Immigration Lawyer Chicago/ Resources/ Immigration Insights/ 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Immigration Attorney
Immigration Insights
Article by Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. staff
10/12/2023
Immigrating to the United States can be an inspiring but unpredictable experience.
No matter your approach, the U.S. immigration journey is complicated and fraught with forms, deadlines, and interviews. There’s a lot on the line, too—one misstep, and you’re back at the beginning.
Depending on your goals and circumstances, the process can take years or even decades!
So you might wonder, “Do I need a Chicago immigration attorney?”
Technically, you aren’t required to have an attorney to complete the immigration process. But there are many benefits to having a lawyer’s expertise when navigating this complicated and life-changing process—peace of mind being only one.
Let’s look at the benefits of finding an immigration attorney and a list of five factors to consider when choosing the right one. Finally, we’ll give you a list of questions for your consultation.
Immigration in the U.S. is known for its complexity, so when you’re ready to start the journey, you’ll quickly encounter dense forms, uncertain processes, and pages of instructions that can easily overwhelm even the most organized applicant.
That’s why having an immigration attorney can be so valuable. An attorney has the expertise to guide you through the complexity.
A Chicago attorney can help you understand which visa or green card options suit your goals and circumstances. They know which forms you must complete, which supporting documents you must gather, and what evidence you must provide.
Other benefits include:
Overall, immigration lawyers serve as trusted guides.
An immigration lawyer’s expertise offers confidence and peace of mind that your application will be handled properly from start to finish. With so much complexity and uncertainty, having a knowledgeable attorney in your corner can make all the difference in navigating the immigration process successfully.
While not required, legal guidance can help you navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. When searching for the right immigration lawyer, you should thoroughly evaluate each candidate’s qualifications, skills, and compatibility with your case.
As you begin your evaluation of an immigration attorney, review the types of services they provide to ensure they can help you with your case.
Don’t hire a general practitioner for immigration issues. Immigration law is a complicated area requiring specialized legal knowledge and experience.
Look for a lawyer who offers services such as:
Hiring a lawyer who provides a broad range of immigration services will ensure that you have comprehensive support throughout your immigration journey.
The cost of hiring an immigration lawyer depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the attorney’s experience, and geographic location. Many immigration law firms charge a flat fee for their services, while others may bill hourly. Here are some cost considerations:
While cost is essential, it should not be the sole determining factor. You should prioritize quality and expertise to ensure the best outcome for your case.
Once you have narrowed your choices, schedule an initial consultation with the lawyers you are considering. This meeting allows you to assess their compatibility and communication style.
Consider the following during the consultation:
The initial consultation allows you to gauge compatibility and determine whether the lawyer fits your needs.
When you meet with a potential immigration lawyer, assess their resources and staff support. Ask if the lawyer utilizes paralegals for research, document preparation, and case monitoring. If you need an interpreter, ask if the office has multilingual staff members available.
Evaluating a lawyer’s bandwidth, resources, and efficiency during the consultation verifies they can manage your case efficiently and effectively. Quality support staff and infrastructure enable lawyers to provide excellent legal services and responsive client communications.
Before making a final decision, you must thoroughly research the lawyer’s credentials and reputation. This step verifies their qualifications and ensures you entrust your case to a competent professional.
Check the local state bar association where the lawyer practices to verify their credentials and check for any disciplinary actions or complaints against them.
Search online platforms for reviews and ratings of the lawyer and their law firm. Read testimonials from past clients. Do multiple people have similar experiences? If so, these patterns can provide insight into what you can expect if you choose them.
The consultation isn’t just about the attorney learning about your case. It’s your chance to learn about the firm and determine if they are the right fit for you.
Here are some questions that might help:
At Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C., we offer a broad range of immigration legal services, from visa applications to Chicago deportation defense and appeals. Our attorneys take the time to understand your goals and provide trusted advice tailored to your situation.
Don’t go it alone. Put our decades of immigration law expertise to work for you. Schedule your immigration lawyer consultation today by filling out our online form.
View Similar Articles