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04 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. D'Arrigo was immensely helpful with the process of getting our I-485 application approved. The case was very complex and had been ongoing for several years. Mr. D'Arrigo had the local contacts in order to determine what was missing from the case and what we could do from our end to get it approved asap. He also was very patient in all of our inquiries and took the time to meet with us. Would recommend!
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07 Jun, 2017 by Kalyani
He filed my H1-B visa and was very quick with processing from his end. He kept me upto date about the status of application. He was readily available for calls and queries. All in all, he is skilled and efficient at his work.
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28 Jan, 2016 by Mohammed
Leonard D'Arrigo (LJ) is one the finest immigration attorney out there. He handled my employment based immigration. Every step of the process was handled with professionalism, timely replies and excellent co-ordination. His knowledge of all aspects of Immigration is hard to find. My case was a bit complicated but LJ's expertise made it look easy. All the steps of my EB immigration starting from H1B visa to Green Card were handled by LJ without any issues and made my legal immigration into the USA a joy rather than a hassle. Thank you LJ. My advice to anyone looking for a good attorney, just stop looking and call LJ.
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24 Oct, 2017 by Jim
After problems with my old lawyers ( a very large corporation) didn’t do a simple change of address form and then told INS that they had no knowledge of my whereabouts which left me in jail a friend contacted Mr Pearson , who was honest from the outset and not only got me out of jail but also over a period of the next 5 years worked tirelessly with wisdom, diligentce until the case was won and I had my green card . I would hole heartedly recommend Mr Pearson
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29 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr Jonathan is a real great lawyer, very honest compassionate and successful, he is very expert, and he gave me always the right advice and i trusted him for being a great person first of all and being an outstanding lawyer.. he stayed with me through all my sad journey and he cares a lot.. I'm lucky to have him as a lawyer..
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22 Jan, 2013 by Scott
Throughout my 23 years in the Law Enforcement Community I have come to know many Attorneys. In 2009 my wife and I were in need of an Immigration Attorney and Mr. Jonathan Pearson was recommended to us by a colleague. Our Case was complex and difficult to say the least, Mr. Pearson (Jonathan) agreed to take our case. Mr. Pearson was meticulous in performing his duties; his written briefs were some of the best I have ever read in my law enforcement career. I found him to be competent, knowledgeable, dedicated and tireless. In the end our case had a successful outcome thanks to the efforts of our Attorney, Mr. Jonathan R. Pearson. I was and to this day still impressed by his drive to achieve excellence and would recommend him without hesitation.
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24 Sep, 2019 by Rosa
John-Raphael is not only a good lawyer but a very nice person. I have always found him to be knowledgeable, straightforward, honest, very polite and friendly. He always comes through and truly has your best interest in mind. He keeps you well informed. If you are looking for an attorney who can get the job done. I would highly recommend John-Raphael Pichardo, he is an excellent lawyer!
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23 Aug, 2019 by Fabiola
John-Raphael has been nothing but exceptional since meeting him. As soon as I contacted him, he quickly responded and was able to meet with me for a consult on my family’s case. His ability to speak Spanish was really helpful in being able to keep my family involved in the conversation. He took his time in explaining all of our possible options and made sure that my family fully understood as well. I have never seen an attorney take this much care in his job. It was very clear how knowledgeable he is and how all his experiences make him very qualified for his job. Thankfully he is able to take on my family’s case and I look forward to continuing working with him. It is amazing to find someone who truly loves what they do and do it to help others.
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24 Jun, 2019 by Drew
John-Raphael provides amazing counsel and expert advice related to my public charities work - on matters of governance, Employment-based practices, gifts from large donors and supported us through some rough patches as a charity. I’m highly recommend him and the work of his law firm.
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18 May, 2022 by Tinaw
Leslie helped me with my case, she is knowledgeable and listens to details and is just the kind of lawyer you want to work on your case.
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13 Jun, 2016 by Alex kennberg
Leslie has filed a petition for a U.S. work visa for me. We are a startup and she has done a good job understanding the business, preparing the documents, and communicating. We also renewed the visa using her services. The team and process handling was very competent and I highly recommend Leslie to others for immigration related work.
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31 Aug, 2014 by Bilal
Leslie did my E2 Treaty Trader investment Visa. She is an excellent immigration lawyer with amazingly sharp business and commercial law knowledge. Her law firm is one of the best law firms in the area, if not the best. I have recommended Leslie to my friends as well as my Turkish community and they have all been very pleased with her work. Leslie always sends me email updates on any changes to immigration law that might affect my status.
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28 Jun, 2018 by Mustafa
I hired Brendan for J-1 2-year rule waiver with fear of persecution waiver with USCIS. He was very helpful for the entire process. He answered all of my questions which was a lot, in a timely manner. He responds to the emails very quickly. He follows up about the case. Highly recommend him for your immigration applications.
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28 Sep, 2016 by Kelly
We hired Brendan to help us fill up an application for a Green Card and he was beyond professional and organised the entire time. He was very quick at responding at emails and would answer any questions we had an anytime or day. The application got approved and Brendan made the whole process easy and stress free for us. I highly recommend Brendan Venter as a lawyer in any case of immigration.
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25 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Very professional, knowledgeable and a go-getter! Carlo was patient and hard working. He was always available to talk to and reassure me about my case.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Stanley sims
In the course of the conversation that I had with attorney Russel, we discussed a wide variety of subjects regarding a variety of themes. The planning of estates and weddings amongst persons of the same gender were two of the issues that we discussed throughout our conversation. Those individuals who paid attention to what we had to say were able to extract a great lot of value from his professional advice, which was of the highest possible quality and presented a large amount of support in a practical sense.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Nick supley
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08 Jul, 2024 by James ferguson
Professional. Efficient. Hard Working. Attorney Michael Supley handles cases with the utmost care and professionalism often going the extra mile for his clients. He is extremely knowledgeable on the subject matter and thorough in his work, always making clients feel like a priority. I Highly recommend anyone in need Michael’s services to represent your best interests.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Christopher carboni
My charges was reduced. I can't thank the team enough. Thank you Andrew.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Daniel miller
Got out of a DUI. Thanks to the DWI team. I usually sign off with ‘until next time’ but in this case - I’m hoping there is no next time. Time will tell, but if there is, I’m giving DWI team a call. Mr. Gouldie negotiated my charge down from a 5 point offense to a 2 point. Amazing work.
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29 Jun, 2024 by Jack van steenburg
