If you are facing the prospect of hiring an immigration attorney for the first time, you have no doubt realized that it can be an intimidating process. Choosing the right immigration lawyer can make the difference between a smooth and successful immigration process and an array of unfavorable results. What makes an excellent lawyer? How do you find a good immigration lawyer? And just how easy is it to hire an immigration lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona?
Not only will you need to find a lawyer with all the right qualifications, but you’ll also need to consider his or her temperament, communication style, strengths, and more to find the ideal lawyer for you. No matter what stage of the immigration process you are in, consider these strategies for how to hire an immigration lawyer.
Start By Building a List of High-Quality Lawyers
With Arizona’s proximity to the border, there are many immigration attorneys who work in the state. Any search for the best immigration attorney for your needs should begin with identifying some of the most recommended attorneys in the area. Use the resources mentioned below to create an initial list and then narrow it down to the final few candidates. You can set up consultations with the best candidates before choosing your immigration attorney.
You can build out your list with these strategies:
Get a Referral
A legal organization or local bar association can match you with the right lawyer based on your case. The largest association of lawyers in this country is the American Bar Association. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a prominent group that is run by immigration lawyers. Either organization can help you locate a lawyer that meets your qualifications.
If you already have an attorney for family law or criminal matters, they may have a colleague they can recommend. Alternatively, ask friends and family for referrals to immigration attorneys they have worked with in the past. Any time you can get a referral from a trusted source, you should make that attorney one of your top candidates.
Check Lawyer Directories
As you begin your search, remember that the American Bar Association maintains a reputable lawyer directory with entries for each state. This can be a great starting place for putting together a list of potential lawyers to represent you in your immigration case. You can then contact your state bar association to verify that the attorney you select is licensed to practice law in Arizona and is in good standing. The bar association will be able to inform you if the attorney was ever disciplined or sanctioned.
Legal Aid Organizations
You can also reach out to reputable legal aid or community organizations, particularly those dedicated to assisting immigrants. Many of these organizations offer pro bono or free legal assistance, especially for individuals with financial need. Checking their websites or directly contacting them can provide valuable resources and support in navigating immigration-related legal matters.
Narrowing the List of Attorney Candidates
Once you have a list of potential lawyers, it is essential to continue the review process until you have a shortlist of attorneys for consultations. Consider a range of factors to make sure that you find an attorney who can provide excellent representation and has a style that leaves you feeling comfortable and confident as you approach your case.
You can begin by checking attorney websites for client reviews, but keep in mind that these reviews are often hand-selected to show those favorable to the attorney. Conduct a thorough assessment of the attorney’s Google reviews or check sites like Avvo and Justia to see what past clients have to say. Pay attention to comments that are relevant to the type of immigration case you are facing.
A simple Google search could bring up other news stories that paint the attorney in a positive or negative light. Any information helps you get a broader perspective on the qualifications of an individual attorney.
After you have read online reviews, you have a better idea of what clients think about individual attorneys in your list. To dig deeper, ask friends, family members, coworkers, or even other attorneys in the area what they think or know about individual candidates.
Schedule a Consultation
Whether you’ve removed several attorneys from your list or highlighted some favorites, create your shortlist of two to three attorneys. Then, set up consultations with the remaining attorneys on your shortlist. This is typically done by reaching out to the attorney through their website or calling their office directly.
During your scheduling phone call, be sure to explain the specific services you require and inquire whether the lawyer can meet your needs. If you are seeking asylum, ask the receptionist if they are taking new clients and if they handle asylum cases. Asking these questions before you even schedule the consultation can help save you time, effort, and even money.
The next step is one of the most important steps to hiring an immigration lawyer: the consultation. This is a one-on-one conversation between you and the attorney. These meetings are typically offered at no cost and usually last around one hour. Consultations can take place via phone or video conferencing, but they typically occur in person.
You should come prepared with questions relevant to your case, as well as more general attorney questions like:
- What is your experience handling cases similar to mine?
- How will you communicate with me throughout the process, and how often can I expect updates?
- What are the potential challenges or obstacles you foresee with my case?
- Can you outline the strategy or approach you would recommend for my situation?
- What are the fees associated with your services, and how are they structured?
- Are there any additional costs or expenses I should be aware of?
- How do you prioritize client confidentiality and privacy in your practice?
Consultations offer a great opportunity for you to gauge the personality of the attorney. Note whether he or she is attentive throughout the consultation or if he or she appears distracted, busy, or uninterested. Pay attention to your gut feelings; you will be working with this person for months or even years, and you will be trusting them with one of the most important legal matters there is. Take notes during the interview or soon afterward and detail what you liked or didn’t like about the lawyer.
Additional Considerations When Choosing an Immigration Attorney
After your consultation, you probably have a much better idea about what type of lawyer you are looking for. You may even have the final candidate in mind.
Ask yourself a few basic questions:
- Did you trust the lawyer?
- How well did you get along?
- Did you feel comfortable communicating with them?
- How warm and receptive were the other employees?
- How well did the lawyer answer your questions?
- Did their fees seem reasonable?
- Were they open and transparent about everything you asked?
- Did they seem ethical?
There are also practice matters to consider, such as whether the attorney had a good grasp of the type of immigration case you are facing and their transparency regarding cost. For example, if you are needing help with a work visa and the attorney only handles asylum cases, they may not be the best fit for your legal needs. Similarly, the attorney should discuss fees during the consultation. Avoid working with anyone who isn’t transparent about cost factors.
