Find an Immigration Attorney in Houston Texas
Finding the right immigration lawyer is one of the most crucial decisions you can make as an immigrant in the US or planning to enter the US. It is important to start your application on the right footing. This will ensure that there are no issues later as you proceed in the process. However, finding the right lawyer can be tricky at times. If you follow this tips that we at RunRex have prepared, you should be fine.
Use the Consultation to Find out What You Need
The consultation is the time for you to put your lawyer to task on all questions that you have about your application. The Consultation fees can be as low as $200 and as high as $1000. This is paid time that you must ensure is used well. A cheap consultation will usually last for just about 15 minutes. In that short time, ensure that you ask all the questions that can convince you to trust the lawyer.
Before booking the consultation, ensure that the lawyer will give you enough time to ask all the questions you have. A good initial consultation should last about an hour. It is during this time that you will tell whether the lawyer is worth your money or not.
Avoid a lawyer that dabbles in everything
US immigration law is quite complex. Thus, you should be wary of lawyers who tell you they have expertise in many areas. To stay on top of the legal challenges with immigration laws, it takes a dedicated professional.
For instance, if a lawyer practices some real estate law and immigration law on the side, there is a chance they do not have enough experience. Such a lawyer may be able to handle a few issues such as the initial simple applications. However, when things get tough, you might find yourself stranded, and your application turned down.
Avoid bargain hunting
When you are trying to buy a car or book your next holiday destination, bargain hunting is great. However, the stakes for an immigration attorney are too high to be prioritizing bargain hunting.
Always discuss the fees before signing any documents
A good lawyer is open and honest about the fees. You should have a signed contract that describes the fees and services you will get. Besides that, take time to discuss a payment plan with the immigration lawyer. In most cases, you should be charged a block fee or flat rate. However, you may also be charged an hourly fee depending on the lawyer you pick.
If your case is complex, a fixed fee will serve you best. If you believe that the case is easy and you only need a lawyer to guide you, the hourly fee may work best. However, it is always important to ask the lawyer about the various options. The more options that he or she has, the more likely it is that he or she is a great lawyer.
Avoid any empty guarantees
A good sign that you cannot trust the attorney is if they begin to make guarantees. For instance, if a lawyer tells you there is a 100% chance that your lawyer will succeed, they are lying. A good lawyer should be able to present you with facts about their success with similar cases in the past. While a lawyer is not allowed to discuss detailed cases of the past with you, he or she still has an obligation to tell you what the chances of success are in your case.
Keep an eye out for shady attorneys
Unfortunately, there are numerous shady immigration attorneys out there. These attorneys have taken advantage of their clients with promises of success combined with poor strategies. With something like immigration, you may never get a second chance if you blow this one. Ensure that the attorney you pick is licensed. Do not simply assume that because they have a suit and an office, they are an attorney.
Fortunately, the internet is here to help you. All you need is to search on the internet and find the database for immigration attorneys in Texas. If he or she is a genuine lawyer, you will find their law firm listed there.
Check Reviews online
The internet is a great place to find out how reliable a law firm will be in helping you. By simply entering the name of your attorney in the search bar, you will be directed to various review sites. Here you can find out whether the attorney has ever assisted anyone with success. If you find the complaints to be too many, it might be time for you to move on.
Find a lawyer that can speak your language
If you are an immigrant with a basic understanding of English, it is important to find one who speaks your language. This way, he or she can offer you legal advice in a language that you can understand and respond to appropriately.