Legal Services

How to Select an Immigration Attorney

If you intend to work in the United States beyond your authorized period of stay, or if you need other legal assistance or advice, you may need to retain an attorney who specializes in immigration matters.

A good attorney will communicate clearly and accurately, outline your options, answer your questions, and act as your advocate with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Department of State, the Department of Labor, or other U.S. government agencies.

Following are some questions you should ask when considering an attorney:

• Is your practice limited to immigration law? How long have you been practicing in immigration law?
• Are you a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)? To you belong to other professional associations?
• What is your specialization within immigration law?
• Have you handled any cases similar to mine? If so, how many? What was the outcome?
• What is your fee and what service does the payment include? Am I charged every time I speak to you?
• Can you provide an estimate of how much time my case will take to be resolved?
• Who will actually handle my case - you or a paralegal? If it is a paralegal, can I meet him/her?
• What is the best way to communicate with you - by telephone, e-mail, or in person?

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has listings of the names and contact information of immigration attorneys throughout the United States. AILA can be reached at (202) 216-2400 or on their website.