3 IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE IMMIGRATION SYSTEM

You may have many questions about immigration opportunities, the application process, and changes in the law. Speaking to a Nashville immigration attorney is the best way to get the answers you are looking for, but we have also provided a number of resources on this site to help explain how immigration works in the USA. However, we believe there are three important things everyone should keep in mind about the immigration system and process.

#1 The Immigration System is Very Complicated

Number one, the immigration system is extremely complicated. Many people refer to it as a broken system, and in many aspects I would agree. There are a lot of problems like extraordinarily long backlogs, and unintended consequences of labyrinthine and multi-layered legislation. One very important thing to understand is that you need to really know your options and to know what obstacles you will have in your case before starting.

A lot of times people are surprised by this. They may have had a friend who applied for some sort of status and think that they qualify as well, or they may get advice from a message board online, a “notario,” or somebody who’s not a full-fledged immigration attorney, and it might be bad advice. In immigration law, applying for something you’re not eligible for or submitting some bad advice can hurt your case. That’s one thing people should know.

#2 The Wait Times Are Very Long

Another thing people should know is that in many cases, unfortunately, the wait times can be extremely long. For instance, if you’re waiting for a certain type of family-based petition, you could be waiting well over a decade after the approval of your initial petition before your priority date becomes current. Another thing that can take a long time is the actual adjudication of cases by USCIS and the immigration courts. Right now, we’re getting initial court dates in Arlington set all the way out in November of 2019 – so it’s a more than four-year wait for people even to get the ball rolling on their case. It’s a shockingly slow-moving bureaucracy and people need to be prepared for that.

#3 Always Know Your Status and The Terms of That Status

One final important thing to remember is that you need to fully understand what status you are in and what the terms of that status are at all times. This is true whether you are in front of the immigration court or whether you’ve never had any issues whatsoever with your legal status. Some very minor things can end up destroying your status in some situations. For instance, if you’re here on a student visa and you’re working more than you’re authorized to work or you have off-campus employment that’s not authorized, or even if you drop a few classes and fall below the class schedule requirement, it can place you in violation of your status and you may be placed into removal proceedings.

If you depart the U.S., it could also lead to your inability to return to the United States. Certain criminal offenses can do the same thing, as well as a variety of other types of behavior like overstaying your allotted time here. So, you really need to understand your status, what’s allowed and not allowed while you’re in it, and be cognizant of that at all times.

How immigration policy works

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, immigration policies can evolve, and it’s essential to check the latest information from official sources for the most accurate details. However, I can provide you with a general overview of how immigration policy works in the United States.

  1. Visa Categories:
    • Non-Immigrant Visas: These are temporary visas for people visiting the U.S. for specific purposes, such as tourism, business, education, or work. Examples include B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), F (student), H-1B (temporary worker), and more.
    • Immigrant Visas: These are for individuals seeking permanent residency in the U.S. The most common immigrant visa is the family-sponsored or employment-based visa.
  2. Family-Sponsored Immigration:
    • U.S. citizens can sponsor certain family members for immigration, including spouses, children, parents, and siblings.
    • Permanent residents (green card holders) can sponsor spouses and unmarried children.
  3. Employment-Based Immigration:
    • Employers can sponsor foreign workers for certain employment-based visas, such as the H-1B for skilled workers, L-1 for intracompany transfers, and others.
    • Employment-based immigration also includes preferences for individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors, researchers, and multinational executives.
  4. Diversity Visa Program:
    • The Diversity Visa (DV) Program, also known as the green card lottery, is a random lottery program that provides visas to nationals of countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.
  5. Refugees and Asylum:
    • Individuals fleeing persecution or violence may seek asylum within the U.S.
    • The U.S. also admits refugees through a separate process for those who are unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution.
  6. Undocumented Immigration:
    • Unauthorized or undocumented immigrants are individuals who enter or remain in the U.S. without proper legal authorization.
    • The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is responsible for enforcing immigration laws and can detain and deport those who violate these laws.
  7. Naturalization:
    • After residing in the U.S. as a permanent resident for a certain period, individuals may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through the process of naturalization.
  8. Changes and Updates:
    • Immigration policies can change due to legislative reforms or executive actions. It’s crucial to stay informed about the latest updates from official government sources, such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State.

