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06 Oct, 2024 by Jim graeve
04 Oct, 2024 by Jon miller
When we found Mr.Moser we instinctively knew we had the right professional for the task. This man first tried to bring the parties together to resolve a stalemate. After those attempts, he then methodically took steps to insure a fair outcome. He was successful after many months. I cannot say enough about Mr. Mosers expertise, thoroughness, honesty, and perseverance, not to mention the steady and calm demeanor he exhibited throughout the whole process. A more thoughtful and compassionate man you will seldom find.
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29 Jun, 2024 by Kim silva
25 Oct, 2024 by Kelly
John MacDonald provided exceptional support and guidance throughout my entire legal process. From the moment I walked into his office, he explained exactly what he would do to resolve my case and what I could expect. His communication was clear and consistent, and everything unfolded just as he described on day 1. The cost was transparent from the start—no surprises: an affordable and predictable rate. John's experience and expertise in Rhode Island are second to none. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a top-tier criminal defense lawyer.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Steven
I hired John to be my lawyer after I was charged with a serious crime that I was no guilty of. John believed in me every step of the way and represented me with professionalism and honor. The communication from John and his office help to keep my family and I at ease. When it was clear my case would be going to trial John gave me all the facts so I could make an informed decision. During the lead up to the trial John laid out his strategy but let me make the final decision. After a trial I was found not guilty after a masterful defense from John. The jury deliberated for less than an hour and a half before returning their verdict. John is without a doubt the best in the business, lawyers came to my trial just to observe him at his work. If you need the best lawyer available to represent you than look no further than John Macdonald, because he can save your life like he did mine.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Jackie
John provided an awesome defense for my son and I will be forever grateful for what he did. He believed in my son as much as I did and made sure that he gets to live the rest of his life free. He was extremely caring, genuine and intelligent. He was honest and was up front about everything. I hope to never have to hire him again but through this process he has become a friend of our family and we will be forever grateful. Oh and by the way he loves warm hugs from grateful mothers.
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15 May, 2023 by Wendi dodson
the Law Office of Kenneth J. Amoriggi did an excellent job handling my car accident claim. As a Texas Personal Injury attorney myself, I knew my claim needed a lawyer who could provide professional services with a personal touch. Having an accident while traveling out of state was daunting, but the entire team at Ken Amoriggi’s firm made the process as seamless as possible while maximizing my claim. If you’re injured and need a law firm to provide you with top notch legal services, look no further.
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15 May, 2023 by Erin nascimento
The Law Office of KJA is a staff full of caring and considerate folx. They are rooted in the community with a dedication to the people that they serve. Ken is a staple in the area with a current seat in the local town council. His diverse experience across differing areas in his field is why I chose Ken. I feel comfortable speaking with him about the topics that my family faces.
Used for family disability claim and personal loss (larceny/ insurance claim)
Pros:
Rooted in the community
Adequate personnel
Educated staff
Willingness to assist
Approachable
Easily reached by phone/email
Convenient highway access
Cons:
Rising demand for services
Single, dedicated Esp. on staff
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19 Oct, 2022 by Scott chipperfield
19 Dec, 2024 by Mike roy
Absolutely the best attorney I have ever worked with! Jude was very knowledgeable about the laws and regulations pertaining to my case and was always a step ahead. Step by step he kept me informed and fought aggressively for my benefits of which I received all of. Thank you Jude!
Also, the staff he has is second to none!
Ebony was always available to answer my questions about any concerns I had with my case and is also very knowledgeable in virtually every facet of the process, we spoke almost daily. She’s the best! Thank you too Ebony!
If you are looking for an amazing lawyer that knows what they’re doing and that you can rely on look no further. Karns & Kerrison is it!
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26 Nov, 2024 by Neil gomes
Shelagh was amazing, true professional from beginning to end. She really helped me, I would highly recommend her, to anyone in need.
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26 Nov, 2024 by John morais
I was blessed to have home repercent me he and his office walked me through every step thank so much
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01 Nov, 2024 by Ziad
Zach and his associate were incredibly helpful and professional in their work with us on my permanent residency and adjustment of status applications. They walked us through the process, and they offered advice and support along the way. They were quick to respond to any questions we had or inquiriesthat came from USCIS. Importantly to us, Zach cared about us as people and connected with us on that level, helping us navigate what is a stressful process and easing our concerns at each step.
