An immigration law firm is a group of lawyers who specialize or focus on the issues encountered by foreign nationals who wish to immigrate to another country or who are at risk of being deported from a foreign country. Choosing the best immigration law firm requires time to research and interview the potential firms. Recommendations from friends or family, referrals from a bar association, and personal interviews should all be part of the decision process.
Each country determines its own rules and regulations regarding immigration. Whether a visa is needed to enter a country, what type of visa is required, under what conditions a person may remain in a country, and the process to become a resident or citizen are all part of immigration law. In addition, the reasons that a foreign national may be removed and the procedure for removal fall under the purview of immigration law. An immigration law firm should be capable of handling legal issues involving all of these situations.
One of the best ways to locate a good immigration law firm is by asking friends, family, or co-workers for a referral. A referral from someone who has actually used a law firm is invaluable. Without invading their privacy, get as much information as possible from them about their experience with the firm. Do not only ask if they were happy with the results, but also ask about communication with the attorney, office hours, professionalism of the staff, and fees.
Another great resource for finding a good immigration law firm is a bar association. In almost all jurisdictions, there will be an association that keeps current information on lawyers and firms in the area. You should be able to obtain a list of firms that handle immigration cases. Basic information on the firms should also be available, such as how long they have been in business and whether or not any complaints have been filed against them.
Once you have gathered a list of possible immigration law firms, make appointments for a short consultation with each one. Many firms will offer an initial consultation free of charge. Arrive at the appointment with a list of questions you would like answered. Your consultation will likely be short, so make sure you get the most important questions that apply to your specific situation answered while you are there. After all of your consultations are complete, you should be in a position to make a decision regarding which firm is the most qualified to handle your immigration situation.