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| Matulewicz & Associates, P.C. |
Everybody has an opinion, but in the end, choosing your immigration lawyer is about getting the job done. There is no middle ground: you either get that visa or you don’t, and usually what tilts the balance in your favor is the immigration lawyer firm you choose. Now, how do you know you are with the best immigration lawyer possible? First take a look at his practice, and ask yourself:
Does this law firm specialize in Immigration Law? Those huge firms that handle all kinds of cases may have a big roster of lawyers, but that doesn’t mean the focus will be on you and your specific case. An attorney who practices Immigration Law exclusively, is a specialist, like a laser light: focused, no distractions, no jumping from one subject to another. You always want a specialist in your corner.
Will I work with a real attorney? Even when you find a law firm that specializes in immigration law, you might find that all the work is handled by assistants or a secretary. You will actually get a few minutes of your attorney’s time if you are lucky. If you are paying for an attorney, you deserve to be served by one! And when your attorney knows your name and the details of your case, you have your evidence on who is really handling your case.
What type of immigration issue do I have and does the law firm have experience with it? Again, specialization is the key to success. There are many types of immigration problems. Identify yours and see if your immigration law firm has experience with it:
- Work visas for academic institutions
- Work visas for businesses
- Spousal and dependent visas for the families of employees
- Family petitions, Green Cards and citizenship papers
- Deportations & Asylums
Now you have narrowed down your search for the perfect law firm to represent you on immigration journey, it is time to focus on your particular lawyer. After all, you will be trusting him with one of the most important steps in your life. Here are a few qualities you should look for:
Listening Skills: First, he has to hear your problems, understand them and make your problems his problems. Remember, when you approach a lawyer, it is all about YOU.
Analytical Skills: Your immigration lawyer needs to have excellent analytical skills and is able to readily make sense of a large volume of information. No case is ever simple, and your lawyer will make sure that all the important variables and issues are considered.
Communication Skills: Your lawyer will often give you updates on your case, but you don’t want to hear the jargon or lingo that they use when talking amongst themselves. Your lawyer should explain to you, clearly, precisely and in terms you can understand perfectly, the status of your case, your options and set your expectations correctly.
Creativity: Thinking outside the box sets your immigration lawyer apart. He must come up with fast, effective and creative solutions when problems and unique situations arise. And these situations will arise.
Logical Thinking Ability: A great immigration lawyer is able to think logically and make reasonable judgments and assumptions based on information presented. He knows that “B” follows “A”, and has the experience to know that there will be a “C” right after.
Perseverance:
Now that you have better tools to choose your immigration law firm, your visa is a step closer. Contact us so we can help you with your immigration process.