Keep in mind that immigration policies may have changed since my last update, and it’s recommended to consult official government resources or legal professionals for the most current information.

Good immigration policy equals good business

The City of Nashville has witnessed remarkable growth in the past decade. Some of our progress has been fueled by unlawful migration. President Joe Biden estimates there are over 11.5 million undocumented immigrants in this country today. The Migration Policy Institute and the Pew Research Center estimate roughly 124,000 to 130,000 undocumented immigrants in Tennessee. Here in Nashville, according to the Migration Policy Institute and the Pew Research Center, there are roughly 31,000 to 55,000 undocumented immigrants.

In a post 9/11 world, no one should be in this country in an unlawful status. However, we must recognize certain economic realities and acknowledge the role of undocumented immigrants in our society.

The truth is, immigrant workers are desperately needed in certain industries such as farming, hospitality and food service. They are important to Tennessee businesses and to our economy. Talk of a mass removal is unrealistic. Our government is not capable of an orderly removal of millions of undocumented immigrants at once, and even if it could do so, it should not since it would hurt several of our local industries.

We must remember that in addition to doing some jobs that Americans will not do, undocumented immigrants contribute in other ways to our society. According to an American Immigration Council Report, undocumented immigrants contribute approximately 85 million in state and local taxes. So instead of a wholesale removal we should take steps to facilitate lawful migration and reduce the number of undocumented immigrants living in the shadows.

It is far more humane and better policy to identify those individuals who qualify and put them into some type of temporary legal status. If, for example, a migrant has a special skill or a job that would otherwise go unfilled, we should provide a lawful way for them to remain. On the other hand, if a migrant has a criminal record then that individual has to leave America.

Our immigration problems are not limited to unlawful entry. Our visa process should also be revamped to better deal with individuals who come into this country legally on either a student or work visa, but who then remain here in an unlawful status once the visa expires. Technology should be made available and used to make it easier for employers and school administrators to keep track of those here on a work or student visa.

Furthermore, we also need to mandate tougher workplace enforcement. Most immigrants come from countries where jobs are scarce; they come to America to work. Some employers take advantage of the situation in order to hire cheaper labor. Those that do should be fined if they knowingly and repeatedly hire undocumented migrants. Through advancing technology we can, and should, make it easier and more cost effective for employers to verify the legal status of those who they seek to hire.

There appears to be serious disagreement in Congress over whether immigrants who come into the country unlawfully, or who overstay their visas, should ultimately be provided a pathway to citizenship. Biden believes they should. I believe the issue of citizenship is a distraction, and a road block to meaningful reform. Nevertheless, I support putting immigrants into a lawful status, but citizenship should be available only for those who meet certain qualifications and conditions spelled out in the legislation.

Most undocumented immigrants come to America to seek a better life for their families, not to become U.S. citizens. Many would be content knowing they will not be deported once they earn some type of legal status. If, however, lawmakers vote to provide a pathway to citizenship, the law should require the undocumented immigrant to pay a fine and back taxes (thus there can be no claim of amnesty), and to wait for a reasonable period of time to begin the citizenship process. This ensures that others waiting patiently outside the U.S., and who followed the rules, are not disadvantaged, but treated fairly.

The need for reform is obvious. We know this task is difficult. Immigration reform affects our economy and foreign policy. It touches upon family, and the very nature of who we are as a people. For over 30 years the U.S. Congress has failed to take action on a comprehensive revamping of our immigration laws. This failure jeopardizes our security and harms our economy and businesses. It is time for Congress to do its job. If members are unable or unwilling to act, then it is time for us as voters to find people who will. The Tennessee economy depends on it.

