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10 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I was referred to Mr. Barajas, who contacted with me without delay. After reviewing my case with me, he provided some options to consider, and took the time and care to ensure I made decisions that I was comfortable making. The whole process was made clear to me before proceeding. I am confident that I received the best outcome possible, and I believe that Mr. Barajas was able to achieve this outcome because of his knowledge of the law, excellent communication skills, and genuine care and concern for his client.
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30 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I utilized Veronica for my uncontested divorce. She was prompt, professional and most importantly kind. She cares about her clients emotional needs as much as their legal needs. She spent time with me talking me through the process as well as what happens in my life now that I am a single mother of three children after 17 years. I've never had a better experience with an attorney. She is one of the great ones. You won't be disappointed.
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26 Jun, 2021 by Paul
Maria Del Socorro Arredondo handled my case speedily, and the outcome was excellent.
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13 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Ms. Delgado is proffessional ans couteous. I hired her to challenge Paternity for a child that i initially thought was mine, but turned out not to be. The mother knew this and tried to get me for 18 years of child support. Ms. Delgado immediately went to work and my case was succesful!! The court granted my challenge of paternity and orderd the name change. I am so Greatful to Ms. Delgado because if it wasn't for her I'd end up paying child support for a child that is not mine! Thank you Ms. Delgado! I will greatly Recommend your services to others!
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31 May, 2018 by Apriyane
My N-400 got denied & a friend of mine recommended DMCA.. I saw Lance to discuss my case & we decided to appeal.. I had Amy Thomas as my attorney.. She is very professional, smart, quick action & friendly.. She explained very clearly what I don’t understand & fully trust me in this case..
The interview went so well & i got approved.. Yyeaayy..!! Thank you all for the hard work, specially Amy Thomas.. You guys are awesome..!!
I highly recommend DMCA if you need a legal service.. Excellent attorneys & fast service.. Thank you once again..
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07 Jan, 2020 by Joanie garro
11 May, 2019 by Woody lawson
Ericka, and the entire team at Lindow Stephens Treat, was amazing. For the last two years I've had the pleasure of working with them and not only is Ericka a phenomenal attorney but a genuine person to interact with. She was always in touch, either reaching out or available for my random questions, and made what in most cases can be a stressful endeavor a relatively seamless experience. Thank you for everything.
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11 Jun, 2017 by Richard diaz
04 Apr, 2024 by Yaisel gastamiza labrada
04 Apr, 2024 by Yaisel gastamiza labrada
17 Oct, 2024 by J. unger
I am just going to say - Derek has been there through both the thick and the thin. I wouldn’t be where I am at today if it weren’t for him.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Jason darr
I would like to say, I was referred to Emmons law firm, from a family friend . Mr. Emmons, took my case on for a family violence case . He was helpful from the very beginning before I hired him , he was honest and gave me plenty of options to think about . I just want to say I'm more than pleased with how my case turned out . I honestly feel Mr. Derek Emmons is a good family man and some one I'm very grateful for having on my side . I truly believe with conversations and his preparedness and the way he handled my situation I couldn't have found any one any better. I just want to say thank you for helping me . Some of the things he shared from his personal life experiences helped me and really made me look at things differently . I highly recommend Emmons law firm, to any one in need of a excellent legal representation.
Thank you .
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09 Jul, 2024 by Richard mcgraw
Mr. Emmons is a great attorney, he is understanding, compassionate and cares for his clients. he assisted me in getting a mistake resolved from a relationship that had gone bad, he had the case placed on Pre trial diversion.
I completed the program and the case was expunged.
I am forever grateful to him. he was a saving grace when I thought my future was over.
currently getting my Graduate degree because of his legal assistance.
if you need an attorney select him.
