How to hire the right immigration lawyers
Choosing the right Immigration Lawyer can be quite challenging though it can be made a little easier if you take time to do the correct research. Hundreds of thousands of people apply for visas to the UK every year, and many of them are denied entry. Hiring the right immigration solicitor will pave the way for you to end up having a much more successful overall application. It can be in a sense of the word, the difference between success and failure. Literally, this is where and how your future can be so much more dictated.
The best immigration lawyers will likely be those who are proactive, knowledgeable, and sympathetic to your situation. While each case maybe unique, a good immigration solicitor knows how much the immigration process means to their clients and families, because they have helped out in no end of cases. To add to this, they will have also come across all of the typical complexities also.
You can try and do this work yourself but there are some risks
Even if you can manage to succeed filing yourself, your lack of experience could lead to mistakes that can be costly in terms of time and money. If you have to hire a lawyer later, your mistakes may limit your options. To add to this, immigration lawyers are likely to charge more to clean up the mess.
A good immigration lawyer should be able to give you an honest and thorough assessment of your case and be able to explain the options that are available to you based on not only the current law, but changes that are in the legislative and judicial pipeline at any given time. The lawyer can then work with you to prepare your case and represent you in front of the administrative agency handling your petition. The lawyer should be able to explain to the government agency why your case meets the requirements of the law. If problems arise, the lawyer often has additional resources available to help resolve the issue. Alternatively, they can prepare your case for an appeal.
Ensure the lawyers specialise mainly in immigration
Many lawyers list immigration law as one of a variety of types of matters they handle. It is tough enough for a full-time immigration lawyer to keep abreast of all of the developments in the practice area. It is nearly impossible to be a top notch immigration lawyer while trying to offer other legal services. While someone can be a good immigration lawyer and also be very competent in another practice area, watch out for lawyers where immigration is one practice area on a laundry list of claimed specialties.
Also make sure their case load / work load is stable
Is your lawyer taking on so much work that there is no way cases can properly be handled? Too many lawyers don’t know when to draw the line. They either say no to taking on additional work. Alternatively, they make the decision to take on more lawyers and staff.
Communication is key
The number one complaint against lawyers in this country is not poor work quality. It is failing to communicate with their clients. You are paying a lot of money to hire a lawyer. It is your right to expect to be kept informed of developments and have your calls and emails returned in a timely manner. On the other hand, there is still such a thing as excess. Calling your lawyer everyday to find out what is happening on your case is not necessarily a good idea.
Feel free to compare advice
While most good immigration lawyers will likely be pretty busy, you should be able to talk to them. This also applies when communicating with their office staff. In the age of coronavirus, your initial conversations might have to be by phone, rather than in person. Still, lawyers are often considered essential service providers, so their doors aren’t likely to be entirely closed, and they’re doing everything possible, with the help of online tools, to make meaningful interactions possible with clients and the UK government.
Reliability is key in any case
An experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case for positive results. The process is complex – with regulations and procedures changing frequently – which can have a profound effect on applicants both financially and emotionally. An efficient way to get through this difficult time is by getting legal representation from an expert in immigration law. They will 100% understand that everyone’s immigration situation is unique, and in turn they will be wholly committed to understanding the individual needs of their clients. Their skilled team of lawyers will research your case thoroughly in order to provide you with a range of options for success.
In the worst case, what to do if you can’t find a decent lawyer
Many people will never realistically be able to hire an immigration lawyer due to costs. There are sometimes still options that will allow you to utilise the services of an immigration lawyer. Many lawyers work with pro bono legal organisations in their communities. In turn, they also accept a limited number of no or reduced fee cases. Keep in mind that you will typically need to be screened by one of these community organisations. This is to determine that your case is a type of case that is appropriate for a referral to a pro bono lawyer. You will usually be screened as well to determine whether you truly are too poor to pay.
Overall – what you will need to take into account
Although immigration lawyers can be busy people, you should get a consultation soon as you request one. Some lawyers, mostly due to the massive volume they receive, charge for their first consultations while others offer free initial consults. You’ll have to decide for yourself if you’re willing to pay for an initial consultation. Just make sure you don’t rush this process. Be thorough and diligent and be as aware as you can on the key legal processes. There are so many after all that go with getting your visa application taken care of.