Immigration Law Attorneys in Nashville

We Use Our Heads and Our Hearts in Our Practice of Immigration Law

Many people dream about coming to America and starting a new life with freedom and new opportunities. We understand that it takes courage and vision to make that journey. We believe that people who overcome the obstacles to come to America are special and make America a better place. It’s why we practice immigration law and guide individuals, families, and workers to live their dreams. At the Nashville, TN Law Office of Perry A. Craft, PLLC, we handle complex immigration law matters. We take pride in overcoming the challenges facing business owners and international workers we much as we love bringing families together.

Every immigrant and non-citizen deserves a lawyer who can analyze a case and offer practical, personalized advice. When you work with Attorney Craft, you can rest easy knowing that he is on the job to help you.

From visas to defending against removal and every area of residency in-between

Starting a new life in a new country is exciting and complicated; immigrants and non-citizens are faced with an entirely new set of laws, and they may not always know whom to trust. At the Law Office of Perry A. Craft, we make it our business to offer clear, concise advice about your role in the immigration process. You can trust us to help you with:

  • Family Immigration. We believe that families should be together whenever they can. We handle all family immigration matters, explaining which of your relatives are eligible for benefits, and what steps to take to help reunite you with your loved ones.
  • Green Cards and Permanent Visas. The path to US residency can be complicated. We help you understand the rules of eligibility and how to apply for your green card or permanent visa.
  • Temporary Visas. There are many types of temporary visas available to visitors, workers and students. If you or your loved ones need to stay in the US for an extended amount of time, we can explain your options, what the time frames are, and what you need to do.
  • Citizenship and Naturalization. If you want to become a US citizen, we can help. We explain the steps of citizenship and naturalization, and answer your questions along the way.
  • Deportation, Removal and Defense. Removal, also called deportation, allows the US government to return foreign nationals to their country of origin. If you are in danger of facing removal, or if you have been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) we build your defense, and explain what steps you need to take to remain in the country.
  • Criminal chargesWhen a non-citizen or immigrant is charged with a crime in America, he faces obstacles and complex legal problems that are difficult to understand and often faces removal or deportation. It is crucial that a non-citizen or immigrant find a lawyer who understands and can help. Call or contact us.
  • Business Immigration. Whether you’re hiring a foreign national or seeking an H-1B visa for a temporary assignment, we help global business owners and employees grow their companies with the right people at the right time. Our firm handles all business immigration matters and will help you obtain the proper visa.
  • Music and Entertainment Immigration. Nashville is a hot-spot for entertainment, home to the Tennessee Titans and America’s most popular music scene. We offer entertainment immigration advice for those seeking the proper visas and looking to make a splash in Nashville.
  • Asylum. We believe no one should live in fear of persecution for who they are and what they believe. We can help you apply for asylum if you feel you are in danger in your home land.
  • Other Immigration Issues. Immigration law is complex and covers a wide variety of situations and circumstances. Whatever the issue, we will listen and help.

Understanding the rules that govern immigration and citizenship in America may be hard, but choosing a lawyer shouldn’t be. Let us put our experience helping people and businesses in Nashville to work for you.

Need an immigration attorney in Nashville? You’re in the right place.

The Law Office of Perry A. Craft, PLLC serves private individuals and corporate leaders in Nashville with dedication and determination. We are devoted to protecting your rights. Call 615-640-1040 or fill out our convenient contact form to reserve an appointment with a trusted immigration attorney who is always by your side.

5 Essential Tips On Your Path To Becoming A Lawyer

The road to becoming a lawyer is a long and difficult one, however, it is also an achievement that only the best talents can attain. The fact that you are even thinking about it shows that you have the determination and desire to succeed. Despite the difficulties, it is also a profession that will bring incredible job satisfaction and financial reward. If this sounds like your dream career path, here are five essential tips to reach your goals and become a lawyer.

