1. What state or territory are you licensed in?
Immigration attorneys in the United States practice federal law. Therefore, an attorney licensed in any of the 50 states or territories can represent clients before immigration, either at their agencies or in court. It is important to make sure that the person we are going to hire is a licensed lawyer and not a paralegal, notary public or manager. In this way, we avoid fraud or scams and we have a bar or association of lawyers that controls the practice and where we can go if serious problems arise within the lawyer-client relationship.
2.What is your practice mostly focused on?
Immigration is divided into several areas, including family immigration, deportation defense, business, among many others. It is important that we retain an attorney who dedicates a large part of his practice to the area that your case requires. Thus, we are able to obtain representation from a person with enough experience and ability to handle our cases, no matter how difficult.
3. What payment methods and flexibilities do you offer?
Legal representation for immigration matters can be expensive. Therefore, it is important that we make sure that the lawyer we hire has the payment methods that best suit us as clients. Some people prefer to make their payments in cash, others with card, check, Venmo or even Apple Pay. Maintaining a lawyer-client relationship when we do not have the necessary method to pay can become a headache. In addition, we should also ask if the lawyer’s office offers payment plans and review in detail the penalties that are imposed when payments are not made. In this way, misunderstandings or breaches of contract by the client are avoided.
4. What is your communication policy and who will handle your case?
Each law office handles its cases differently. When it comes to communicating with the attorney handling your case, some offices charge for each communication, others are limited to emergencies, and in others, they assign different attorneys to work on your case. It is important that we establish expectations from the moment the lawyer is hired so that we do not have problems later. Before hiring, make sure that you will have the level and mode of communication that you prefer (in person, calls, emails, texts, etc.). Also, clarify if the lawyer who is offering the consultation will handle your case or if another lawyer will be assigned later. This also helps us to have a clear idea of who represents us.