Potential Red Flags to Watch Out For
If you notice any red flags during your consultation or online searches, consider them to be potential warnings.
Here are some common red flags you may notice during your search.
- Avoid lawyers who solicit clients. A quality attorney relies on referrals and marketing. Anyone who has time to directly solicit clients may be underemployed for a reason. Reputable attorneys are typically too busy with their caseloads to engage in such solicitations.
- Beware of individuals who are not licensed attorneys but claim expertise. These individuals may only be able to assist with form-filling. They may also be engaging in financial exploitation without providing substantive legal services.
- Stay away from attorneys who offer unethical advice, such as suggesting lying on forms or bribing immigration authorities. Such actions can lead to severe consequences, including permanent ineligibility for US immigration benefits.
- Be cautious of lawyers who make unrealistic guarantees or promise a 100% success rate. US immigration authorities decide outcomes, not attorneys. Genuine attorneys do not make assurances beyond their control.
Benefits of Hiring an Immigration Attorney for Your Immigration Interview
If you are seeking citizenship, the green card interview is one of the most important steps toward permanent residency. During the green card interview, an immigration officer will assess your qualifications, verify the application and supporting documents, and inquire about your personal background and immigration history.
Having legal counsel available beforehand can help you prepare for this important step. You should also consider taking your lawyer to your immigration interview. Having an attorney present during the interview can be especially valuable if you are facing a unique situation.
Complicated Immigration History
Having an attorney present can help a candidate who has a complicated immigration history. An attorney can help prepare for potential questions, especially if the candidate has immigration violations, criminal convictions, or past visa issues. Role-playing is one example of an effective tactic for preparing for an interview. An attorney can also assist in gathering and organizing evidence to support the applicant’s case and present it effectively.
Prior Immigration Violations
If an applicant has prior immigration violations, an attorney can help them prepare to discuss these issues candidly and accurately during the interview. An immigration attorney can explain the circumstances and remedial steps taken. For example, the lawyer may provide evidence showing that the candidate has strong ties to their home country as a means of showing that they won’t overstay their green card.
Criminal History
If a candidate has been detained or convicted of a crime, a lawyer can help navigate the complex legal challenges of a green card application. The candidate may need to provide details about the offense, punishment, and rehabilitation efforts. An attorney can assist here by preparing the candidate for those tough questions and presenting evidence that demonstrates the good character of the candidate to the immigration officer.
Explaining Past Setbacks
An attorney can assist in addressing challenges during a green card interview, particularly if the applicant has faced issues with previous visa applications. If a prior visa application was rejected, for example, the attorney can help the applicant explain the reasons for rejection. Preparation ensures that the applicant is ready to respond effectively to questions about their prior visa application during the green card interview.
Language Barriers
Hiring an attorney for a green card interview is beneficial if a candidate faces language or cultural barriers. The attorney can effectively evaluate any interpretation provided and ensure cultural guidance is available to help the candidate communicate effectively with the immigration officer and present themselves positively. This support ensures the applicant can navigate any language or cultural challenges and make a favorable impression during the interview.
An immigration attorney has your best interests in mind. If any unexpected questions arise, the lawyer can guide you through those queries with respect to your situation and experiences. Immigration interviews can be intimidating and stressful, but having an attorney present can make the process easier to manage and more successful.
Immigration Lawyer FAQs:
Immigration laws are continually being updated. The immigration cap is just one example of a number that can change from time to time. We understand that the immigration process can seem complicated and daunting, but we are here to answer your questions along the way.
Schedule Your Immigration Lawyer Consultation Today
Marco Costa, Immigration Attorney | Gillespie, Shields & Taylor
Immigration cases can be very complex, and mistakes can create serious setbacks that have dire implications for you and your loved ones. An experienced immigration attorney can guide you through the complexities of your case while building a formidable strategy to secure positive outcomes. Since 1985, the attorneys at Gillespie, Shields & Taylor have helped many clients who are seeking immigration or citizenship status in this country.
Our immigration attorneys in Phoenix will thoroughly evaluate your case before providing you with a range of legal options that can help you reach your goals. We believe that our clients should understand the steps involved, and we place the utmost importance on positive communication and thorough explanations through every stage of the immigration law process.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our immigration attorneys in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona.
*Editor’s Note: This article was originally published Sep 11, 2021 and has been updated August 7, 2024.
Resources
- USCIS. (2020, April 27). Green Card. USCIS. https://www.uscis.gov/green-card
- Legal Immigration to the United States: National Quotas & America’s Immigration System. (2024, January 30). National Immigration Forum. https://immigrationforum.org/article/legal-immigration-to-the-united-states-national-quotas-americas-immigration-system/
Founder, Owner, and Family Law Attorney
Those who know DeeAn Gillespie Strub can describe her in three words: caring, courageous, and competent. Growing up as the oldest of nine children, DeeAn quickly learned leadership and resourcefulness. With both parents as educators, she also acquired a love of learning, and from her mathematician, father learned to think analytically. Following in her parents’ footsteps, her first career step was to become a teacher. It was not long before she determined she could use her teaching skills most effectively in a different arena: the law. She wanted to make a difference for people.