Choosing the right immigration attorney for your case is one of the most important decisions you might make, well, ever. That’s because dealing with the complexities and nuances of immigration law is an extremely difficult task on your own, and having a dedicated professional in your corner can make a huge difference for your chances of success. However, while we’d love to say that all immigration attorneys are above board, the unfortunate truth is there are always people looking to profit from someone else’s trouble. It’s sad but true. The good news is, you can vet prospective lawyers before you make your decision. To that end, we’ve compiled five tips on how to spot shady immigration attorneys –– so you can find the best partner to help you succeed.
They Promise the Moon
A good lawyer in any walk of life should shoot straight with you. So if you find a lawyer who’s willing to make outlandish guarantees –– or who insists that they’re the only one who can help you –– take what they say with plenty of salt. Make sure to corroborate their best estimate for success with testimonials from previous clients. It’s also why you should speak to more than one lawyer before you make any decisions. Consulting with multiple attorneys can give you a solid baseline for what to expect during the process.
They Won’t Put it in Writing
Be wary of any immigration attorney who won’t put important agreements in writing. You should know that when you enter the legal world you have to possess hard copies of important documents. If a lawyer won’t sign off on an important agreement, enquire as to why they won’t, and be cautious about their motivation. Otherwise you could get burned down the line.
They Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Things that may not seem like a big deal at first could have massive consequences down the line. Shady immigration attorneys aren’t likely to want to go over the fine points of your case. Instead, the vaguer they can remain, the more in the dark you are about their actions. Look for an attorney who’s willing to explain the little details and strategies to you. And if you’ve had a bad experience with a lawyer who doesn’t prioritize your case or won’t answer your calls –– seek new counsel ASAP.
They Present a False Front
We can’t stress this enough –– before you decide to hire an immigration attorney, perform due diligence on their background. Find reviews and testimonials from previous clients, ask them about their experience, and cross-check anything that seems untoward with other attorneys. The more informed you are, the better decisions you’ll make.
They Endorse Illegal Action
Any immigration attorney who’s willing to ask their clients to lie, or in any other way break the law is one you should stay away from at all costs. Not only will illegal action not help your chances of success, it’ll land you in deep trouble sooner or later. No matter how lucrative the short-term gain might appear, don’t do business with anyone who openly breaks the law.
Conclusion
No one wants to think about hiring a lawyer who doesn’t have their best interest at heart. And fortunately, if you keep an eye out for these and other shady activities, you can find an attorney who’ll put your needs first. Thankfully, there are plenty of lawyers out there who care about their clients. Contact the Pollak legal team. Our passion is to help you succeed!
--
Karen-Lee Pollak is the Managing Attorney at Pollak PLLC located in Dallas, Texas. She is a frequent speaker, author and blogger on immigration issues. She can be reached at karenlp@pollakimmigration