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29 Jan, 2025 by F n
14 Jan, 2025 by Janeth quintana
Ive known good Attorneys But I im very impressed with the work Tim Rountree does he got my felony case dismissed in just one court day He got to the court and after just 10 minutes off speaking to the prosecuter I saw him go to the judge and in less then 15 minutes we came out and he gave me my motion to dismiss sing by the judge If you are ever in need off any legal assistance don't go waist time and money with No one else...I've known attorneys through out my life but had never seen such an impressive job done and not only that but Quick.
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05 Jan, 2025 by Sally rosales
Mr. Rountree is not just a great lawyer but also an incredible human being. As a nurse, I’m accustomed to dealing with high-stress situations in my profession, but this legal situation was entirely new and overwhelming for my family and me. From the moment we met Mr. Rountree, he guided us through this unfamiliar process with care and expertise. He is trustworthy, dependable, and made it possible for me to focus on my work while knowing my little brother’s case was in the best hands.
Mr. Rountree is professional, communicative, and dedicated. Despite his busy schedule, he always took the time to respond to us and ensure we felt supported every step of the way. My little brother made a mistake, but Mr. Rountree helped the judge see that he is a good person who simply made a poor decision. Thanks to his efforts, the consequences were significantly reduced, and for that, we are forever grateful.
What truly sets Mr. Rountree apart is his honesty and the way he genuinely cares about his clients and their families. He doesn’t treat you like just another case, he treats you with respect, compassion, and understanding. In our last conversation, I told him that there isn’t enough money in the world to pay for what he did for my little brother and my family. We truly see him as a human angel, and I cannot recommend him highly enough! He is the best!
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23 Jun, 2024 by Jonathan sanchez
Extremely rude. I made an appointment with anticipation, I took the day off of work to be there on time because it’d have had been about a 45 minute trip. One of the attorneys called me about an hour before my appointment, as we were driving towards their office. After we had already paid for a baby sitter. She told us that she was going to give us the appointment via phone. She asked if it was ok? I said well I took the day off. To which she replied” it’ll be more efficient over the phone “. Well she told us she was going to call us at 1pm after waiting for 24 minutes on her phone call I decided to call to check on my appointment. She answered like if nothing had happened. So I explained my case she told me “there’s nothing we can do for you just go outside the country for 10 years, do it the right way” then as I was saying “thank you for the consultation and your time” she hung up on me in the middle of the sentence. Wasn’t expecting such a rude person. Terrible experience
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28 May, 2024 by Susie leal
They have been my lawyers through my whole residency process. I finally got the news this week that I am a permanent resident of the USA!
I have lived in TX, FL and now CA and they are just a text/call/email away. I never switched lawyers since they are the best.
They always guided me and helped me with any questions i had.
Now onto the citizenship process.
Thank you !!!!!
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21 May, 2024 by Eula johnson
22 Aug, 2017 by Laura
Regardless of one's legal needs, Mr. Saks is one of the most resourceful attorneys in the San Antonio area. His reputation is highly regarded from both his colleagues and from the community. Empathy to my personalized needs were of his highest concerns and priorities when representing me with both my real estate and business needs. His competence, intellect, class, and genuine character were instantly recognizable the moment I met him. Mr. Saks is a true professional from whom I would continue to seek legal advice regarding any legal matter in the future.
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17 Aug, 2017 by Gonzalo
Kenneth Saks is so professional, dedicated and he always make you feel confident in every single way. He helped me with my case and he was with me all the time, if you really need a good lawyer I would definitely recommend you Kennth!
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24 Mar, 2015 by Patrick
I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Saks on several matters, both adverse and collective. He has always diligently represented his clients and has been extremely responsive and professional in all of his dealings. I highly recommend Mr. Saks to anyone who need effective counsel or as a referral on any legal matter.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Pablo
Ashley was super helpful on a specific STEM OPT application Request for Evidence. She explained the situation clearly, and helped me craft a detailed explanation of my situation. She also suggested some action items that I could do to improve my chances of approval. She was very professional and I felt very comfortable working with her. Would overwhelmingly recommend her.