1. Shine During High School

Excelling during high school not only can put you ahead of your competition when it comes to applying for colleges, but it also puts you in the correct frame of mind to pursue a career in law. You are going to have to work hard, so start working hard early. Get involved in extracurricular activities and take part in other activities that involve debating and meeting people as your personal skills will be key once you leave college.

2. Consider Participating In A Clerkship

A clerkship can give you the opportunity to work for a law firm over the summer or part-time. This will give you essential experience and law firms will look favourably upon this attribute on your résumé. There is also the possibility that the law firm that is providing you with the clerkship may take you on once you graduate from law school. If you are struggling financially and need extra funds to help you with living costs during an internship or clerkship, you can consider personal loans from private lenders. Doing so will keep you financially stable until you start to make money.

3. Get Involved In College

Like with high school, you should be getting involved as much as possible while at college. If there are positions of responsibility available you should be applying for them. Take extra classes if you need them and try to foster good relationships with your professors, as it will be them who are writing your reference for law school. If you can find work experience, this will help you even more as it shows your willingness to put yourself out there and start learning early.

4. Don’t Get In Trouble With The Law

It might seem obvious, but it is worth emphasising that you should not get in trouble with the law as it could prevent you from having a career in law. Bar Associations usually put candidates through a moral screening process and any involvement with the law will not look good. The number one rule of becoming a lawyer is to stay out of trouble.

5. Network

Your network can never be big enough, especially in an industry as competitive as law. Start networking early and never miss the opportunity to do so when you are at college or completing an internship or clerkship. The main importance of networking is your connections as they could provide you with opportunities that will completely change the course of your career. Networking works both ways and, to maintain your network, you will need to be prepared to help others when they are in need. A good network will also be able to provide you with advice and support during your journey.

5 Questions Everyone Should Ask Before Hiring an Attorney

5Questions Everyone Should Ask Before Hiring an Attorney.

The process of hiring an attorney is intimidating and overwhelming for most. We often spend a large portion of a consultation talking about the reasons NOT to hire an attorney, much less us. One of our mentors gave us a piece of wisdom we still follow today, he said, “This might be the 900th client for you, but it is likely the 1st attorney for your client.”

We take very seriously the real-life impact these matters have on our client’s lives. While many lawyers will tell someone that they are not their therapist, we understand that nothing in family law comes without emotional baggage.

The reality is that most people don’t think very highly of lawyers, and in many cases that is for good reason. We have spent considerable time evaluating why people dislike lawyers, and what we can do to try and shift that for our clients.

Some of the basis for the bad feelings about lawyers has to do with WHY you need a lawyer, and that is not something we have much control over. The simple truth is that lawyers come into peoples’ lives when bad stuff is happening. Lawyers don’t plan people’s birthday parties, they help when things have gone sour. Bankruptcy, Wills, Car Accidents, Divorces, Contract Disputes, all reasons a lawyer would need to help you, and all negative situations at the core.

5 Questions Everyone Should Ask Before Hiring an Attorney

The most common issues when dealing with a divorce attorney

The things that we hear most often about bad experiences with lawyers center around two specific areas; First, poor customer service, Second, poor expectation management. At RPM Law we have taken a head-on approach to deal with these two areas so that our clients can feel better about the process, regardless of the outcome in court.

In order to address customer service, we have focused our team on regular communication with our clients. Far too often we hear horror stories about the lawyer that took the money and then couldn’t be reached for months on end. Not only is that a problem ethically for the lawyer, but frankly it is a sure-fire way to never earn a referral or business from people in the future. We have found that a little customer service goes a long way in maintaining the positive relationship we have with our clients. If you don’t believe us, go check our reviews on Facebook or Google, our clients will tell you how hard we work to ensure they are satisfied with our efforts.

