Are you interested in a free immigration consultation, but worried what you should ask during the time that you have with the attorney? We’ve got the answers in today’s immigration law post here at Nelson and Associates.
Free Immigration Consultation: What Should You Ask?
During a free immigration attorney consultation, you have limited time to talk to your potential attorney. At Nelson and Associates, we know that you want to make the most of that time by asking all of the right questions! So here are some of the questions that we recommend that you ask during your meeting!
What Happens During a Free Consultation?
A: During a free consultation with an immigration attorney, the attorney will ask you a number of questions, but you will also get the opportunity to ask the attorney some questions too. Most of the questions that your attorney will ask you will be about the case that you need their help with. For example, what kind of case do you need their help with? Have you received any official court summons or letters from USCIS? This information will help your attorney to determine whether they are the best fit for you and your case. While you may have your heart set on one particular attorney because of what you have heard about them, it is important that your attorney is the best fit for your chase. So, if the attorney you are speaking with tells you that they would not be the right fit for your job, take that at face value and realize that they are trying to do what is best for you and your legal case.
If the attorney you are speaking to feels that they are the right fit for you, they may ask you more questions about how they can help with your case. The attorney is looking to see whether there is anything about your case that may cause complications or anything that is unfamiliar to the attorney.
Most importantly, your attorney needs to know whether you are facing deportation. The threat of deportation makes a case time sensitive, so it’s important to be honest!
Questions to Ask Your Immigration Attorney
When you have an opportunity to ask questions of your attorney – your attorney will ask if you have any questions for them – some questions to consider asking include:
- Where are you licensed to practice law?
- Will you be working on my case directly or will another partner in your firm be handling it?
- What areas of law do you practice or is immigration law your only area of focus?
- Do you have a significant caseload at the minute? (You need to find out how much the attorney in question can dedicate themselves to your case. For simple cases, you do not need your attorney to be ‘on the case 24-7, but if you have a more complicated case and are facing deportation, you need an attorney who can devote time to your case.)
- Do you have translators on staff or are you multilingual? (Only when applicable.)
- Are you a member of any professional organizations?
- Do you feel comfortable around the attorney? You need to be able to talk openly and honestly with your attorney so that they can better help you with your case. If you feel uncomfortable and unable to communicate with your attorney, you may leave out important information that could wind up causing serious problems with your case.
- How will you let me know if you need something from me? Email, phone, etc. (If you have a preferred method of communication, it is a good idea to let the attorney know this.)
- Do you have experience with cases like mine?
- How long have you been practising immigration law?
- Do you believe that I have a good case?
- Do you think you could give me a ballpark figure for the cost of my representation?
*A Note: Don’t hire the first attorney that you speak with, take some time and compare attorneys and see which would best suit your needs.
Are You Looking For a Reputable Immigration Attorney?
If you are looking for a reputable immigration attorney in Pasadena, California, Nelson and Associates can help! Just give us a call today at 626-683-3451 and set up your appointment! Attorney Nelson would be more than happy to help with your immigration case, no matter what you are facing.
