Questions to Ask When Interviewing an Immigration Attorney
Make sure your immigration case is in the right hands.
Many clients come to me after working with another immigration attorney unsuccessfully. While I am happy to help anyone and have extensive experience as a client’s second (or third) attorney, it saddens me that these clients’ cases have been derailed and that they need to spend more time and money on their immigration. That’s why I recommend anyone seeking to hire an immigration attorney ask them these basic questions before cutting a check:
Where did you earn your law degree? Unfortunately, there are individuals who pose as immigration attorneys by calling themselves ”Notarios.” Buyer beware: these notarios are not licensed to practice law in the United States, unlike their Latin American counterparts. A practicing immigration attorney will have a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
Are you licensed to practice law? Immigration attorneys can practice with a license from any state, but they must have this license. Earning and maintaining a license is separate to a law school degree, as the license indicates that the attorney has passed the bar exam, maintains Continuing Legal Education credits, and remains in good standing in the legal profession. You can confirm their license online through the website of your state’s Bar Association.
Do you specialize in Immigration Law? There are over 1.3 million lawyers practicing in the United States, but not all of them specialize in immigration law. It is perfectly legal, albeit unethical, for a traffic attorney to take on an immigration client. That’s why it’s important to ensure that your New York City immigration attorney specializes in this type of law. It’s also a good idea to review their website contents: if someone advertises themselves as a “one stop shop” attorney, they probably don’t have the specialized knowledge and experience to best represent you.
How long have you been practicing Immigration Law? This question can reveal several answers: a new attorney, an attorney new to immigration law, or an experienced immigration attorney. The best choice for your case is an attorney with years of experience specifically practicing immigration law.
How do you keep your knowledge up to date? Attorneys are required to attend CLE classes (continuing education for lawyers) every year. While these are a great resource, they do not provide immigration attorneys with all of the news and latest legislation they need to successfully advocate for their clients. Look for an attorney who shares an updated blog covering the latest news.
Have you handled a case similar to mine? From foreign work visas to family green cards to deportation removal defense, there are many different kinds of immigration cases a New York immigration attorney may encounter. Ask about their strategies and process for cases like yours. Ask for stories of similar cases they have handled.
Do you have testimonials from past clients I can read? The best marketing for an immigration attorney is a past track record of dedicated advocacy, fearless commitment, and authentic empathy. Read an attorney’s testimonials from past clients for insight into how they work.