Bad customer service with a divorce attorney

The idea of expectation management is something we take as seriously as customer service. All too often we hear from people that a lawyer assured them that the case was a slam dunk, or that they could get them ownership rights to the moon. It may sound ridiculous, but no more so than the idea that any attorney could predict or promise the end result in any case. The plain fact is that if your case goes to trial, the judge will decide the outcome, and no lawyer can or should tell you they know how that will come out. When someone asks us what the odds are for a favorable outcome, we flat refuse to answer. It is far better to be honest with someone upfront than to over-promise a result. We prefer to have integrity in all we do, and lose potential clients, than to sell someone beachfront property in Yuma so we can make a few quick bucks.

In the end, the military background that this team was built around guides us in everything we do. We believe in giving the facts to our clients, however unsavory or unpleasant they may be. We prefer to be respectful to people, even the other side, because we only have one reputation, and it isn’t for sale.

We regularly get referrals from people we were on the opposite side of in a case. It is one of the biggest compliments we receive when someone says, “You kicked my buddies butt all over the courtroom last year, but you did it respectfully, so when I asked him for guidance in my situation, he sent me to you instead of the person he hired”. That happens all the time, and we are grateful when it does because it reaffirms for us one of the guiding principles of this team – “Doing the right thing is always the right thing to do”

5 Questions to ask before hiring an attorney

So without further rant – Here are the 5 questions everyone should ask an attorney before hiring them to deal with your case.

1. What areas of law do you practice, and how much experience do you have in those areas?

The reality is that few lawyers “do it all” anymore and for good reason. When someone calls or comes into our offices with a question in tax law, they may as well be speaking Russian to us. We know little to nothing about that very complicated and intricate area of law, and hiring us to handle a matter in that area would not only be wasting your money but likely would leave you in a worse place than when we started. If a lawyer can’t or won’t give you a straight answer about this, it should be a GIANT red flag for you moving forward.

2. Do you know the lawyer on the other side of the case, and if so what do you think of them?

The legal community is small, and most of us have worked opposite each other on a case or two at a minimum. While we each have our own flavor and style, as a general rule being cordial and respectful to each other should be the standard, not the exception. Most legal issues are full of bad feelings, to begin with, adding two lawyers who want to stick it to each other because of some previous grudge is a recipe for disaster and big bills. We don’t always have great interactions with the other side of a case, and frankly don’t always have a great relationship with some of our colleagues, but as a general rule, we do our best to keep the case focused on our clients, and the interactions respectful.

3. Can I meet your staff?

One of the worst kept secrets of the legal profession is how much of the workload is carried by the support staff in an office. The truth is that you will be speaking with the staff at least as much as the lawyer, if not more. This isn’t a matter of you not being a priority, it is a matter of bandwidth and efficiency. There is one of me, 3 paralegals’ and a receptionist, if your question can be answered by one of them, it will. If a lawyer isn’t willing, or excited to introduce you to the staff, something is amiss. We are beyond proud of the team we have built here at RPM Law. Andrea, Sarai, Stephanie, and John are the backbone of this operation. Often the lawyers are in court for 6 to 7 hours a day, who do you think handles everything while we are out?

4. How do your fees work?

his is probably #1 for most people when they come in to meet us for the first time and we understand why. The complexity of various fee structures is something for a future blog, but this much is clear… If a lawyer can’t tell you what to expect, how to minimize costs, what could increase the costs, how the fee is structured, and what your options are for payment, then you should run for the hills. Even in the most complex matters, we can give you a reasonable estimate of costs, areas of potential savings, and areas that may increase the costs.

