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08 Jul, 2024 by Kennya ambriz
07 Oct, 2023 by Yolanda morales
20 Jul, 2023 by Jaime pastor
Muy buen abogado
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08 Jul, 2024 by Kennya ambriz
07 Oct, 2023 by Yolanda morales
20 Jul, 2023 by Jaime pastor
Muy buen abogado
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Kennya ambriz
07 Oct, 2023 by Yolanda morales
20 Jul, 2023 by Jaime pastor
Muy buen abogado
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08 Jul, 2024 by Kennya ambriz
07 Oct, 2023 by Yolanda morales
20 Jul, 2023 by Jaime pastor
Muy buen abogado
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23 Aug, 2024 by Khristine schaffner
Highly Recommend Dave and his team. They took over from our original attorney when our case stalled and helped our HOA to secure a settlement. It's a relief being able to repair our roofs and get back to the rest of our lives.
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17 Jul, 2024 by Blair macdonald
Dave and his team were exquisite in negotiating our bad faith insurance issues. Him and his team were responsive, communicative, engaging, and speedy in working to resolve our issue. We highly recommend Dave.
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03 May, 2024 by C f
Unknowledgeable, Way Too Expensive, Dropped the Ball and Miserably Failed Us
Paid $3,500 for absolutely nothing accomplished! Lacked basic knowledge and failed to get it yet charged a fee for nothing but excuses. Charge for reading and sending every email, even though the staff were not well trained to explain important information. Cancelled twice at last minute and was always providing unencouraging depressing hopelessness. Finally dropped me for complaining. THIS IS THE TYPE OF ATTORNEY WE WERE ALL WARNED ABOUT! Complete waste of time and money.
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08 Oct, 2022 by Cal mcdonald, p.i.
Steve Teller represented me on a case that we closed just today. While I don't know him well (yet), I am extremely impressed with both his persona and practice. He went out of his way to be extraordinarily respectful of some of my differences, and genuinely fought hard for me. Our opponent on the case was a massive corporation that had first wronged me, then tried to deny their wrongdoing, and finally they brought terrifying and unscrupulous lawyers to their side of the table to muddy the waters with counteraccusations and vile lies.
But unlike 90% of attorneys out there, I believe Steve truly cares about the Little Guy and he really went to bat for me on a case that I thought was hopeless at times- fighting against a dug-in Goliath with limitless resources. But Steve never quit advocating for me, and in the end we eked out a modest victory.
Even though we achieved merely a moderate settlement that was not necessarily lifechanging money, I couldn't have felt more happy and vindicated (and plan to put that couple thousand G's to good use). While I can't speak for how every case goes, or to the ultimate depths and breadths of his legal acumen, this case here did Steve Teller Law some serious credit... And I can't thank you enough, Steve.
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26 Sep, 2022 by Carlos suarez
I got important information to assess my situation and options
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26 May, 2022 by Desiree gibson
Stephen Teller has literally saved me $80,000. I have had to consult with him on two separate occasions throughout the past 20 years, and armed with his direction and advice, I was able to come out of two different situations with the resolution that I desired, and my bonus in-hand. I highly recommend him and his staff, and could not be happier with the dealings that I've had with his firm.
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10 Oct, 2022 by Wei
He helped me for a green card and provided top service. In my opinion, he really treated a client in a professional way and focused on his case.
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25 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Whatever is said about him, his office are nothing compared to the work and accomplishments he has been able to achieve. He literally saved my husband life when no one else could. He was able to completely reverse years and years of mistakes made my many other lawyers. There is no amount of money that is even equal to what he has done for me and my husband. Truly a selfless, honest (whether you like it or not) immigration genius of a man. My husband and I will never forget what he, and his wife did for us. And never be a time I don’t thank god I was able to work with Mr. Klien, and how he changed our lives forever.
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13 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Klein is the best immigration lawyer in Seattle. He is patient and professional. He cares about his clients and is not the type of lawyer who just chasing for money.
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19 May, 2023 by Daniel dawsey
The whole team at Stratagem led by Matt Macklin were incredibly helpful for my real estate law and business contract review. They were responsive and thorough to help me understand my legal risks before a deadline. I have and will continue to recommend to friends for business law, immigration law, criminal defense, and healthcare law.