I would strongly recommend Zach to any person looking for immigration support.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Zachary was welcoming from the first moment he entered the conference room. He listened and asked detailed questions about the situation before answering my questions. He acknowledged the difficult situation and gave me the the information I needed. In the end, he was understanding and compassionateabout the situation. He offered to follow up with any additional questions. I did have a couple follow-up questions and he responded promptly. I was very satisfied with his level of etiquette. I will absolutely use his services in the future if needed.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Carlos
It was a consultation that turned into a contract. I hired him for the professionalism and welcome he gave me, as I was almost desperate since the day my wife asked me for a divorce in October 2021. He accompanied me, updated me and instructed me from the divorce petition to the end with the interview and approval of my citizenship on October 1, 2024.
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09 Dec, 2024 by Yalina
Grateful to God and with the incredible experience of the lawyer Luanne Santelises and her work team, I got very good results working with them, two residences won, I did not expect less from that great team that with patience and dedication responds to all your concerns that makes them great people,so I recommend it with my eyes closed and I hope they have the same results as me.
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21 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Mrs. Santelises and her team are very professional and in the same time very friendly. They guided me thru the immigration cases for my sisters and informed me on every step of the process. I had a great experience with Santelises Law and I would highly recommend them. Thank you
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20 Jun, 2023 by Mery
Fue un excelente servicio y se llevó todo el protocolo correctamente. Se cumplió con las expectativas por lo tanto ha sido un éxito el caso con la abogada.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Sheila whalley
We meet Jason Knight at the court. We are thankful for all his help and support. He took care of two of my husband court cases and made easier for us to have peace of mind. We appreciate everything he did.. That's why he is and always will be our family Attorney. Thank you Jason Knight
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26 Nov, 2024 by Tony palma
John is an amazing attorney! I went into my divorce on 9/15/23 after my wife served me papers and made outlandish lies about me. It was a scary point in my life. John fought diligently to clear my name and continued to defend me all the way to the end! On the day we were supposed to go to trial, John's hard work and his proffecency of the law and readiness forced opposing consul to settle without a trial where I was awarded a much greater portion of the marital estate than what they were initially asking for to the point were if you had it to call it a win/loose situation I clearly won! Throughout the 15 months, John worked diligently to defend me against my X's lies and false allegations and provided not only great legal counsel but moral support and understood the emotional toll this was taking on me and gave me great moral support as well. I am thrilled to write this review for John, not only as a client but I now consider John a good friend! If you are going through anything that requires an attorney regarding a family court matter, John should be your pick! He is the best attorney you will find and a true gentleman who will handle your matter professionally and compassionately! Thank you, John, for everything! Both myself and my family can not thank you enough for everything! You are truly a special person!
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14 Nov, 2024 by Christian lewis
Hands down best humble attorney in the state of Rhode Island, Thank you Brett Beaubien 🙌🏿 for helping get back my LTC after it was wrongfully revoked.
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02 Feb, 2024 by Ousainou
Did an excellent job! Was always on time with deadline would definitely recommend!
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21 Dec, 2023 by Mahalia
Attorney Saikon and her team did a phenomenal job with my case. I had an immigration case where I have been an international student in the US for a while and then I got married so I had to do a change of status. She made sure that we had everything that we needed, to the point where we did not need an interview. My case was approved within 6 months and everything went smoothly. Attorney Saikon is very thorough, strategic and professional. She went the extra mile to make sure that everything was done perfectly and within a timely manner. I highly recommend her services. My husband and I are grateful for everything she has done. Definitely worth it!
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29 Nov, 2023 by Tylor
This was my second time working with Saikon. Both of my cases were settled fast and to my satisfaction. She found great places to repair my cars. Within an hour of speaking to her, I had rentals within my budget. She handled every bill relating to the accidents. There was so much weight lifted off my shoulders during both processes and it was great having someone who cared about my overall health. Thank you Saikon!