5. Do I like this person?

When speaking to potential clients I often compare lawyers to ice cream. The basic ingredients are pretty much the same, but the flavors are varied and diverse. We all went to law school, passed the bar exam, have the same rules to follow, and practice in the same courtrooms, but, our flavors or styles run the gamut. At RPM Law we have 3 attorneys on staff, each with their own style or flavor. Matt is more aggressive, the picture of a type-A personality. Andy is more measured and tactical, years of being an officer and helicopter pilot in the military trained him to carefully evaluate each angle before charging. Julia is more gentle, aware of the emotions and impacts involved, as someone who focuses much of her practice in the Juvenile Court, she is keenly aware of the impact these matters have on families and kids. For some people Matt is too loud, Andy too reserved, Julia too sensitive, there is no right or wrong, simple preference, and taste. Contested legal matters will take their toll on you, even if you win, if you hate the lawyer representing you it won’t matter the outcome, you will be bitter and disillusioned at the end. On the other side of things, many times you won’t get everything you hoped for, but if you felt well represented, heard, and respected by the person representing you, you will be much more at peace when the process is over.

Having trouble finding the right attorney, give Randle Palmer & Bernays a call today!

At the end picking and hiring the person who will represent you and tell your story in court is an important and emotional process. This list is hardly the be-all-end-all, but it is a start. Going into a consultation should feel like you are interviewing the attorney, inspecting their practice, and ensuring that they are the right fit for you in your time of need.

We hope in this article about 5 Questions Everyone Should Ask Before Hiring an Attorney we have answered your questions.

If you or someone you know is facing a family law, juvenile law, misdemeanor criminal, or traffic law issue; reach out to us today for a FREE consultation.

7 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Facing criminal charges is daunting. It brings about the possibility of serving jail time. In the same vein, it can affect your reputation, tarnish your character, and put your future at risk even if you’re not convicted. With all the complexities of the criminal justice system and, pending outcomes that impact your future and your freedom, your first concern must be finding a qualified criminal defense attorney that will best represent you.

There are many factors to consider in order to land on the best criminal defense attorney. The below tips will aid in your research and help increase your chance for a favorable outcome.

1) Level of experience

Being accused of a crime is a very serious situation. You want to ensure that the attorney representing you and providing you with legal advice knows the law inside and out. Look for an attorney with experience in all courts (municipal, state, federal, superior) as sometimes jurisdictions of the courts overlap and your case may be heard in more than one court.

Equally as important as the level of expertise is success rate. There is no substitute for real-life experience, and experience without success means very little when you are facing the consequences of a crime. The best attorney has an impressive track record and verifiable success.

2) Avoid a public defender

It may be enticing to consider a public defender in order to avoid the cost of representation, but typically public defenders are inexperienced and loaded with cases. Because of this, they have very little time to address your case, answer your questions and are less likely to dedicate their attention to fight on your behalf.

3) Local connections

Having an attorney with local connections and established relationships is extremely helpful. Someone well connected will have a better understanding of local procedures, and first-hand experience with judges and prosecutors. They will know who entertains plea bargains, and which ones never consider them.

Armed with this valuable knowledge of the inner workings of the local legal scene, they’ll be more qualified to come up with a winning strategy to change the outcome of your case to the best possible one.

4) Board certification

Board certified criminal defense attorneys are the “best of the best”. You’ll be assured that your lawyer is proficient in the specialty legal field in which you have a legal need. Specializing in criminal defense, having a significant amount of jury trials, and an excellent reputation with judges and prosecutors increases the likelihood of a successful and aggressive defense.

5) In person interview

Researching websites, social media, reviews and testimonials of potential attorneys can provide useful information but nothing beats face-to-face. Take advantage of the free consultation most offer so you can form a personal impression, gauge whether or not the lawyer makes you feel comfortable, and get a sense if they are empathetic to your situation.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and check reviews, ratings, and references. Are they a trusted advisor you feel comfortable around and are you able to speak candidly with them? This is the time they will reveal their willingness to fight hard for you.

6) Accessible and available

Time is of the essence — time lost can mean case lost. Make sure your attorney is available not only to take your initial call, but promptly responds to your inquiries. An accessible and available attorney will arrange initial and subsequent meetings as soon as possible.