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25 Jan, 2023 by Sarah luetke
Matt is very knowledgable in his line of work. He is so approachable and easy to work with. Highly recommend him and his practice as they know how to support their client's needs!
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25 Jan, 2023 by Paul luetke
Stratagem has been a true blessing to our dental practice! We appreciate the innovative solutions and the thoughtful review of our unique needs. We come away from our appointments feeling confident that we are doing our best to meet the spirit and intent of the healthcare laws.
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23 Oct, 2019 by John
I don't trust her and won't advice anyone to hire her. she is not a professional attorney in my opinion.
she missed up my case and my full situation with immigration.
she doesn't know how to prepare a case and defend her clients.
she doesn't deserve even a star.
DON'T HIRE HER, you will regret later. trust me.
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19 Jun, 2013 by Shannon
Erin went above and beyond with my rather complicated case, and she fought for me. She clearly articulated the steps I needed to take, what she was doing, and gave appropriate counsel along the way. I trusted her fully with my case. Global Justice's office staff are polite, professional and work very fast. As a client, I know how emotional and stressful immigration situations can be. Erin calmly assisted me through the process, knows the law intimately, and did very specific research to ensure all components were properly in place.
Erin was extremely responsive to my emails and calls. I am impressed with her national advocacy in DC, additionally with her local contacts in this pivitol time of immigration reform. She came highly recomended from another lawyer in the field, and I am so pleased to say that my case worked out in my favor-thanks to her determination.
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18 Feb, 2013 by Jaaziel
Erin acomplished the reason we hired her which was to get my green card approved. If there was a difficulty during the process, Erin was able to solve it and did everything and more in her power to make sure things get fixed. Thank you very much!
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14 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Romina is very genuine, carrying and knowledgeable attorney. She was very helpful, willing to listen and resourceful. I enjoyed working with her.
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13 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Christine is very knowledgeable about the immigration process. She gave us step by step instructions throughout the process. She set our expectations. The entire process of getting a green card was straight forward with her as she knows her way around the law, and understands the process from handling several cases similar to ours. Her rates were fair and worked with us to getting payment since we had an employer sponsorship. Christine was thorough in her documentation, verifying the information and providing us with copies. When she did make a mistake, she ate the cost and refiled it for us. It didn't create any hiccups along the way at all! Highly recommend her for your immigration needs. Love the fact that her passion for this area of law stems from her personal experience!
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16 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
He was my lawyer and it was my first time being introuble. I was soo scared to go to jail. He called me all the time with new information he had for me on my case. He got me not that much time on 4 felonies and made me feel like he really did care about my case. I still call him for advice! he is a great lawyer!
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16 Jan, 2014 by Fred el
Chris helped my wife and me with two different matters. First, we were facing foreclosure on our condo. After the endless delays involved in that process, sending and re-sending financial documentation, he helped us finally get a modification on our loan so that we will be able to keep the property with affordable payments. In another case, he also helped me enforce a lease agreement with a tenant who had stopped paying rent. I found Chris to be very accessible, even in the evenings, when I had questions or concerns. His personable style was very reassuring during everything he helped us with and I will be happy to use him again in the future—
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14 Jan, 2014 by Sukhbeer singh
I have used a few attorneys in the past and was introduced to Mr. kerl thru my Immigration Attorney.
I was not very impressed by his office (Very Small) however I was very impressed by his knowledge.
I was sick and tired of paying $250/hr to top notch attorneys and always charged for faxes and emails and even telephone calls I had made to them. I was charged even when I spoke to someone in their office. Attorneys are nice to you till you have signed and given them the retainer.
Chris NEVER ONCE charged me for numerous calls I made to him.
He is very INEXPENSIVE and not your typical attorney. He is busy. Probably due to the fact he don't charge you anything a typical attorney would charge.
He is good with what he does. He is not 100% responsive, however he always called me back and kept me in the loop with my case.
Don't get impressed with FANCY offices other attorneys have. You are paying their overheads.
I sound like a salesperson, but I'm being very honest. Go to Chris. If he can help you he will tell you and if it's out of his expertise area he will politely tell you that he can't help you.
Save your money. Stay away from the BOTIQUE Attorneys and use this guy at the end of the day they all face the same JUDGE.