I called Sarah Gold's law firm to ask about forming a LLC in New York. I did some research prior to my call but was confused as heck and was not confident in dealing with the state. Ms. Gold walked me through the process, answered my questions, and told me her fee. I thought the fee was competitive, keeping in mind it included state fees and public notice fees. We communicated online, she had to search to see if my LLC name was not prohibited or duplicative. I also asked for her to set up a DBA and she did that. It was so obvious that she new what she was doing, a true expert professional . She did all the filing, advertising and DBA in a day and I had what I legally needed hours later. she emailed me copies of the application filing, receipts and most important my official LLC. I would use Sarah Gold without any hesitation and I highly recommend you do too.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Seth is a responsive lawyer and appears to be a good person. However, my immigration journey with his office has been riddled with frustration, misjudgments, additional costs, and loss of time. To summarize a long and arduous experience: 1. His office failed to update my address during my initial application process, resulting in critical Request for Evidence (RFE) documents arriving months late. 2. When I pursued the marriage-based application route, Seth suggested transferring my initial case to supposedly streamline the process with USCIS. However, this decision only complicated matters further. It became evident that Seth underestimated USCIS practices, causing significant setbacks to both of my cases. Despite the setbacks, Seth only offered to continue the process at a reduced price, without acknowledging the inconvenience or offering compensation (not to mention additional application fees). After enduring a delay of at least two years, I eventually received my green card. Determined to avoid further complications, I chose to handle my naturalization application independently, which proved to be a smoother process. Unfortunately, it seems that for lawyers, clients are just one of many cases, while for us, our immigration journey is a matter of livelihood and security. Although no one can restore the lost years, financial resources, and energy expended, I had hoped for Seth to advocate for my case with the same dedication as he would for a family member. Overall, while Seth may be responsive and well-intentioned, the shortcomings in communication, understanding of USCIS procedures, and lack of acknowledgment for the difficulties faced during the process leave much to be desired in terms of client advocacy and support.
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30 Jul, 2019 by Mustafa
I had a chance to work with Seth and his great team. It was an amazing experience for me and I can't thank enough . They are very professional and very good at what they have been doing. If you need a professional legal assistance on your immigration matters , I would highly recommend Mr. Leech & his office.
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25 Nov, 2017 by Jasmine
Seth is a great immigration attorney. He was hired by the school district I work for to file an H1B petition. He always replied emails quickly and always kept me in the loop. I would strongly recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney to file an H1B visa petition.
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17 Jul, 2024 by William better
I have been a practicing attorney in the State of New York for over 42 years. During that time, I have had the privilege to know many great attorneys, as well as employ and train dozens of attorneys in various capacities. I have also needed, at times, to retain the services of attorneys for business or personal matters. During a very difficult time in my life, April Dalbec, Esq., served as my attorney. She provided extremely capable counsel. I witnessed, first hand, her ability to coordinate and work with other attorneys in complex matters. She provided excellent guidance in an emotionally-charged situation and she always listened to my concerns and was responsive. She was also readily available, including during evenings and weekends. April is blessed with a wonderful and responsive support staff. I would wholeheartedly endorse her for anyone experiencing a complex and difficult situation.
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28 Jan, 2024 by Despina amanatides
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25 Jul, 2023 by Kevin hansen
I have used Vincent Valenza of Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna LLP for all legal needs for the last few years and I couldn’t be more pleased.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Sharon hunt
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16 Aug, 2024 by Maddy larson
William Mattar and team was incredibly helpful, as dealing with the aftermath of an accident and injury is never easy. They were very transparent and answered all of my questions, even if they were silly.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Cindy taillon
The William Mattar law office handled our father's personal injury case resulting from a vehicle accident. Nicole, as our liaison, was diligent, informative, available and above all compassionate. She clearly communicated the status of all 3rd parties involved and the intricacies of medical, auto and no-fault insurances. Nicole patiently walked us through our questions and concerns and was readily available for further discussions. Anthony, our attorney, successfully settled the case fairly. My sister and I greatly appreciate the support and assistance we received and highly recommend the William Mattar Law firm.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Amanda lee sedor
Crystal Hill was amazing to work with. I came into the process of looking for a registers agent with a page full of questions and she took the time to thoroughly answer each question I had. The company has clear pricing and great customer service. Crystal followed up quickly with a recap in writing of our discussion. I feel supported by the company right from the start.
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26 Jul, 2024 by Carlyn worthy
Crystal Hill guided me through my compliance filing with expertise, outlining every step clearly. During our call, she offered to stay on the line until I felt certain that all of my questions were answered and concerns addressed. I told her she gave me peace of mind and I truly meant it. I appreciate Crystal's support and highly recommend partnering with NY Registered Agent.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Tori polani
CRYSTAL HILL - was by far the kindest, most patient, and most helpful person I've ever called at a company. She went above and beyond with helping me understand what I have going on and what I need to do. Super pleasant. I think she deserves a raise, to be quite frank. Thank you, again, Crystal!!
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17 Jul, 2024 by William better
I have been a practicing attorney in the State of New York for over 42 years. During that time, I have had the privilege to know many great attorneys, as well as employ and train dozens of attorneys in various capacities. I have also needed, at times, to retain the services of attorneys for business or personal matters. During a very difficult time in my life, April Dalbec, Esq., served as my attorney. She provided extremely capable counsel. I witnessed, first hand, her ability to coordinate and work with other attorneys in complex matters. She provided excellent guidance in an emotionally-charged situation and she always listened to my concerns and was responsive. She was also readily available, including during evenings and weekends. April is blessed with a wonderful and responsive support staff. I would wholeheartedly endorse her for anyone experiencing a complex and difficult situation.
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28 Jan, 2024 by Despina amanatides
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25 Jul, 2023 by Kevin hansen
I have used Vincent Valenza of Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna LLP for all legal needs for the last few years and I couldn’t be more pleased.
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05 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Wow just horrible. Really rude and bad customer service. I dont know how they keep operating.
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05 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
I’m trying to get in touch with him it’s really important other than that he’s a very experienced lawyer
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31 Jul, 2021 by Gulzar singh
My case was pending from long time, Mr. Fred Korkosz helped me a lot on my case.. finally approved after interview. Highly recommended.. thanks Mr.Fred
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What an Immigration Lawyer Can Do for You