7) Fees

An attorney with the lowest fees is not always your best choice. Remember the old adage “you get what you pay for” – it is no different when it comes to legal representation. Subsequently, the highest fees aren’t necessarily in your best interest either. Generally, less experienced attorneys set lower fees, but be mindful when you come across an extremely low hourly rate.

An experienced attorney with a higher hourly rate may be able to resolve a case quicker and more suitable than a novice with a much lower hourly rate, thus being less expensive in the long run.

Bottom line

Be thorough, choose wisely. The imminent outcome and how your life will be once the case is closed depends on it. Invest the time and energy, do the homework and the research in order to select the attorney that is right for you. It is the most critical decision you’ll make, and choosing wisely makes all the difference in how your case will go and what the outcome is.

Fighting a criminal charge is not something you should leave to chance. The outcome of your case can change your entire future and it is important you get a good criminal defense lawyer to help you.

7 Must-Know Tips for Hiring an Attorney for Your Case

When you find yourself faced with a legal issue, the steps you take next can literally impact the rest of your life. Hiring a legal professional – and doing it the right way – is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

Not sure how to hire an attorney for your case? You’re in the right place! Keep reading for ten must-know tips that will make hiring an attorney easy.

1. Ask for Recommendations

One of the best ways to find a good attorney is to ask people you trust for recommendations. Start with family and friends – ask if they’ve had a positive personal experience with an attorney in the area of specialty you’re looking for.

If you have a relationship with an attorney who works in a different specialty, he or she may also be able to give you a recommendation. For example, your business lawyer probably can’t help with a personal injury case, but he may be able to refer you to a great personal injury lawyer.

Use these recommendations to create a short list of three to five attorneys who you’ll investigate further before making a decision.

2. Do Online Research

Next, it’s time to hop online and start doing some research about each of the attorneys on your list. Check Google reviews and at least a couple of the lawyer review sites – like Lawyers.com and Justia.

It’s also a good idea to take a look through the lawyer’s website and their social media – including the reviews section. Remember that you can’t please everyone, so don’t put too much weight into one or two bad reviews, but if you start to see a pattern, consider crossing that lawyer off your list.

3. Schedule a Consultation

Once your research is done, narrow down your list to the top three, then call to schedule consultations. Most attorneys will meet with you for at least a brief consultation without charging you.

Pay attention to whether the person who answers the phone is polite and accommodating. When you arrive at the office, notice whether the location is convenient and whether you feel comfortable in the space.

4. Ask the Right Questions

When you sit down with the lawyer, it’s a good idea to have a list of questions prepared. This will ensure that you make good use of the time you have and that you don’t forget anything important.

Some of the questions you’ll want to ask include:

  • Do you specialize in cases like mine?
  • How long have you been practicing?
  • Do you feel that I have a strong case?
  • How much do you think my case is worth?
  • How often do you take cases to court vs. setting?
  • Who will be handling my case?
  • How and when will I need to pay?

Look for an attorney who is honest and upfront when answering your questions. Don’t be afraid to take notes, as you’ll want to compare the interviews with each of your top three options and remembering who said what could become a challenge.

5. Assess fees and Costs

You never want to hire an attorney based on cost alone, but, of course, price does matter. Ask the attorney to thoroughly explain their fees, and, if possible, to provide you with a written summary. Don’t feel like you’re “being cheap,” you deserve to know what you’re paying for and how much it’s going to cost you.

6. Review the Payment Arrangements

There are different ways that your attorney might bill you. Options include:

  • Contingency fee – the attorney receives a percentage of what you’re awarded if you win your case.
  • Flat fee – a set dollar amount for services. This is common for simple things like writing a will or filing a non-contested divorce.
  • Hourly rate – this is a set fee per hour. The final cost will depend on the number of hours worked.
  • Retainer – this is a fee you pay upfront. Lawyers often use this to pay expenses and fees associated with trying your case.

It’s important to understand how your attorney bills so you know when and how much you can expect to pay. If you don’t ask these questions, you could end up with an unpleasant surprise.