If you need to talk to me personally I'll be happy to do so.
Sukhveer
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13 Jan, 2014 by Sunny gill
Chris is a very easy-to-talk-to and effective lawyer. He successfully helped me with a long, messy divorce, through several hearings all the way to trial. He helped me avoid contempt at at least two different hearings and, at trial, my ex-wife basically settled very favorably at lunchtime after being questioned by him on the witness stand. Chris has also helped me on several other matters, fending off creditors (sometimes for years), and he even got a judgment vacated for me once. He’s a busy guy (because he’s reasonable and good) and he might not always hold your hand, but I’ve recommended him to several friends and family—
Anyone need an honest opinion please do not hesitate to contact me.
I will always use him for all my legal matters.
Thanks Chris. You are a GOOD ATTORNEY.
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10 Sep, 2024 by River witch
Michelle Fze Chong So is an extraordinary lawyer who embodies the passion and tenacity often portrayed in movies and TV shows. Her commitment to delivering justice is inspiring and remarkable, reflecting the true spirit of a legal champion. Her unwavering support and expertise were nothing short of amazing.
Winning a case others claimed was hopeless showcased her exceptional skills and immensely impacted our lives. We are profoundly grateful for her ability to turn the tide in our favor when all seemed lost. She not only our saved our butts, but she also saved us tens of thousands of dollars. She is a true warrior with superpower legal skills. Her legal expertise was vital to securing our future. Her dedication and hard work have made all the difference in our lives. We are forever appreciative and profoundly grateful for all her effort and hard work.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler
Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney
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06 Sep, 2024 by X x
10 Sep, 2024 by River witch
Michelle Fze Chong So is an extraordinary lawyer who embodies the passion and tenacity often portrayed in movies and TV shows. Her commitment to delivering justice is inspiring and remarkable, reflecting the true spirit of a legal champion. Her unwavering support and expertise were nothing short of amazing.
Winning a case others claimed was hopeless showcased her exceptional skills and immensely impacted our lives. We are profoundly grateful for her ability to turn the tide in our favor when all seemed lost. She not only our saved our butts, but she also saved us tens of thousands of dollars. She is a true warrior with superpower legal skills. Her legal expertise was vital to securing our future. Her dedication and hard work have made all the difference in our lives. We are forever appreciative and profoundly grateful for all her effort and hard work.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler
Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney
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06 Sep, 2024 by X x
10 Sep, 2024 by River witch
Michelle Fze Chong So is an extraordinary lawyer who embodies the passion and tenacity often portrayed in movies and TV shows. Her commitment to delivering justice is inspiring and remarkable, reflecting the true spirit of a legal champion. Her unwavering support and expertise were nothing short of amazing.
Winning a case others claimed was hopeless showcased her exceptional skills and immensely impacted our lives. We are profoundly grateful for her ability to turn the tide in our favor when all seemed lost. She not only our saved our butts, but she also saved us tens of thousands of dollars. She is a true warrior with superpower legal skills. Her legal expertise was vital to securing our future. Her dedication and hard work have made all the difference in our lives. We are forever appreciative and profoundly grateful for all her effort and hard work.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler
Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney
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06 Sep, 2024 by X x
14 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Bernice Funk to help me with my I-130 and my Adjustment of Status application. She had my wife fill out an Affidavit of Support. I made it very clear to Bernice that my wife was planning on quitting her job for her Masters degree in a few months and that she would no longer have the income to support me by the time my court date in front of an immigration judge would roll around. She told me that as long as she had the means to support me at the time of filling out the affidavit, it didn't matter, this made no sense to me.
Court date rolled around, judge looked at the Affidavit of Support, asked my wife if she was still working, she said no, judge said that then she couldn't support me should the need arise and that the Affidavit of Support was useless.
We had to waste months of our time for a continuance while we got another Affidavit of Support.
Thanks Bernice, for leading us astray and not knowing the very basics of Immigration Law and common sense.
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03 Oct, 2015 by O. fernandez
Bernice is an excellent lawyer with a lot of experience in difficult cases, she helped me out with a very tricky and difficult case with filings in 3 different states. I highly recommend her for anyone with an immigration case.
