I am generally a very trusting person. I tend to believe that the majority of people are good and when given a chance, they will choose the correct and moral option. I have been spoiled, in my life, to have been around great people that have treated me with kindness and empathy. I am a year into the world of immigration law and have found that not everyone in this space operates under the same principles.
I recently witnessed a law firm berate and bully a client in an attempt to force them to sign an overpriced contract. It was quite shocking. There is no place for that in the immigration space. Many clients are already facing many traumatic challenges, including the possible absolute destruction of a life they’d built in the United States. Many with legitimate pathways to stay, but fail to find the right advice.
Here are some practical tips: (1) make sure you have a real conversation with the lawyer first. Many law firms require a paid consultation and you shouldn’t be afraid of that. Good immigration lawyers are busy and if they are going to prioritize you, then asking for you to pay is legit; (2) do not accept any bullying or pressure. I can tell you that there are many many excellent and committed immigration lawyers. You can find someone else, so do not think that lawyer X is your only option. Immigration law is a federal practice, so you can live in California and have a lawyer from New Jersey that represents you; (3) google the cost of what your legal fees normally are and if the lawyer/firm is requesting much more than that, it is fair to ask why. There may be a legitimate reason, but you should ask. Conversely, if they are much cheaper than the normal, it is also important to ask why; and (4) make sure you get a sense that you can trust this person. He/she might fail. This practice is difficult, but you want a good teammate. Establish what your priorities are in a relationship and ask for them/demand them. You are a paying customer.
In your immigration journey, you should be the captain of your ship. If you feel like you’ve lost that based on the way you are being treated, move on to someone else. I assure you that you can find dedicated, professional, caring and extremely smart individuals in immigration law that will take care of you.