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20 Jun, 2018 by Mark
Our company has used the services of Barsom Law for several business situations, all of hem have been at a reasonable cost and with results in our favor - We can't recommend them enough!
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18 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I called George after sustaining an injury in a car accident that I was involved in. He was very diligent and responsive with my case and easy to deal with. What I really liked about him was that he was very prompt with returning my calls.
Before I hired George, I spoke with another attorney who said my case was not worth much because of my injuries but George was very aggressive with the insurance company and got me a lot more $$$ than I expected or what the other attorney had said my claim was worth.
Will definitely recommend to everyone I know !!!!
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08 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
George was a great from the very first call. He is honest and works hard for his clients. He is not your typical lawyer who waits to be retained and then does nothing. He is currently working on my husbands immigration case and My husband and I could not have picked a better lawyer. He is sharp, responsive and passionate about what he does.
Thank you George for making this horrible situation tolerable.
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20 Oct, 2022 by Sam
I recently worked with Andrew to renew the E-2 visa status for our company and 4 of our employees. He and his team were extremely proactive and communicative throughout the entire process - providing detailed guidance, answering every question we could throw at them, and pulling all our paperwork together in a timely and efficient manner.
Their thorough approach gave us confidence to get on with our day jobs, and we ultimately breezed through our embassy interviews with no issues. We will be working with Andrew and the team at Green and Spiegel again in future, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anybody seeking help with immigration!
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20 Nov, 2019 by Paul
I hired Andrew to work on my green card application. He helped me throughout the entire process: collecting documents, reaching out to family for reference letters, putting together all of the paper work. He was extremely helpful in reviewing my work as I put it together and offered helpful feedback; he was always prompt in his replies.
Once we put in the application the process went well, including the interview, for which he helped me prepare. When there was a mistake made by the government in processing my application, Andrew very quickly went above and beyond to help me work through it and we had a successful outcome.
Andrew was nothing but professional and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend him.
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12 Jan, 2017 by Raz
Andrew was extremely dedicated and helpful. His communication was open and honest and met our needs entirely. We would not have been successful if it weren't for his efforts.
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03 Mar, 2015 by Morgan
Karen was the primary attorney for my P1 Visa application. Having had bad experiences with attorneys in other fields of law, I was nervous that this would be just be another bad experience. It was the opposite. Karen has the nicest phone voice. But backs it up with clear, intelligent, efficient communications that just fit perfectly with my style. I would define my style as "perfectionist". And while I am old enough to realize that nothing in this world is perfect, Karen was about as close to it as I could ever expect an attorney to be. Thank you!!
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23 Jun, 2014 by William
Karen made a potentially difficult process quite easy. She told us exactly what was needed and what to expect, prepared all the paperwork, and came with us to the interview. We managed to get my wife's green card in 3 months. During that time, Karen was always available either by telephone or email. I would definitely recommend her to anyone seeking immigration counsel.
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20 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Attorney Francis Exceeded my expectations and provided an attention to detail in my case that reassured me that my case was being handled.
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01 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I have had the privilege of having Susan Pires as my attorney for over 14 years. Her friendship, courtesy, knowledge and honesty have been very important to me during the last three years that she has represented me in a child support case while my Disability case has been pending. Susan is always there whenever the need arises for her representation. As an individual with many anxiety issues, her empathetic demeanor always gives me emotional support for the court appearances that are necessary. I am extremely grateful for her service and would highly recommend Susan without any reservations.
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15 Jul, 2015 by Lisa
Sarah was great to work with throughout my divorce. She helped me understand the complexities of what was going on in court. Sarah helped me get custody of my kids and I am forever indebted to her for helping me through such a difficult time for my family. I would suggest her to anyone looking a strong advocate in the courtroom.
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05 Dec, 2016 by Pere
James Briden is the brightest lawyer I have ever met.
I became a U.S Citizen because of James. He handled my entire immigration process, showed up to my interview with the immigration officer and made the process easy. When I got into Real Estate Investing I relied on James for solid advice that saved me thousand of dollars and avoiding potential law suits. I would recommend James to anyone.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Tracey tun
Chris is amazing! He goes over the whole process with you. He is also fast and a great lawyer. He really knows what he is doing. My divorce went very smoothly, thanks to him. I strongly recommend him.
