Tips for finding an immigration lawyer in the US – Part 2

As in medicine, the law has many specialties. Immigration, with its complex laws and gray legal areas, having the right lawyer to handle your immigration issue is important.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (ALIA) is an organization of attorneys who practice immigration law. Their website, http://www.aila.org/, is comprehensive and allows visitors to use a search option to locate a lawyer in their area as well as one who specializes in their particular need, such as employment or deportation.

As is evident from perusing the Q&A section of the AILA website, immigration lawyers do not just serve immigrants. Often, U.S. employers need assistance with ever-changing laws. Couples who wish to adopt a child from another country will benefit from an immigration lawyer.

That said, in selecting an immigration lawyer a potential client should consider financial capabilities and specific need.

Rates will vary depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of time necessary to perform the required tasks. Many law firms do provide pro bono work. Pro bono means the client pays nothing. This freebie’ is usually used for clients who either are in dire need and have no resources, or if the courts appoint a lawyer and request pro bono services be applied.

The best way to find out if an attorney is familiar with the type of problem you may be experiencing is to ask. Ask the lawyer for references, or for his or her credentials to show he or she can provide the necessary service. A lawyer who specializes in overseas adoption may not be as adept at matters regarding deportation or criminal acts as pertain to illegal aliens.

To actually locate a lawyer may be the most pressing problem to start with. If you have been detained, for example, you have the right to demand a lawyer. That public defender will most likely be able to locate an appropriate lawyer for you. If the need is not that immediate, start with word of mouth. Ask friends and relatives for references. Even if their problems are different than your own, a recommendation will at least point you in the direction of a lawyer who specializes in immigration issues.

Specialty lawyers will often advertise in appropriate newspapers or magazines. Many periodicals serve non-English speaking immigrants, and lawyers who specialize in visas or green cards are often found in these periodicals.

You may need a lawyer simply to help with the legal forms required by the government to obtain a visa, or bring family to the U.S. Any lawyer should tell you upfront a reasonable estimate of cost for these type of services. As with any situation, though, expect the attorney to be very clear on how he or she charges, what the anticipated cost could be, and what upfront costs there may be.

As stated earlier, immigration law is not limited to visas, naturalization, and deportation. Many employers today need assistance in assuring their hiring practices do not violate any laws. American adoptions are very complicated; overseas adoptions are all the more complex. Whatever the need, be certain you employ an attorney who is well versed in the area of need, and can provide specific knowledge to the issue at hand.