Lawyer
Are you meeting an immigration lawyer for the first time? You may feel overwhelmed at your first meeting for consultation. Thus, it is best to know what questions to ask an immigration lawyer to help you determine if you can work together and move your case forward.
It is important to hire a good immigration lawyer to help you with the immigration process. Also, you might need an immigration lawyer for your work permit extension. Find out what questions to ask an immigration lawyer in this article.
What Are Your Previous Experiences?
When choosing the ideal lawyer, it is critical to inquire about their track record and previous experience. As this information will greatly aid in your efforts to find a lawyer who can best represents your legal needs.
Immigration law covers different kinds of cases. Thus, it is best to choose a lawyer with specialization and experience with immigration cases similar to yours.
You can follow up with questions like the following:
- “How long have you been practicing immigration law?”
- “Have you dealt with government authorities or courts before?”
- “Have you handled similar cases before?”
You can also do your research before your meeting. You may check whether your immigration lawyer has a membership with The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
Membership in AILA indicates that your lawyer is up-to-date on all immigration law regulations, revisions, and best practices. You can also check online reviews from their previous clients.
How Can You Help Me?
Every immigration case is unique. An expert lawyer can provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances.
Ask how your attorney intends to work alongside you. You can also ask questions about the process and what to expect.
What Is the Success Rate of My Case?
If you are seeking legal help for an immigration case, ask the lawyer for the possibilities of your success.
An experienced immigration lawyer will provide you with an honest and realistic assessment of your chances, eventual conclusion, and chances of success.
Although no lawyer can guarantee success, knowing your options can help you make the best choices about your case.
What Do You Need From Me?
Participate actively in dealing with your attorney. Know what they need from you and provide it on time or ahead of schedule.
Ask your lawyer about the types of forms or paperwork you may need to bring in and what you can do to help the process run more quickly.
How Long Is the Process?
Your immigration attorney can assist you by guiding you in the timeline of the immigration process.
Additionally, immigration lawyers can show you how long specific phases throughout the process will take.
Knowing the timeline will allow you to make preparations and progress with your immigration case.
Who Will Represent Me?
Some law companies have a team of immigration lawyers working on various elements of each case. This method can be advantageous because each lawyer can concentrate on a specific area of immigration law. Thus, it is essential to ask about who will be representing you.
You can ask about their team structure and how the whole process works in their firm. It is also critical to have a point of contact who can coordinate the activities of the different lawyers and keep you updated on the status of your case.
How Will We Communicate?
Communication with your immigration attorney is vital. You may ask them what medium of communication they intend to use to contact you — it can be by phone or email.
Another appropriate topic to ask an immigration lawyer is when they will begin working on your case. This inquiry may be especially relevant for deportation proceedings.
Remember to look for not just a skilled immigration lawyer but also one who is approachable and available. You do not want a lawyer who is overburdened with immigration cases and have no time for you.
How Much Is Your Rate?
One of the wisest questions to ask an immigration lawyer is how much they charge for their services.
Your lawyer should explain everything, including the fixed fees, hourly rates, visa and permit costs, and other possible extra expenditures.
The fees may differ based on the nature and complexity of your case. Requiring additional paralegals and legal assistants to assist your lawyer in resolving your case is also a cost factor.
The right immigration lawyer will give you a full explanation of the fees for their services.
Are We Going To Have a Written Contract?
When dealing with immigration attorneys, ask if the two of you will sign a written contract. This contract should define the services that will be delivered, the fees that will be charged, and the length of the attorney-client relationship.
A good immigration lawyer will help you understand the terms of the contract. Both the immigration lawyer and the client must accept and adhere to the terms of the agreement.
What Are the Next Steps?
Asking your immigration attorney for the next steps is a must. The answers to this question indicate the objectives and clearly defined steps that you or your lawyer should take in the next part of the process.
By asking this question, you will know the updates on your case and its development.
Get Legal Assistance From Hacking Immigration Law, LLC
Speaking with an experienced attorney is an ideal approach to understanding immigration law and processes in the United States.
Hacking Law, LLC has a team of experienced immigration attorneys that can answer all your questions about U.S. immigration law. The firm is eager to help you every step of the way in the immigration process.
Contact Hacking Law, LLC today to schedule a consultation and let them know how they can assist you.