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30 May, 2024 by Lori gemma
I highly recommend Christopher Pearsall as a divorce attorney. Not only is Christopher very affordable, he also guided me through the divorce proceedings and explained the process throughly. He gave great advice and answered any questions in a timely manner. I was very happy with the outcome of the divorce settlement. Thank you Chris!
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02 Feb, 2024 by K c
I was referred to Lauri Medwin Fine by a mutual friend to handle my divorce, and I am so grateful that I found her! Lauri put me at ease from the moment we met. Her legal expertise, combined with her warm and calming nature made me feel confident and empowered at my initial consultation. She handled everything professionally and efficiently. She made the legal process feel less intimidating by preparing me for what to expect at each step. It was evident that she always had my best interests in mind. I highly recommend Lauri for any of your legal needs.
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23 May, 2013 by Joe
Attorney Robinson was not able to handle a case for me in this instance. However, he spent hours looking into the problem prior to my appointment and spent 1.5 hours with me explaining various legal outlooks to me so that I could understand properly. He has worked with me in the past to my great satisfaction. Mike knew that he wouldn't be able to handle this complicated case and referred me to another attorney who works with this rare area of law. However, Mike Robinson is able to handle a wide range of law. You will find him to be capable, intelligent, speedy and caring.
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30 Oct, 2024 by Stephanie mcgarrahan
Got my money from my accident in a timely manner!!
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22 Oct, 2024 by Flip plas
Mr. Bonnin Esq. handled my workers compensation claim with the utmost speed and proficiency.
Initially my employer refused to take responsibility for the injuries I sustained. Mr. Bonnin was referred to me by an individual I trust, therefore was on the top of my list to entrust as my advocate. I could not be happier. Mr. Bonnin and his staff showed me every courtesy and exemplary proficiency. My case was won, my surgery came to fruition, and my life returned to normal thanks to Mr. Bonin and staff.
I sincerely hope I should never need the expertise of an attorney again but if I do I will most certainly call Mr Bonin. I hope this honest and straightforward review helps to erase any misgivings of securing his services, and I sincerely hope it helps someone feel at ease with his services.
Respectfully
Phil Plas
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13 Oct, 2024 by Jeannette mendez
I called them for a consultation and in less than five minutes, he hung up on me while I was still talking. He was so rude. He didn’t even listen to me. He was dismissive, and it appeared that he only cared about money. Try somebody else do not waste your time.
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08 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
During a difficult time, such as a divorce, you want Elisha in your corner. She is smart, attentive, and quick to action. Elisha is so poised and professional that you will be proud to have her as your representation. Elisha helps break down complicated matters, and is always available by phone or email to review outstanding questions or issues.
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14 Feb, 2022 by Kj
Just do it, pay the retainer, it’s worth it.
You’ll always have the upper hand; the more reasonable proposals, the better articulated documentation, the more personal lawyer-to-client relationship, etc.
If you’re overwhelmed and anxious and cut her off seventy-five times, she speaks calmly the seventy-sixth time, even though you don’t deserve it, because shes really there for you.
She’s just the whole package, already in the court room before you or the other party get there, ready to carry you through the darkness. I wish I was kidding, but it’s actually that dramatic.
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01 Aug, 2021 by Rob c
E. Morris came highly recommended. While working on my case, Elisha was attentive, professional and aggressive. Great communication and always followed up on calls/emails.
Elisha will be the first to call if ever need counsel within the future
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25 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
He is very knowledgable and friendly. He isn't very high tech, but as long as he was able to produce fantastic results, his low tech is fine with me. I had a complicated immigration problem which he was able to solve.
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24 Jul, 2013 by Adela
He has been great in resolving all of my husband's INS issues!! Thanks Robert Watt!! My family and I are forever grateful!
The Baez family
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04 Feb, 2024 by Enmanuel tejada
31 Oct, 2023 by Miguel herrera
Excellente lawyer with a frendly and bilingual staff for support; if needed.