An immigration lawyer specializes in helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate the complex immigration process. These lawyers provide legal guidance on various immigration matters, such as obtaining visas, gaining permanent residency (green cards), applying for citizenship, and defending clients in deportation or removal proceedings. Immigration lawyers also assist with employment-based immigration, asylum applications, and resolving issues related to visas or immigration status.

Whether you're trying to immigrate to the U.S., facing deportation, or sponsoring an employee or family member for a visa, an immigration lawyer can help you understand your legal options and navigate the often complicated legal system.

When Should I Hire an Immigration Lawyer?

Hiring an immigration lawyer is beneficial in many situations where you are dealing with U.S. immigration laws, whether for personal or business reasons. Common reasons to hire an immigration lawyer include:

  • Visa applications: If you need assistance applying for a visa, whether it's a work visa (H-1B), student visa (F-1), or tourist visa (B-1/B-2), a lawyer can help ensure the application is properly completed and submitted.
  • Green card applications: If you're seeking permanent residency, an immigration lawyer can guide you through the process, whether through family sponsorship, employment, or the Diversity Visa (lottery) program.
  • Deportation or removal defense: If you’re facing deportation or removal from the U.S., a lawyer can defend your case in immigration court and seek to prevent removal.
  • Asylum applications: If you’re seeking asylum due to persecution or fear of persecution in your home country, a lawyer can help you prepare a strong case and file for asylum.
  • Family reunification: If you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident looking to bring family members to the U.S., a lawyer can assist with the family sponsorship process.
  • Citizenship and naturalization: If you're ready to apply for U.S. citizenship, a lawyer can help you navigate the naturalization process and ensure you meet all the requirements.
  • Business immigration: If you're an employer seeking to hire foreign workers, a lawyer can assist with employment-based visas, labor certification, and compliance with immigration regulations.
  • Special immigration categories: Immigration lawyers also handle complex cases, such as visas for victims of human trafficking (T visa), crime victims (U visa), or those seeking Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Hiring an immigration lawyer early in the process can help you avoid delays, errors, and possible denials due to incomplete or incorrect applications.

