Before hiring an attorney, you should take the time to look at their background and experience. You can do this by searching for them online or checking their website. You should also check if they are a member of any professional organizations.
Stay away from imposters like “consultants” or “notarios” who fill out forms without understanding the law. They may even steal your money.
Experience
A reliable immigration attorney has plenty of experience handling a variety of different cases. He or she should be able to identify your case’s specific challenges and resolve them with ease. A good lawyer will take the time to answer your questions and explain the potential options available to you. During your consultation, it is important to bring all of the documents that are related to your immigration issue. Organize them in a folder and label them to make it easier for the reliable immigration attorney to assist you to review.
You should also look up the lawyer’s credentials on various websites. Many of these sites offer peer reviews and client feedback to help you determine the attorney’s quality. You can also check with your local bar association or state department of legal profession to see if the attorney has ever been disciplined by the courts. These details are essential in choosing a reliable attorney.
Credentials
When choosing a good immigration lawyer, it is important to find out what their credentials are. You can do this by contacting the state bar association in your area and searching for their name on their database. This can help you avoid hiring an attorney who is incompetent or who has malpractice suits on their record.
It is a good idea to hire an attorney who has published frequently and extensively on the subject of immigration law. This shows that they have a strong understanding of the field. Moreover, it is important to hire an attorney who can clearly communicate with you and keeps you updated about the status of your case.
You should also choose an attorney who is available by email and phone. This will ensure that you can always reach him in the event of an emergency. You should also look for a lawyer who speaks your language fluently. This will make it easier for you to understand complicated legal jargon.
Reputation
You can find immigration attorneys on the internet, but you should always check their credentials. Look for an attorney who is certified and has a good reputation. Avoid individuals who call themselves visa consultants or notaries, as they are not qualified to provide legal guidance or representation. It is also important to check the list of disbarred practitioners and those who have been suspended.
In addition to credentials and experience, you should also look for an immigration lawyer who shows compassion and dedication to his clients. A reputable lawyer will take the time to answer your questions and give you a realistic assessment of your case.
JP Sarmiento and his team have been a great support to us as he and his firm have handled our cases very effectively, efficiently and timely. I highly recommend his law firm to anyone who needs an experienced immigration attorney! He is very keen to do his job and charges suitable fees for services.
Fees
Many people turn to immigration attorneys to help them navigate the often complicated tangle of forms and procedures. This work can be labor intensive and time-consuming, and the attorney should charge a reasonable fee for their services.
If you are unsure whether a particular attorney is worth hiring, interview several candidates. Make sure you ask about their experience and credentials, and be prepared to answer questions about your case. Also, consider bringing a friend or family member to your consultations so that you can take detailed notes and concentrate on the conversation.
Be cautious of attorneys who claim to have extensive immigration law expertise but also practice other types of law, such as criminal or corporate. Such attorneys may have some understanding of standard petitions, but they lack the specialized knowledge required to represent you in more complex cases. You should also check the attorney’s license to ensure that it is current and that he has not been disciplined for malpractice or professional misconduct.