Factors you should consider while Selecting an Immigration Lawyer - Part 1

So finally, you have decided to immigrate to New York City. Good decision! Moreover, if you have decided to hire “an immigration lawyer NYC” to help you in your immigration to NYC, that is another great Decision you have made.

Consider the quote by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals:

“With just a small degree of hyperbole, the immigration laws have been termed, 2nd only to the Internal Revenue in complexity to Internal Revenue Code. An attorney is usually the only person, who can thread the labyrinth.”

Keep in mind, immigration applications with the government and authorities are legal documents, identical to filing court applications for lawsuit. Do not be deceived that these documents are “merely paperwork” or “simple.” Behind the application forms there are heaps of pages of law, which affects your ability and rights to live and work in NYC. Moreover, there is no one-size-fits-all with immigration cases; therefore, you must consult immigration lawyer, not kith or kin, whenever you need to face the government. After all, immigrating to another country is a life-transforming matter that deserves the best legal help possible.

However, selecting the right immigration solicitor could be a grueling task. Read on to make sure you have appointed the best solicitor for your immigration case.

Core of Practice

It is hard to juggle the practice of immigration law with other legal practices areas like, family or criminal law. Selecting a lawyer, who focuses exclusively on immigration case, will boost the likelihood that you have hired a lawyer who knows how to handle your case.

Experience

It is perhaps logical to assume that immigration lawyer NYC, who has practiced 25-silver years, is undoubtedly, better than one who has just practiced for one or two years. In some instances, it might be true, but not in all. Some of the best attorneys, we have ever known, were very young, and likewise some of the worst attorneys, had practiced for years. Rather than paying heed to the “number of years”, the attorney has been in practice, you must focus on the kind of experience they have. Check, whether the attorney has successfully represented clients with the kind of case before?

AILA Membership

While AILA membership does not ensure quality of the lawyer in question, nonetheless, it is a strong indication that he takes immigration laws seriously. Being AILA member costs money and the organization provides research and educational material to its members.

What is in the Cost?

Cheap is not always best and that being stated, expensive is not always excellent either. Look for someone in between. Moreover, make sure that the prospective attorney is up front about his fees. In case, you find him reluctant to sign a fee agreement that should certainly be a 'red flag.'

In the second part of the article under the same Title and Introduction, we would be discussing few more factors that you should consider when selecting an immigration lawyer for your case.