Finding An Immigration Attorney

During the course of your stay in the United States, you may find yourself in a situation where hiring some expert legal help is important.   Whether the situation is directly related to your immigration situation or not, consulting with an immigration attorney may be important – this is particularly true if you find yourself in legal trouble regarding criminal activity, drugs, or alcohol.  In those cases, even if you get a court-assigned criminal defense lawyer, it is very important to get legal assistance regarding your immigration status – actions that solve your criminal court situation (and would be sensible for a U.S. citizen), could make remaining in the U.S. impossible.

Therefore, finding a good immigration attorney (lawyer) is really important.  Your attorney should have a solid understanding of the immigration system and your place in it.  A good attorney will be able to help you understand what options are available to you, help you.

We don’t recommend specific immigration attorneys at this time, because there are some liability issues with that, but there are helpful articles about selecting an immigration lawyer:

• https://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/us-immigration/how-find-an-excellent-lawyer.html
• https://www.eahimmigration.com/our-services/tips-on-hiring-an-immigration-attorney
• https://www.visalaw.com/blog-archive/finding-the-right-immigration-lawyer/

We do strongly recommend that you find a member of the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association – they require continuing education for their members, and given the changing nature of immigration law, that’s really important.  

Some Important Considerations:

Finding Attorneys

• Use online directories such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) website or state bar association websites to find immigration attorneys in your area. You can also check with organizations like the National Immigration Law Center. Or the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network
• Read client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Google, or Yelp to get an idea of the attorney's reputation.

Check Qualifications:

• Verify the attorney's credentials and qualifications. They should be a member of the state bar association be a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
• Contact the state bar association to confirm the attorney's good standing and check for any disciplinary actions. Colorado Attorney Search and Disciplinary History https://www.coloradosupremecourt.com/Search/AttSearch.asp
• Check their specialization and experience in immigration law. If you are facing a criminal charge, it important to find an immigration attorney who is well versed in criminal law, or a criminal attorney who understands the impact of criminal convictions (including pleading to a much more minor offense) on immigration status and benefits.  A “crimigration” attorney is best, though they are rare.
• If they are helping you with a criminal matter, they need to understand both criminal and immigration law, and the intersection of the two.

Initial Consultation:

• Many immigration attorneys offer initial consultations for free or at a reduced fee. Use this opportunity to discuss your case and evaluate their expertise, communication style, and compatibility with your needs.
• Inquire about the attorney's experience with cases similar to yours. A lawyer with relevant experience is better equipped to handle your specific immigration issues.
• Understand the attorney's fee structure and ensure it is transparent. Be wary of attorneys who make promises that sound too good to be true or demand a large upfront fee without a clear explanation of services.
• Assess their communication skills during the initial consultation. A good immigration attorney should be able to explain complex legal concepts in a way that is easy to understand.
• Request references from past clients or ask for case examples similar to yours. This can provide insights into the attorney's track record of success.

Check for Red Flags:

• Be cautious if an attorney guarantees a specific outcome or promises results. Immigration cases are subject to various factors, and outcomes can't always be guaranteed.
• Avoid attorneys who pressure you into making quick decisions.
• Don't hesitate to consult with more than one attorney before making a decision. This allows you to compare approaches and get a better sense of your options.
• Confirm that the attorney stays updated on changes in immigration law. Continuing education and involvement in professional organizations are positive indicators.

By observing these suggestions, you can increase the likelihood of finding a competent and reliable immigration attorney who can guide you through the complexities of various immigration needs.