D. Choosing Among Lawyers

• Library: Becoming a U.S. Citizen (Nolo) (2021 Ed.)

D. Choosing Among Lawyers

Once you've got your "short list" of lawyers, try to contact each attorney's office, either by phone or email. Ask the lawyer, receptionist, or paralegal who handles new clients the following questions:

• Does your practice include citizenship cases?
• Are you accepting new cases now?
• What is your initial consultation fee, if any?

Many lawyers charge initial consultation fees, to cover the time that they spend meeting with people and evaluating their cases. The initial consultation fee is usually $50 to $250.

Some lawyers provide free consultations, but many have found that they can't afford to offer this service, since immigrants often have no visa or remedy available to them—that is, the lawyer gets no work after the consultation. Pay a reasonable fee for your initial consultation, but do not sign any contracts for further services until you're confident you've found the right lawyer. This usually means meeting and consulting with several lawyers.

CAUTION

Don't expect a lawyer to quote you a fee estimate until your first meeting. Most lawyers can't determine the fee until they've met with you, discussed your individual situation, and determined the number of hours your case is likely to take.

Most lawyers will conduct the initial consultation in person. That's good for you, because you'll get a better sense of whether the lawyer is right for you. Below are some important factors to consider as you consult with prospective lawyers.

1. Immigration Law Experience

To learn how much experience a lawyer has in issues concerning U.S. citizenship, ask practical questions, such as:

• How long do you expect my application to take?
• What is the reputation of the citizenship unit at the USCIS office that will be handling my case?
• How many citizenship cases did you handle this year?

The more experience the lawyer has, and the more detailed the answers, the better. A lawyer's expertise in immigration law is not something that can be gained from reading law books alone. An experienced lawyer is more likely to anticipate and know how to deal with problems than a novice, and will know the procedural quirks of the local USCIS offices. This doesn't mean you should avoid a lawyer who is new to the profession—just make sure he or she comes recommended by other immigration lawyers and charges fees that are reasonable compared to more experienced attorneys.

TIP

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