Immigration law can be perplexing and intimidating, and the prospect of being deported or separated from the rest of your family can be too much to endure at times. That is why having a good immigration lawyer on your side is essential.
Most decent immigration lawyers are not in it for the money. They do the job because they care about those that they are working with. However, when you are looking for an immigration lawyer, how do you find the right one for you?
Stay away from those who approach you
A reputable attorney does not need to lurk around immigration centers soliciting for business and approaching potential clients. This is unethical behavior and goes against their code of conduct. Good attorneys know that if someone needs help, they will look for them and that reputation goes a long way. Rather than waste time approaching people, they spend their time doing their job.
Grand promises are a red flag
No lawyer worth their weight should make any promises about the outcome of your case. It does not matter how good a lawyer is, they cannot guarantee a particular result. If your immigration lawyer promises you anything or tells you that their rate of success is 100%, it may well be a sign that they are not all they are cracked up to be. At the end of the day, the judge or the courts on that day will make the decision.
Undertake plenty of research
When you are pressed for time and worried about what might happen, research may be the last thing on your mind, but it is crucial. The first step is to ensure that they are registered as a member of a state bar association, which is a legal requirement, and to see if they are a member of any professional organizations, which can add to their credibility. You can also look for an immigration lawyer free consultation to make sure that you click with the person who may be helping you.
Be aware of any underhand or illegal tactics
Unfortunately, as in all professions and walks of life, there are some lawyers who think that they are above the law. If you have a feeling that your immigration lawyer is up to something sleazy and asking you to do something ethically questionable, or worse, unlawful – such as making up a story or giving them money to bribe officials – dump them immediately and report them. When it boils down to it, the only person to end up hurt and potentially in a lot of trouble if you along with anything dodgy is you.
When it comes down to choosing the right immigration lawyer for you, you must always remember that you are trusting – and paying – this person or firm to represent you and to help you. As well as making sure that they are all above board, you have to make sure that you feel safe and comfortable with them.
My best friend’s brother needs to hire an immigration lawyer as soon as he can and he is hoping to find the right one for his case. Thanks for mentioning how proper research is crucial and the first step you should take is to find out if an attorney is registered. I’ll be sure to share this information with my friend so she can pass it along to her brother to help him find the best attorney.
I love this post! I am a study abroad student who enters my blog around embarrassing mishaps and lessons learned abroad (hehe… I love embarrassing myself and turning my mistakes into help for others). So it was fun to hear another blogger sharing the less glamorous side of travel ; )