"The Department is aware that visa applicants do hire lawyers. . . It is sometimes said that the requirements under the general immigration law are so complex as to virtually force applicants to do so." U.S. Department of State (Federal Register).
"A lawyer is often the only person who could tread the labyrinth of the immigration laws." United States Court of Appeals (9th Circuit).
"A good immigration lawyer is worth his weight in gold." Director of the INS Service Center for the Western United States.
Many people are elated when they procure cheap legal representation. However, this often changes to anger and frustration when the end result is failure. One should expect the cost of quality legal representation to be reasonable, but never "cheap". Unfortunately, payment of a reasonable fee alone cannot ensure one will receive quality legal representation. You have to make intelligent informed choices when selecting legal counsel.
You should be aware that no one can absolutely guarantee the ultimate success of any immigration matter, and you should beware of any individual who claims he or she will do so. U.S. Immigration law is one of the most complex areas of American jurisprudence. The multitude of administrative regulations and federal statutes which apply to U.S. immigration related matters are not only complex and frequently amended, but they are also subject to constantly changing interpretations by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of State, and Federal Courts.
1. Credentials.
Are they Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law?
2. Reputation.
What is the lawyer's reputation among other lawyers ("peers")?
3. Experience.
How long has the lawyer been practicing immigration law? Is the lawyer engaged full time only in the area of immigration law? Or does he/she normally accept cases in other areas of law? A "part-time" immigration lawyer could not be expected to possess an equivalent level of skill and competence.
4. Staff and Technical Support.
A well-trained professional support staff equipped with up-to-date computerized information processing capabilities and legal research systems are indispensable resources for delivering quality legal services and representation.
immigration lawyer?
The much preferred time to seek professional legal assistance is before any documentation has been filed with a government agency. If an immigration benefit has been applied for and denied, it is often very difficult and sometimes impossible to obtain a new favorable decision or reversal on appeal. A competent immigration firm can analyze your specific fact situation and advise you of the legal options available, the implications and consequences involved in each, and how to properly proceed according to your individual circumstances and priorities. By first obtaining quality legal assistance, clients will often save not only money, time and personal frustration, but also insure the best possible success in obtaining the immigration benefits they are seeking.
The axiom "you should only expect to get what you pay for" is as applicable to competent legal representation as it is to most every type of service or product. Fees usually vary among lawyers depending upon their qualifications, experience, and legal skills. Reasonable fees are set based upon the type and extent of legal services to be rendered. These include research, preparation, and presentation of your case before the appropriate government agency(ies) or tribunal(s).
Though quality legal representation is never cheap, it is often invaluable. Unfortunately, some learn too late the truism of the expression: "Doctor's mistakes sometimes result in funerals. An immigration lawyer's are usually deported." This is why you should select an immigration law firm in which you can have confidence, and which you believe will provide you with the best possible legal representation.
It is our firm's policy to conduct an initial consultation for every potential client at which time we will evaluate and discuss your case with you. After we evaluate your case, we will quote and discuss our fees, should you want our firm to represent and assist you thereafter.
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WARNING: All information contained herein is offered for the purpose of providing general information only and should not be construed as formal legal advice. The author disclaims any and all liability resulting from reliance upon such information. You are strongly encouraged to seek professional legal advice from a qualified immigration lawyer before relying upon any of the information contained herein.