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03 Oct, 2015 by Bairbre
Bernice led us through a tricky immigration situation with issues in three states, and she did so with full desired results. My family loves Bernice Funk.
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22 Mar, 2023 by Girma gebreyesus
Adugna low pllc Thanks for doing gerat service. my case was been fast and success result am so happy I'm really appreciate you
From
SOFI EXPRESS LLC
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28 Feb, 2023 by Keila montanah
I had an horrible car accident early April last year and a friend referred me to Adugna Law Firm and I can say for that was the best decision I made. Zeebman is a really professional attorney
1: kept me updated every step he was taking
2: Made sure that all my medical bills and ambulance fee were all cleared.
3:Followed up with almost everyday to make sure I was getting better
4: Kept in touch with my dr to make sure I was getting the right treatment
5: He was very detailed in everything and the process which was really helpful to me since it was my first car accident.
6: He spared me the struggle of dealing with the insurance company and gave me time to heal.
7: He made sure I got all the necessary payments with clear explanation of every single detail.
Thanks to Adugna law firm, I am a happy client and I'll go back again if I was in a similar situation, (though hopefully not) Thanks Zeebman
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23 May, 2016 by Mike heiny
Anne Gould should NOT be allowed give legal representation. Her qualifications are examples of the low bar set in our current legal system. Please believe that this is not merely a response from a bitter ex-client who lost a case but it is a summary of my experience with Anne as my attorney.
Anne has no real legal expertise. There were countless times during my case where I relied on Anne's recommendations. One of these recommendations resulted in my actions being found by the court as acting in "bad faith." This also resulted in my children being ripped from Washington State and transported across the country to Arkansas due to a legal technicality that Anne was not aware of.
Anne is unprepared. We were in court several times over 7 months and EVERY time we were in court Anne was unable to make reasonable arguments because she spent most of her time rifling through paper notes. Anne would spend several billable hours (according to her) studying our case prior to appearing in court but then had no idea how to respond to any line of questioning.
Anne is dishonest. During the time when Anne represented me there were several letters that needed to be written for trial (eg Answers, Motion for appearance, Quick Replys, etc). I personally wrote each and every one of these letters and then emailed them to Anne for legal formatting. She submitted this paperwork word for word as I had written it (even with some grammar and spelling errors). She then CHARGED me over 35 hours of "writing legal responses/paperwork." When I approached Anne with my concerns over her "over billing" she initially agreed to forgive those hours and then later SUED ME for under payment.
Anne is a fraud. I fired Anne after 7 months of misrepresentation and over billing. I was upset at her effort and knowledge level of the law so I parted ways with her. After Anne agreed to forgive "overcharged" hours she then later SUED ME for over $8k (after I had already paid her over $24k in legal fees).
As a footnote to this experience, I hired a different attorney after firing Anne and he was able to get my children back to Washington and in my care in less than 2 months. He knew more about my case (and the law for that matter) in only 2 face-to-face sessions than Anne ever did in 7 months.
If you want to throw money away and have your life destroyed stick with Anne. She will be perfect for you.
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23 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
I called them to discuss a case and they came across as so hungry for money that they won't even try to understand your case or your needs and simply push you to hire them first.
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31 Oct, 2017 by Lyucy
Michele Carney was my attorney back to 90s. She did not charge me and worked on my immigration case for free. She is the best attorney I could wish, also she is a wonderful person.
I am so grateful that I am living in US.
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22 May, 2012 by Anonymous
Ms. Carney and her firm are simply the best. They saved my family member from being deported and was able to get the best result possible in her case. Ms. Carney is smart, efficient, effective, hard working, dedicated, and compassionate. Their prices are also very reasonable and they keep you informed each step of the way.
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10 Sep, 2024 by River witch
Michelle Fze Chong So is an extraordinary lawyer who embodies the passion and tenacity often portrayed in movies and TV shows. Her commitment to delivering justice is inspiring and remarkable, reflecting the true spirit of a legal champion. Her unwavering support and expertise were nothing short of amazing.
Winning a case others claimed was hopeless showcased her exceptional skills and immensely impacted our lives. We are profoundly grateful for her ability to turn the tide in our favor when all seemed lost. She not only our saved our butts, but she also saved us tens of thousands of dollars. She is a true warrior with superpower legal skills. Her legal expertise was vital to securing our future. Her dedication and hard work have made all the difference in our lives. We are forever appreciative and profoundly grateful for all her effort and hard work.
