What to Consider Before Hiring a Chicago Immigration Attorney

Whether you need a work visa, want to bring family into the United States, or have any other immigration issue, it is critical that you work with an attorney. The immigration process in the country is extremely complex, and one small mistake could result in a denial of your application. Below are some of the most important things to consider when hiring a Chicago immigration attorney.

Trust

Immigration issues are some of the most personal you could experience. You will have to disclose a lot of personal information to your lawyer, and it is critical that you can place your faith and trust in them. If you feel as though you cannot do this after speaking to any attorney, keep looking for another one.

Exclusively Dedicated to Immigration Law

Again, the immigration system and laws in America are extremely complicated. The laws also change quite often. It is nearly impossible for a lawyer to focus on immigration and stay updated with the latest changes while also practicing other areas of law. You should only work with an attorney that focuses exclusively on immigration law and has the time it requires to dedicate to it. After finding an immigration lawyer, you should also make sure they have the necessary experience with the issues you are facing.

Professional Association Memberships

You can learn about any specific lawyer online. Make sure they are licensed by the state’s regulatory agency, as this is required of all attorneys. You can also check to see if they are a member of the American Immigration Lawyers’ Association (AILA). While this is not a requirement, the AILA does require its members to remain up to date with the ever-changing immigration laws of the state.

Fees

The immigration system itself has many different fees, so you want to make sure you work with a lawyer you can afford. Still, the cheapest lawyer is not always the best lawyer. When meeting with different attorneys, make sure to ask about their fee structure. Some will charge an hourly rate, while others charge a flat fee. Neither is necessarily better, but you do need to know what and how you are expected to pay.

Meet with Several Chicago Immigration Attorneys

It is important to meet with many different attorneys. This allows you to make sure you are working with a lawyer you trust and that is a good fit for your case. It will also provide you with a chance to compare the advice they give you. Did one seem more knowledgeable about your issue? Or did you get fairly consistent advice from all of them? These are questions you can only answer if you meet with more than one lawyer.

Call Our Immigration Attorney in Chicago Today

At Sverdloff Law Group, our Chicago immigration attorney has the experience, skill, and knowledge necessary to advise on any issue you are facing. Call us now at 312-238-9090 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and learn more.