If you have an immigration issue, you need a lawyer. But while lots of attorneys say they handle immigration cases, it’s extremely important to have an experienced immigration lawyer who can help you get the best outcome for your case.
How do you choose the best immigration attorney? Here are some tips from Texas Legal network attorney, Daniella Lyttle of the Lyttle Law Firm, who is an expert in immigration cases.
An Attorney That Works With You Directly
It’s very important in immigration cases to have an lawyer who will be personally involved in your case and handle it themselves, not through their staff.
“Most firms have paralegals and legal assistants, but the client really wants somebody to hold their hand that’s the actual professional,” says Lyttle.
Immigration cases are very detailed and complex, so it’s important that you have good communication with your attorney, and it’s much more difficult to do that if you never speak to them directly.
An Attorney With Experience
When you go to talk to an immigration attorney, ask them about their experience handling different kinds of cases in different settings. Although many immigration cases are handled in the U.S. court system, others are handled in foreign consulates, which operate by different rules and regulations. You want an attorney who is experienced in the area where you need them to be.
An Attorney That Can Communicate in the Correct Language
“Make sure that you pick an attorney that can either speak the language or has access to interpreters to the language for the consulate where you or your family member is coming from,” says Lyttle.
Because immigration cases are so complex, it’s important that language barriers don’t get in the way. Lyttle says a bilingual firm is always better for clients.
An Attorney Who Keeps You Informed
Lyttle says the number one complaint she hears about immigration attorneys is that the client doesn’t know what’s going on with their case.
“They say, ‘I never hear from the lawyer. I never know what’s going on with my case. I have no clue,'” says Lyttle.
Lyttle says a good attorney should communicate with you frequently about the status of your case, even if it’s just to tell you that you’re still waiting for the next step.
Looking to Save on Your Immigration Case?
If you’re looking for an immigration attorney and would also like to save money on your immigration case, consider a Texas Legal membership. A Texas Legal plan covers immigration benefits such as getting an I-130 petition for a family member to join you in the U.S., as well as dozens of other legal matters and legal service hours that can cover other kinds of immigration cases. At just a few hundred dollars a year, 12 months of coverage will cost you less than what the typical attorney charges for just one hour of help.
In addition, a membership with Texas Legal means you can access our network of over 500 attorneys across Texas and search for them using our attorney finder, where you can specify what kind of cases they handle, such as immigration cases.
Looking for a Lawyer? Do Your Homework
Lyttle stresses that it’s really important to be choosy when finding a good immigration attorney. Ask around for recommendations and make sure to interview the potential candidates before moving forward. Although no lawyer can guarantee a set outcome, the right immigration attorney can make a difference between your case moving forward successfully or being stuck in limbo for years.