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31 May, 2024 by Anonymous
I have consulted with and hired attorney Ashley many times over the years, about h1b, tn,o, eb1a, h1b1, e3, and stem. Her knowledge about these visas is unmatched. Attorney Ashley truly cares about her clients and comes up with detailed and unique strategies. She gives the good, bad, and possible upfront so there aren’t any surprises. There is no copy and paste. She spends the time to review the case and formulates the appropriate arguments in her write-ups to uscis. Attorney Ashley is so personable and easy to talk to. She gives one a sense of calm during the stressful visa process.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Due to the unique nature of my position, Ashley spend a bit of time tweaking the job duties, course mapping documents, and availability of work documents. They also worked to gather all documentation related to your CPT work, which often triggers RFEs. My company did not have too much experience with the H1 process. However, we all worked together seamlessly to create a streamlined process which resulted in an approval under regular processing in less than two months.
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07 Jan, 2025 by Rodolfo guajardo cadena
El mejor abogado! En 4 meses arregle mi permisso
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07 Jan, 2025 by Rudy guajardo
En noviembre 20 meti la petition y ahorita 7 de enero ya me llego mi permission de trabajo. May recommended el abogado ruvalcaba.
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06 Jan, 2025 by Ross galvis (chocolate)
Excelente 👍 I highly recommend
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22 Feb, 2025 by J. aguilar
If you have recently been involved in a car crash and are looking for legal assistance with your case, I would strongly recommend reaching out to Omar Juarez and Herrman and Herrman. Omar's unmatched dedication, nuanced understanding of the law, and passion for helping people seek justice are what you need. They can and will guide you through the process.
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18 Feb, 2025 by Amy martinez
I was involved in a car accident, and they handled my personal injury case. I would recommend them to anyone looking for an injury law firm.I can't thank H&H enough for helping me with my case thank you!!
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18 Feb, 2025 by Kimberly stubbs
Matthew is an excellent personal injury attorney. He is very detailed and attentive.
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01 Apr, 2016 by Vanessa & margil
We have had the pleasure of having Ms.Figueroa as our attorney during two occasions. It is the best decision we have ever made. Ms. Figueroa is very professional and knowledgeable. From the get go, she made us feel confident that our case was in the best hands. Her explanations are very thorough and honest. She took the extra time to guide and prepare us for our interview. She is extremely reliable and always available to answer any questions or doubts we may have. Our experience with her was phenomenal. Thanks to her hard work and guidance my husband was able to obtain his residency, and for that we are extremely greatful. We recommend her 100%.
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06 Jul, 2015 by Michelle
Ms. Laura Figueroa is Very professional and knowledgeable. She will be very honest as to what you can expect. Difficulties may and will present themselves when dealing with legal matter (which is not her fault), but to my experience as long as you maintain open communication with her, she will keep you informed. I understand that each opinion comes with an individual situation, as I too have felt desperate, nevertheless, we cannot nor should not blame the representative. Again MY experience with Ms. Laura Figueroa has been a VERY pleasant, professional and informative one especially given the fact that we are not her only clients.
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04 Apr, 2024 by Yaisel gastamiza labrada
14 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I called the office to make an appointment with Claudia. I was greeted by another woman who took notes on my case. After discussing my case and costs I asked to make an appointment with Claudia. This woman then proceeded to tell me Claudia doesn't waste her time and she's not interested in giving free legal advice if I'm not hiring. I reassured her I was highly interested and we decided on a time and date. I was supposed to receive an email but that never came. I decided not to call back since I was on the fence after that conversation ended. Paralegals and assistants are a direct representation of the law firm and if this is how they treat potential clients, I don't want to think how I'll be treated once I pay. Nope.
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02 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms Hernandez took my case three weeks before I had to be in child support court. I was so concerned about visitation that I was willing to accept the lowest amount of child support. Well not only did I get supervised visitation longer than expected I received the back child support due to my child. Ms Hernandez kept me updated and informed throughout the process. She did great in such a short amount of time. This woman is not to be played with she will fight for you.