What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?

An immigration lawyer provides a wide range of services to help clients with their immigration needs, whether personal or business-related. Their tasks often include:

  • Assisting with visa applications: Helping clients fill out and submit visa applications, ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate.
  • Filing for green cards and permanent residency: Guiding clients through the process of applying for a green card, including family-based, employment-based, or other forms of residency.
  • Defending against deportation or removal: Representing clients in immigration court who are facing deportation and working to prevent removal from the U.S.
  • Preparing asylum cases: Assisting clients in applying for asylum based on fear of persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
  • Handling citizenship applications: Helping lawful permanent residents apply for naturalization and ensuring they meet all the legal requirements for U.S. citizenship.
  • Employment-based immigration: Assisting employers with the process of sponsoring foreign workers for temporary or permanent visas, including H-1B, L-1, and EB-1 through EB-5 visas.
  • Representation in immigration interviews: Preparing clients for immigration interviews and attending interviews at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices.
  • Appealing denied applications: If a visa, green card, or citizenship application is denied, a lawyer can file appeals or motions to reopen or reconsider the case.

How Are Immigration Lawyers Paid?

Immigration lawyers generally charge for their services based on the type of immigration case and the complexity of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:

  • Flat fee: Many immigration lawyers charge a flat fee for specific services, such as preparing a visa application, green card petition, or citizenship application. Flat fees help clients know upfront what the legal costs will be for a particular service.
  • Hourly rate: For more complex cases, such as deportation defense or appeals, some lawyers charge by the hour. Hourly rates vary depending on the lawyer's experience and the complexity of the case.
  • Retainer: For ongoing immigration matters, some clients may need to pay a retainer, which is an upfront payment billed against as the lawyer works on the case.
  • Pro bono or sliding scale: Some immigration lawyers or nonprofit organizations may offer free or low-cost services for clients with limited financial means, particularly in asylum or humanitarian cases.

It’s essential to discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the costs and payment arrangements.

How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring an immigration lawyer varies based on the type of legal service required, the lawyer's experience, and the complexity of the case. General cost estimates include:

  • Visa applications: For help with visa applications (e.g., H-1B, L-1, F-1), legal fees may range from $2,000 to $7,500, depending on the complexity and the type of visa.
  • Green card applications: Fees for family-based or employment-based green card applications typically range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the case.
  • Deportation defense: For defending clients in removal proceedings, costs can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and how long the case takes.
  • Asylum cases: Asylum applications may range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on whether the case is defensive (in removal proceedings) or affirmative (not in removal proceedings).
  • Citizenship applications: Legal fees for filing a naturalization application usually range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the client’s immigration history.
  • Business immigration services: Fees for assisting businesses with employment-based visas (such as H-1B or EB-5 visas) often range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of costs and fee arrangements before proceeding with legal services.

Top Questions to Ask an Immigration Lawyer

Before hiring an immigration lawyer, it's essential to ask questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise to handle your case effectively. Important questions to ask include:

  1. What experience do you have with immigration cases like mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it’s family-based immigration, employment visas, or asylum.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your case and the potential outcomes, including any challenges you might face.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Immigration cases can take time, so ask how long it may take to process your application or resolve your legal issue.
  5. Will you handle my case personally?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of your case. Make sure you know who will be working on your case directly.
  6. What documents do I need to provide?
    Ask the lawyer about the documentation required to support your case, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or employment contracts.

How to Check the Credibility of an Immigration Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable immigration lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:

  • Check their state bar status: Confirm with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no disciplinary actions against them.
  • Look for specific immigration law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in immigration law and have experience handling cases like yours.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their ability to handle immigration cases.
  • Check for industry affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) can indicate the lawyer’s expertise and commitment to immigration law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with an immigration lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Passport and immigration documents: Bring your passport, visa, and any documents related to your current immigration status.
  • Family documents: If you're applying for a family-based visa or green card, bring marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of family relationships.
  • Employment information: For employment-based visas, provide your employment contract, offer letter, or other documentation of your job.
  • Criminal records (if applicable): If you have any criminal history, bring copies of court records and other relevant documents.
  • Timeline of events: Provide a clear timeline of any prior immigration applications, visas, or issues with immigration authorities.
  • List of questions: Prepare any questions you have about your immigration case, the process, costs, and the likelihood of success.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer understand your case more effectively and get the best possible legal advice on how to proceed.