Read more
07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler
Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney
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06 Sep, 2024 by X x
12 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
hired him about 10 years ago
poor follow up
didnt show up for our interview
expensive
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18 Nov, 2010 by Manuel
Mr. Arcala was very professional in every aspect of being a lawyer. He always responded within reasonable time. Knowlegeable? He definitely deserve that license. He was even with us all the time when met with immigration interviewer until we got what we were there. Our case was a little complicated but we pulled through.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Jaz
Took our money and never heard from her again. After many email attempts and even a certified letter to her, we end up giving up and hired a different lawyer.
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04 Nov, 2021 by Luis
Hired her in 2018 heard from her once a few months later but after that one time she never answer or call back. I will be reporting her to the BAR soon
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05 Jun, 2017 by Sean champagne
She helped a family member over a long period of time get her immigration status in order after being in the US illegally for 20 years. My family member was terrified and Diana made the process not scary and reassured us the whole way. My family member is now a US citizen. Thank you Diana for all that you do. You go above and beyond.
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24 Oct, 2018 by Ilka
A couple of weeks ago I had a call consultation with Henry Cruz. I called his firm because it was recommended by a acquaintance that faced the same issue I am facing. When I was setting my appointment I specifically gave the secretary my questions and what my case was about. When Mr. Cruz got to the phone, he had no idea what my consultation was about so he kept repeating the same questions I have already answered to the secretary. At some point during our call he would stay silent for about 10 minutes at the time as he was googling the answer to my questions, this happened at least twice (for a call of about an hour!!) and the rest of the time he just kept repeating the information I was giving to him and he had no idea about basics of J-1 visa and seemed very unprepared even for basic questions about immigration. If he had read my questions in advance he could have told me it was not his expertise, he didn't have to take my money to tell me he didn't know about it, it is very unprofessional. At the end of the call he said he would recommend me to another lawyer (at least I got that). I feel I wasted $250 to get a referral. I would not recommend Mr. Cruz to anyone!!!
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12 Oct, 2015 by Kristin
Henry is not only compassionate, but extremely professional and honest. My husband and I had another lawyer to begin with (we were totally ignorant to this process), but after our other lawyer failed to disclose WSBA proceedings against him, we sought the advice of another attorney who highly recommended Henry personally. I have nothing but raves for this man. He was very upfront about cost and everything else that went into this matter. He is highly knowledgeable and is connected not only to his practice, but the community as a whole. I have already recommended him to friends that need a good lawyer and will continue to in the future. We are not yet done with our case, but I have the utmost faith that we are in good hands which I believe is necessary especially with 4 kids to support.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
communication was poor, and it was difficult to get timely responses to my questions and concerns
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23 Mar, 2017 by Ryan
Ryan is competent in multiple areas of litigation and is extremely professional in his work. I would recommend him anytime.
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10 Aug, 2012 by Ms. zhong
I hired Mr. Lam for my immigration application. He impressed me with his familiarity of immigration law and he is very responsible. He sincerely serves his client’s interests and tries his best to help you. When I had any questions about my case, he always responded to me quickly. He also gave me tips and information about immigration matters and other laws. He is a reliable attorney, and I highly recommended him for your immigration case.
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13 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Called to ask about my sister, she's trying to take custody and rights away. Without actual a judge,, court action, and legal papers being sent and signed properly. Wouldn't speak to me about the steps to take to help my sister set things straight. Instead hung up on me and was also angry and somewhat yelling at me when speaking. Very rude and very upsetting as a child and a family member my niece is involved. This child's life is being played with by her father and this unprofessional attorney. Way to stick up for the mother, who is completely innocent and cannot afford an attorney to fight back.
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21 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
He never inform me about my case, I was the one calling him, and he didn't know anything about my case, he limit himself to, I will call you, but never returning calls, poor knowledge about immigration laws, he never had an straight answer for simple questions, and again, "I will call you when I got an answer because I need to check", giving me wrong instructions about what I need for my case, he file my case two times wrong, resume, if you are looking for someone with knowledge, responsible, on time, trustworthy, go and look somewhere else.
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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.