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02 Jul, 2020 by Kimberly
Where do I begin.....
Mr.Baird bent over backwards, as his reputation shows that's how he treats his clients.....
In spite of my HORRIBLE reputation of felony's, charges, and years if prison time......He took me at my word and believed me....He gave me the chance I needed and miracles began to happen for me.......
He's worth ALOT more $ than I'm sure he gets.....if I were a millionaire, his wife, children, and himself would be too! Of course I'm not and even in my struggles of financial difficulty....He was honest, caring, and extremely helpful......
What more could anyone ask for. ..?
Thank-you and deeply appreciate you, Also your family and wife, for sacrifying time that is missed in your hubby's dedication and hrs. spent helping folks like me. ...
Wish I could do more and wish there were more folks like yall.....
NOBODY APPRECIATES MR. BAIRD MORE THAN ME .....
He has EVERY highest recommendation from me!
Attorneys don't come ANY better!
Kimberly
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01 May, 2020 by Elsie
Very friendly and helpful...I will refer your law Firm...
Thank you for helping with mine and my sons tickets...very much appreciated
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24 Apr, 2020 by Ana
I hired Mr. Baird to defend my son which encounter a citation situation in Gonzales, Tx while working there. Mr. Baird immediately was able to get all the information from the court and is helping him take care of. He has kept my posted.
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29 Dec, 2021 by Victor juarez
La mejor abogada estoy muy agradecido por ayudarme a estar con mi familia no tengo palabras para agradeserle por todo gracias
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29 Aug, 2021 by Juan
Searching for dependable legal advice can be a frustrating endeavor. This was my experience until I found the Law Offices of Luz Martinez-Bernal. From the initial consultation to dicuss the case, to gathering necessary documents, to filing all appropriate forms, to preparing for the USCIS interview, Attorney Luz impressed me with utmost professionalism, knowledge, and commitment. Her experience and thoroughness took the guesswork out of the immigration maze. You all went above and beyond when working on my case. For those of you still looking for legal advice on immigration, I say look no further. I strongly recommend the Law Offices of Luz Martinez-Bernal. Thank you again for your hard work and working extra hard to ensure our success.
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16 Nov, 2016 by Yesena
Luz Martinez Bernal is unceasingly dedicated. She is very knowledgeable, ethical, courteous and very well organized. Her attention to detail amd follow up are outstanding. I highly recommend Attorney Luz Martinez-Bernal. Thank you for helping our family stay together.
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31 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I was originally appointed to Mr. Ketner and he ended up being the best if not one of the best lawyers I've had the pleasure to deal with and of course to represent me. I had been dealing with this particular case for over a year before I met Travis, once he took over he kept me well informed of my rights and my options in the case.. Two months later case was closed!!!
I hired Travis for a separate case, 5 months later he got the case dismissed!!!
YOU WANT A GOOD LAWYER, YOU CALL TRAVIS KETNER
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24 Jan, 2014 by Champion
I had problems with a builder I do business with. Travis helped me look over the contract to see if the builder was in violation of the contract. He determined the builder was in violation. Travis drafted a letter of demand for builder and the issue was resolved.
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23 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
After I was charged with a DWI, I was very scared about the possible consequences this would have on my professional life. Travis Ketner took my case, and reassured me with his careful attention to detail
& knowledge.
I couldn't ask for a better experience.
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14 Jan, 2013 by Leo
He is kind and has a big heart, and is dedicated to justice. He is the only lawyer I go to.
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02 Feb, 2011 by Luis
Honest Knowledgeable with years of experience and sincere.
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25 Aug, 2015 by Storey
He is really helpful. It was worth the money to have him do the paperwork and tell us exactly what we needed to do. He is with us every step on the way. Answered questions promptly.
