While all legal matters have a way of being stressful, something about the U.S. immigration process that has a way of throwing even the most stable people for a loop. After all, the immigration process has high stakes attached to it, and it’s natural for people to get overcome by frustration while their immigration status remains in limbo. Daniel Fisher of the law firm Fisher & Frommer, NYC understands how emotionally draining the immigration process can be. He also realizes how difficult it can be for the average person to find the right lawyer among the masses. He therefore suggests that those in search of an immigration attorney keep an eye out for the following criteria:
A sole practice area of immigration
When it comes to legal matters, believe it or not, the last thing you want is a lawyer who claims to be a jack of all trades. Immigration, in particular, is a complex, evolving area of the law, and one upon which attorneys must constantly keep tabs. Therefore, it’s important that you find a lawyer whose sole area of practice lies in matters relating to immigration.
Free consultations
A good attorney will offer free consultation as part of his commitment to earning his clients’ trust. Many people are afraid to consult with attorneys for fear that every word that comes out of their mouths will get billed. By offering free consultations, an immigration attorney is essentially going out of his way to prove that he’s not looking to nickel and dime his clients, but rather, that his goal is to forge relationships and offer the best service possible to his clients.
A proactive, hands-on approach
Immigration law is constantly changing, so you’ll want to find a lawyer who can keep up with any amendments that could impact your case, be it positively or negatively. A good immigration attorney can think outside the box while sticking to the facts of your case and the letter of the law.
Experience
The more experience an attorney has in his specific area of practice, the more likely he is to actually be good at it. Therefore, as you search for an immigration attorney, look for somebody who has been working in this area of the law for quite some time.
Reasonable fees
While legal services in general don’t tend to come cheap, a good immigration attorney will offer his services at a comparatively reasonable rate. Before you decide to settle on an immigration attorney, do some comparison shopping to make sure that his fees are comparable to the competition’s. While you shouldn’t necessarily choose the attorney with the cheapest price tag on the market, there’s also no sense in overpaying for legal services when you have other options.
Easily reachable
When it comes to attorney-client relationships, an open flow of communication is always important. After all, nothing is more frustrating than the idea of not being able to reach your own attorney when it’s necessary to do so. A good attorney will be easily accessible to all of his clients. If a lawyer is willing to give you a cell phone number, then take it as a good sign that he wants to be tracked down. Additionally, you’ll want an attorney who’s aware of technology and knows how to use it to his (and your) advantage. These days, email can serve as a rapid, effective means of attorney-client communication. An attorney who doesn’t so much as have a computer is therefore probably not a good option for you.
Compassionate and respectful
In order to work well with an attorney, you’ll need to feel comfortable with him. If an attorney makes you feel uneasy or gives you the impression that his mind is elsewhere while you’re speaking to him, then chances are that he isn’t the right attorney for you. On the other hand, if an attorney is able to give you his full attention and convey compassion while offering a realistic, big picture outlook, then that’s definitely a good sign.
The immigration process is not always a rapid one, so the immigration attorney that you choose to hire might be a part of your life for awhile. Therefore, it’s imperative that you truly take the time to evaluate your options before coming to a final decision. Remember, the immigration process can be frustrating and emotionally trying, so you’ll want to find an attorney that you can truly rely on throughout its course. By doing your research, asking the right questions, and going with your gut, you’ll hopefully find the attorney who ends up being the perfect person for the ever-important job at hand.
