being handled with the utmost care and attention.