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12 Jul, 2023 by Jose rivera jr
Buena comida mmmmm rico
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04 Feb, 2024 by Enmanuel tejada
31 Oct, 2023 by Miguel herrera
Excellente lawyer with a frendly and bilingual staff for support; if needed.
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12 Jul, 2023 by Jose rivera jr
Buena comida mmmmm rico
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13 Jun, 2020 by Cecilia
Joan Mathieu is by far one of the best attorneys I've ever known. I feel so lucky that she is in Rhode Island. There is no doubt that if there is a difficult case that most attorneys would say there are no probabilities, she would study the case and come up with a legal defense that no one else thought about. I have brought various of my family members and she has helped them all. I highly recommend Joan to anyone in need of an honest, straight answer.
Joan Mathieu es, sin duda, una de los mejores abogados que he conocido. Me siento tan afortunada de que este en Rhode Island. No hay duda de que si hay un caso difícil en el que la mayoría de los abogados diría que no hay probabilidades, ella estudiaría el caso y presentaría una defensa legal en la que nadie más pensó. Recomiendo a Joan a cualquiera que necesite una respuesta honesta y directa.
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08 Jan, 2018 by Azade
I am an Amercian citizen who started the process to request my husband under the law of the ten years. Our case was super complicated, and every step of the way I profoundly appreciated Joan's honesty, spirit-driven, and knowledge of immigration law. We did everything she asked for. And she walked with us through all the loops and steps needed, even when we were about to travel overseas for my husband's final interview in the US Embassy, she took the time to practice the questions with us, review all pertinent documents, and prepare us emotionally to face any challenges that could arise. Thanks to this attorney my family were reunited and now my husband has his ten year's residency. We could not thanks her enough. Our case took over three years, and she never gave up. Worth it every dollar we paid for her services. Those that said that she "brags" don't understand that she actually speaks in an honest way to let you know the potential outcome, she prefers to lose money than to take it for a case that will not go anywhere. Thankful to God to had her as our attorney. Will recommend it to anyone.
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08 Jan, 2018 by Sergio
My wife and I went to her Officce because a friend of ours recommend it for our case;
Then, in the first consultation, we liked her attention and the way that she explained in details the process for our case. We started working in the case and she worked very hard to help us...Thanks to God and of course to her who helped us, now we can be united with our family and see everything on a different way, we can travel together to many places, and even carry out our errands without any fear. I recommend her because she is an excellent person and knows how to treat her clients.
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04 Feb, 2019 by Olga
Attorney Marcela is a great Attorney, I highly recommend her. She helped me and my family with our immigration process and I can only thank God that we hired her as our attorney. She explained the processes and possible outcome thoroughly.
I also went for my first consultation on a Saturday and as any good attorney, Marcela had a lot of people waiting outside before the office had opened their doors at 9:00AM. I was the last person to sign in and I was the 11th person, which is why I imagine it’s hard for them to take more people. I waited a long time and I did not regret waiting to see her. Thanks attorney Marcela for your hard work and dedication to the Hispanic community.
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28 Jul, 2018 by Maria
This Immigration Attorney fails, on answering your calls can not get by the front desk secretary, even by making numerous calls and left messages never heard back, after this decided to go to office and again front desk secretary will politely take info but suggested to go saturday morning at 9:00 am this is only to see if you will be seen to make an $100 consultation and praying to GOD she decides to give an appointment during the week, but make sure you there before 9am to guarantee a spot to be seen. if you get there after 10am forget about it you will be turned back and be asked to come back next Saturday. SO disappointed since Attorney Marcela Ordonez was highly recommend by close acquaintance.
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20 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
I was randomly recommended Mr. Rademacher by the RI Bar Association referral process. He was disorganized, unprofessional, far too casual in demeanor, and caused an incredibly simple uncontested divorce with no assets & no children to take 3 court dates due to his own irresponsibility and disorganization. He came across as an entitled frat bro who somehow made it through law school.
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21 Apr, 2020 by Marisol
Dilloun helped me get out of a terrible marriage. He was a great help settling the finances and getting the marriage over with!
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
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:
-
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
