Immigration laws are complicated. Hiring the right lawyer can help address these complications. An immigration lawyer with a lot of experience can help you get a visa, permanent residency, or fix immigration problems. IBISWorld states that as of 2024, there were about 18,842 immigration law firms in the US.
Before hiring, there are important questions you can ask an immigration lawyer to help you figure out their qualifications, experience, and way of doing things.
Asking the right questions can help you make an informed choice by learning about their qualifications and past work. These considerations will help you gauge their communication skills, lawyer fees, and way of handling cases.
This article will help you find the best immigration lawyer for your needs by asking the right questions.
What Is Your Experience With Immigration Cases?
Prioritize asking the lawyer the kind of experience they possess in relation to your case.
You might want to know what cases the immigration lawyer has dealt with and whether those cases in the past have had fairly decent outcomes.
NYC immigration lawyer Conrad E. Pollack says it’s best to hire an immigration lawyer whether it involves family-based petitions, asylum, or work visas because they can protect your rights, help you avoid problems you didn’t see coming, and help you choose the best immigration path that will save you time and money in the long run.
Lawyers with a long track record of handling immigration issues can deal with the more complex questions of the law much more smoothly.
You can ask a lawyer to share the outcome of similar cases so you can see how it was handled.
What Is Your Approach to Communication and Updates?
An immigration lawyer’s communication style is more important than their work experience. You need a lawyer to keep you up to date.
Ask how often they will contact you and whether communications will be via e-mail, telephone, or face-to-face meetings. They have to explain difficult legal terms in an effortless and clear way.
Confirm if the lawyer can track your case, how fast they reply, and if they’re responsive. These communications will greatly affect your experience, so be certain you’re comfortable with them.
What Are Your Fees and Payment Structure?
Lawyers charge hourly, flat, or retainer fees, so you should make a clear inquiry about the fee explanation.
You are welcome to ask about any additional expenses that might get passed down to you, such as filing expenses, administrative expenses, and the like.
It is also necessary to know when the payment for charges will be required. Some lawyers will work with you on a payment plan or accept payment in instalments, which could ease your financial burden.
Ask them about the dates your payments will need to be made, whether or not you will be refunded if your case does not proceed, etc.
Can You Provide References or Testimonials?
Once fee structures are negotiated and payment procedures discussed, it is wise to ask for client references or testimonials.
This insight gives you a clearer perspective on the expertise of a particular lawyer and how satisfied their client was. An attorney willing to share references openly displays confidence in themselves.
If possible, contact some references or previous clients. Ask them about communication, case results, and how happy they were with the whole process. The information you will get from them will serve you well in coming up with a decision.
Every piece of honest feedback, along with a strong reputation for handling previous cases, suggests that the lawyer is likely a good choice to take on your case.
What Is the Expected Timeline for My Case?
Timelines may differ drastically depending on your set of circumstances and the type of application your party is submitting. Your lawyer will give you a rough estimate of the case’s timeline. This estimate will be based on their experience and current processing times.
Depending on various factors such as case complexity, immigration office caseload, interview schedules, and receipt of additional documentation, this period can get extended.
Ask your lawyer how he or she intends to give out communication updates. Knowing how to expect updates will alleviate stress throughout the process.
