Immigration Attorney – Signs of a Good One

Whenever you hire a lawyer, you want to know that you are getting a good one. This is even more true when you are hiring an immigration attorney, because so much is at stake for you and your family. Here are some signs that the attorney you are considering is a good one. 

The first thing you want to look for is experience, and not just legal experience, but experience in this specific field. The laws surrounding entering the country legally are quite complex, and you will want to be certain that the lawyer you hire is very knowledgeable about them. Ask about the lawyer's experience in the field when you have your consultation, and choose one who has been in the business for a long time.

You also want to look at the lawyer's education and credentials, even though these may not specifically apply to the field of law revolving around entering the country. A good attorney is going to have a good law school behind him, and is also going to have membership in prestigious institutions. You also want to find one who is a member of a society or association that specializes in this field of law. This will show that they have the training and experience you want. 

Another factor to consider is the lawyer's results. The best education in the world cannot compare to real results with real cases like yours. Look for an immigration attorney who has successfully helped others with citizenship or their green cards. 

Because success is so vital in this field, one way to start your search is by talking to friends or family members who have already gotten their green card or citizenship status and used legal counsel. Use the names they recommend as you start your search.

When you sit down for a consultation with an immigration attorney you are considering, try to evaluate the way they interact with you. Do they appear ready and eager to explain the laws to you? Do you feel that you are given their full attention? Are they confident that you have the necessary criteria met to qualify for whatever type of status you are applying for? While you meet with the attorney, feel free to ask questions about the number of citizenship cases they have successfully closed and the length of time that they expect the process to take. The answers to questions such as these will help you weed out the good attorneys from the less desirable.

This consultation gives you the opportunity to evaluate their personality as well. You will be working closely with your attorney for a while, so make sure your personalities work well together. If you feel like an attorney is giving you the brush off during your consultation, you likely will feel that way even more after you have signed them.

Remember, an immigration attorney is vital to your desire to become a citizen. Do not make the decision lightly. Take the time to thoroughly research your options so you can find a good one.