Choosing a good immigration lawyer can mean the difference between a smooth process that grants you citizenship fairly quickly, and a long, grueling struggle in which you are rebuffed at every application point.
The best place to begin your search for a good immigration lawyer is by asking your friends and family if they have ever used a good lawyer. If you know of someone who used an immigration lawyer and found that the immigration process went smoothly, then you should attempt to contact that lawyer. A direct recommendation from a trusted source will tell you more than you could get from an advertisement or even from a direct meeting. If you don’t know anyone who has had dealings with an immigration lawyer, then you should begin searching websites and newspapers and even the phonebook for names of potential lawyers who you can get in touch with. Sometimes there will be additional information including client’s opinions about the lawyer if you input the lawyer’s name and search online. When you have contacted an immigration lawyer you should be prepared to ask them questions about your specific case. Ask how confident they are that your case will be processed in a timely manner. Ask if they charge a flat fee, or if they charge an hourly rate. In the case of an hourly fee, it may become a financial burden if your case drags on. It may be important to make sure that the lawyer you speak to is the one that will handle your case, as sometimes a paralegal is put on your case after you have agreed to hire the lawyer. Make sure that the lawyer has been practicing law for some time. Ask if the lawyer specializes exclusively in immigration law. If the lawyer is communicative and clear about what the options are regarding your case, then you are probably in good hands. If the lawyer seems to be rushed and cannot adequately answer your questions regarding your case, then you may want to move on.