Three Things I Wish I Knew Before Hiring an Immigration Attorney

After 12+ years of providing business consulting and related immigration support services, Visa Business Plans has gathered input from thousands of clients. Again and again, customers tell us that they wish they’d had a better idea of how things work in the U.S. before selecting an immigration attorney.

To help you choose the perfect immigration attorney for your specific case, we have compiled three of the most frequently discussed topics that clients have been surprised by over the years.

The Role of Specialization in U.S. Law

U.S. attorneys usually specialize in a particular area, including immigration law, family law, business law, etc.[1] This concept can be confusing for foreign nationals coming from other countries, especially those from Latin America. Some foreign nationals may be used to working with one attorney who can cover all legal matters, whereas, in the U.S., this may not be possible. Being well-informed about the area in which your potential attorney specializes can help you meet your specific legal needs and avoid the issues that may arise from working with the wrong type of professional.

The Importance of Communication Style

In today’s world of ever-expanding technology, being aware of your preferred communication style as well as that of your potential attorney is critical. Some attorneys prefer to conduct all correspondence over email, while others insist on video calls or in-person meetings. In addition, some attorneys want to be involved in all communications their clients carry out about their cases, while others feel that some matters do not require legal input. Knowing your preferred method of communication early on will allow you to choose an immigration attorney whose style matches yours, setting the stage for a great client-attorney relationship.

The Benefits of Big Law Firms vs. Small Ones

There are pros and cons to both big law firms and small practices, and being aware of the advantages of each will help you make an appropriate selection for your legal needs. Big law firms often have the most resources and may have more financial capital to draw on in assisting clients. On the other hand, smaller practices frequently provide a higher level of personalized service than big firms, offering faster communication due to their lower volume of clients. Evaluating the details of your case and weighing your legal needs will help you pick the right immigration attorney.