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4.8
82 Reviews
15 Jan, 2025 by Behnam abaie
I had a great experience consulting with Attorney Haitham Ballout. During my citizenship application, I met with Mr. Ballout, and in just one meeting, he carefully reviewed my documents and provided clear, practical advice. His expertise and knowledge of the process gave me confidence, and I truly believe his guidance helped me avoid additional waiting time. I highly recommend him to anyone navigating immigration challenges.
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23 Dec, 2024 by Javier garcia
18 Dec, 2024 by Uri hernandez
Mr. Ballout and his team provided exceptional support and professionalism in assisting me with my immigration concerns. A special thank you to Vivian and Jocelyn for their prompt responses to all my questions and their guidance throughout the process. Choosing this firm was undoubtedly the right decision, and I highly recommend their services.
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28 Jun, 2019 by Wally
Back in early 2015, my wife and I did a thorough research and interviewed quite a few Bay Area immigrant lawyer and picked Jennifer. I feel so blessed and lucky that we found her and worked with her for 3 years and finally got our green card in early 2018!
Jennifer is indeed very professional with a broad knowledge from O1 to all categories of EB1/2 and with an extensive, successful and detailed experience regarding the qualification screening, preparation, application process and even interview preparation. She always kept tracking and updating her clients about the latest immigration policy changes including all the nuances that the applicant should care about and prepare her clients accordingly. Very diligent and responsible and intelligent. She gained our trust very soon and have never ever disappointed us.
Beyond that, Jennifer is very reliable and empathetic, she understands her client's anxiety and nervous, always give them confidence and support as needed, checking in with advice and suggestions regularly so that we will not feel lost. We always feel that we'll make it because we knew Jennifer gets our back.
Plus, her fees are also very reasonable if you compare with other big firms where you never know which associates will work on your case.
I strongly suggest EVERY immigrant applicants, no matter how complicated or uncertain your case is, talk to Jennifer ASAP. She will help you out. You deserve a good immigrant lawyer cause I know how important this matters to you
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25 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I contacted her for my Green card. But unfortunately she was busy and said honestly that she was not able to take my case due to her heavy workload. And she recommended me another good attorney. Thank You
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21 Apr, 2014 by Brendan
It's easy to recommend Jennifer. She works hard to help within the sometimes tight timelines of visa processes, all the while being thorough about getting the details right. She also combines specific and formal legal advice, with guidance from real world experience working with the visa system. She's a valuable person to have on your side.
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09 Sep, 2019 by Tish patel
I had contact Priya's team for an Urgent second opinion consultation after my H1b transfer denial. Her team was not only courteous but set up quick appointment nest day. Though my phone consultation was 30 mins we went above that time and Priya not only calmed our nerves but provided detailed explanation and more factual laws about re-application. Long story short we landed up forcing my employer to change attorney's last minute as we were afraid and Priya and her team only had 8 days with a weekend before my deadline for reapplication. Priya and her team made it possible to file the re-submission 1 day before the due date and we got an approval of H1b transfer without an RFE which is miraculous in todays time. We strongly recommend you Priya if you are looking for accurate information even if you start with a consultation and you would be glad you contacted her.
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18 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I have worked with Priya on numerous occasions and have found her to be not only smart and knowledgeable, but honest and trustworthy as well. I recommend her without reservation.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Sunshine rose
From my first phone call to GFF&F, all the way to reaching the settlement of my case, every individual in this firm has been professional, patient, kind, knowledgeable, and informative. This was my first ever (and hopefully last) claim against another party’s insurance company, due to an accident. Dealing with a physical injury and incapacitation was very overwhelming, and it would have been impossible for me to deal with the other party’s insurance company on my own. GFF&F gently guided me through this, and had me take important steps to get the care and information that I needed in support of my case. GFF&F won my case and obtained a fair settlement on my behalf. I highly recommend this firm to family, friends, and anyone in need.
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22 Jan, 2025 by L. eberhart
I came to work with Chantel and Justine at GFF&F after I was hit by a vehicle while walking my dog. My dog perished on scene and I was devastated afterwards. While I was healing from 4 broken bones I decided I could not deal with insurance companies and my grief at the same time. I am so glad I found GFF&F - Chantel and her team were so compassionate and understanding. They helped me understand what I needed to do and helped me resolve the case in record time. I recommend them very highly.
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30 Dec, 2024 by Ty seng
They handled everything involving the insurance claim which let me focus on getting better after my accident. I felt like they kept me updated on their progress and were very clear on how the case was developing. If Im ever unfortunate enough to be hit by a car again they'll be the first people I call!
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20 Jan, 2025 by Jesse lares
Carmen and team are great. I am trying to help my aging folks navigate thru complicated legal issues and she was very patient and explained everything for them to understand.
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28 Nov, 2024 by Martha cervantes
Carmen Rosas, has tended to our living trust needs. She was kind, respectful and especially patient in explaining procedures and details to us. We would highly recommend her services to friends and family.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Elaine fonseca, realtor
I'm a bay area real estate broker/agent. I've referred Carmen to a few of my clients. All of which would tell me she would never return their calls or they could never connect with her. Should have learned then but instead I decided I should give her a try myself for my estate planning documents especially since we had done some events together. Never did I think my estate planning documents would take over a year to complete.
I signed our engagement letter 6/3/22, the first payment link was sent to me on 6/4/22 (quick turnaround). I had an in-person meeting with her on 7/28/22 after rescheduling on my end a few times due to personal reasons. Soon after I provided all of my documents to her and we scheduled a follow up meeting for 9/22/22.
I didn’t hear anything back from her until 11/14/22, with another payment link for another service she provided. At that moment I inquired about finalizing my trust documents, her office told me they were going to mail them to me the following week. One month goes by and I inquire again on 12/6/22. She claims she is onboarding new team members and has been understaffed. On 12/20/22 I ask her if she was able to find an attorney out of state to put my properties in the trust. She claimed she did and that she would have the deeds ready the following week. January came and went and zero communication from her or her office. I inquired again on 2/3/23 - following up on the mobile notary to sign & finalize trust documents. Another person in her office responds back and I finally get a mobile notary scheduled for 2/9/23. I assumed this was it and I was just waiting around for my executed county stamped documents to get mailed back to me. Well June comes around and I still haven’t received anything back. I inquire again on 6/6/23. She says she is checking with her assistant. No communication again until I inquire again on 6/27/23. One property was finally taken care of and confirmed received by the county on 7/11/23. The other property was finally taken care of in late Sept 2023.
My frustration is the lack of customer service/communication. I understand small businesses tend to get understaffed or are going through business changes but if my services are paid for and I have to constantly be contacting you for an update and most of the time you don’t respond, then there is something wrong! This tells me this business doesn’t value its clients. Posting this review now in case this will help others determine whether to use her services or not. I also know other small businesses that have used her & have had a similar or worser experience so that tells me I’m not the only one.
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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:
-
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.