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13 Jun, 2011 by Grace
A friend recommended Mr. Rios when my son needed an attorney. I was desperate and scared. The moment I shook hands with Mr. Rios I felt a great confidence in his ability to defend my son. He reassured me and in the months that followed I came to realize how knowledgeable and humane this man is. He always kept us informed was by my son's side at all times, never missing a court date. He made himself available and explained points of law I did not understand. A wonderful lawyer and human being. What was most important to me is that he was not judgmental of my son and showed that he had faith in my son as a person who had erred but could turn around. He defended him with dignity. I would recommend him to anyone who asked.
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28 Oct, 2015 by Bashir sheykh
Jonathan represented me, I won my immigration case. The he prepared and handled my case was great. I will recommend Jonathan and the team he lead.
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07 Dec, 2015 by Carlos
This attorney is extremely knowledgeable in investor visas. After going to several attorneys I was recommended with her and she was the only one who explained each and every one of my questions. She was fast and efficient and we now have a successful business in the U.S. We are now working with her through our residency process. I highly recommend Mrs. Castro.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Not_a_litigator_i_pro_say_alot
Even though she was the Dist. Atty representing the other side(s) in my case, I must admit, she operates with a cool & calm efficiency that is impressive to say the least! I had the opportunity to watch her meetings(?) with the other "bad guys". She is an expert at timing when it comes to letting the defendants ramble, as in, she gives them the freedom to incriminate themselves, yet she prevents them from derailing the conversation with insignificant & irrelevant details. Additionally, she wouldn't be able to achieve anything I mentioned above if she didn't have the patience of a saint. She is truly an asset to the State Bar & to Bexar County. Her cohort, Leachman, has a moral fiber that's hanging by a thread, but I gotta admit, he does his job w/a gusto and fervor that is rarely seen! These two together are the gruesome twosome and my son will probably inherit his mother's mental illness because of them! ...but ya know what? Screw it! I like these two knuckleheads!
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09 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Mrs. Peldner has gone above and beyond. Another lawyer that we hired and paid messed up the case, extremely.. Hillary reviewed the information and felt compelled to help. We hired her because of her confidence on how strong she believed in the case. Boy was she right. She is the best at what she does and takes great pride in her work. Her office is extremely diligent and helpful. She truly is, if not the best, one of the best!!!
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07 Sep, 2024 by Amber mcghee
I cannot say enough good things about Clepper Harrison & Duffy PLLC. From start to finish, I experienced the upmost professionalism and compassion. I ended every interaction with confidence and certainty. At the end of every call, Chanda and I both had clear expectations on what to do next--I had my tasks, she had hers, and every time we followed up, we were on the same page. She and her team are highly prepared, proficient, prompt, and consistent. I appreciated that the billing information was explained so well that I never felt like I had to wonder how much things were going to cost. I was billed on the 1st and the 15th of every month, and I personally loved that consistency. Although I have never worked with attorneys before, my personal opinion was that their fees were extremely fair and honest. Each bill had a running record of every item they completed, with times, dates, and explanations. I loved their practicality of providing phone calls and zoom calls, rather than meeting in person. My whole divorce was handled over phone calls/zooms and I never had to step foot into a court room. Although everyone's experience is different, I was able to complete an amicable, uncontested divorce that was finalized in just over 60 days. Without the help of Chanda and her team, there is no way I would have been able to do this on my own. I was very pleased with my outcome, which is astounding that I am even writing this sentence, because I am a person who never thought divorce was an option. If you're reading this and feel as though you have gotten to the point where divorce is now your only option, know that you will be fully taken care of by Clepper Harrison & Duffy PLLC.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Rachel pierson
Chanda's work was great! I felt comforted and confident moving through the divorce process with Chanda at my side. I was provided with very timely communication and professional documents that I know I can rely on in the future.
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19 Mar, 2024 by Veronica hernandez
I've had the pleasure to work with Griselda on cases where they are the other side. She is very knowledgeable,professional and responsive. CH&D is very lucky to have her on their team.
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04 Apr, 2024 by Yaisel gastamiza labrada
04 Apr, 2024 by Yaisel gastamiza labrada
Discover the ideal lawyer
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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.