7. Listen to Your Gut

Once you’ve reviewed all of this information and met with each potential attorney, it’s time to evaluate your experience with each and make a final decision. You’ll use logic for most of this evaluation, but it’s also important to listen to your gut. If you have a really great feeling about one attorney that you met with – if you feel like you trust and believe in him or her – then this is a great indication that you’ve made the right choice.

The same goes for a negative feeling. Even if you can’ quite put your finger on it, if there’s something that just doesn’t seem quite right to you, then move on. There are thousands of lawyers out there, so it makes sense to keep looking until you find one that’s a good fit for you.

Hiring an Attorney is a Critical Decision

Follow these tips for hiring an attorney and you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve made an excellent choice. If you need even more information, take a few minutes to scroll through some of our other helpful blog posts!

How Immigration Lawyers Can Assist Your Family with Immigration Procedures

U.S. immigration laws can be fairly complex, and hiring an immigration lawyer can help your family deal with immigration issues or legal trouble and save you time and money.

An immigration attorney is a private practitioner who provides immigration legal services to individuals interested in getting a green card, family visas, work visas, or students visas, and they aren’t connected to U.S. immigration offices like the Department of State, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Department of Homeland Security. They deal with various issues relating to green cards, U.S. citizenship, immigration visas, and other U.S. immigration processes.

U.S. immigration laws are established by the federal government. Anyone who will be allowed to enter the U.S. or how long anyone can stay is determined by these rules. If a foreign national wishes to undergo the naturalization process to become a legal immigrant and become a U.S. citizen, or if they’re facing legal issues regarding their immigration status, they must be familiar with the provisions of these laws.

Seeking legal advice from immigration experts who are up-to-date with immigration news and laws is your best bet when facing legal immigration issues. A Nashville immigration and family law attorneys can help you understand the legal immigration process and make sure that your visa application goes smoothly.

How an Immigration Attorney Can Help

There are different ways an immigrant lawyer can help immigrant families. In this article, we have provided you with three ways that Durham immigration lawyers can help.

1. Properly Explain the Immigration Process

Usually, new immigrants encounter problems such as deportation, overstaying, illegal entry, or even losing legal status because there are issues with the immigrant visas or visa application process they’ve chosen. A legal counsel that knows the process of immigration and the different immigration offices can help make your application a success.

The Department of Homeland Security have different federal agencies that are in charge of administrating different immigration laws and immigration policy :

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – monitors cross-border crimes and illegal immigration that threaten national security and public safety
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – the largest federal law enforcement agency that is focused on border control and security

2. Assess the Right Type of Visa for You

Immigration ProceduresAn immigration attorney can guide you when choosing the type of visa or adjustment of status that is appropriate for your situation. The different types of U.S. visas are:

  • Immigrant visa – issued to foreign nationals who intend to live permanently in the United States
  • Non-immigrant visa – issued to foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States temporarily – for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work, study, or other similar reasons
  • Visa Waiver Program (VWP) – enables foreign nationals from 38 participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. A VWP can’t be used to apply for a student visa or work visa or to apply for a green card to become a lawful permanent resident

3. Assist You in Your Green Card Application

Aside from giving you immigration advice and helping you get familiar with the immigration process, experienced immigration attorneys can also assist you in preparing and submitting your application for family immigration and give you legal representation in an immigration court.

If you have plans of applying for family-based immigration, you’d have to submit your application and other supporting documents to the U.S. federal government. Immigration law can be complicated, and seeking the help of immigration law firms that specialize in immigration, such as Diener Law, can help you in your application.

How a Nashville immigration and family law attorneys Can Help

The immigration process can be very long and confusing. That is why it’s important to seek the immigration assistance of a highly-skilled attorney who specializes in immigration laws and procedures such as employment-based visas, obtaining a green card, or petition for alien relatives.

Our family immigration lawyers are here to help. If you’re an immigrant who needs legal assistance for yourself and your family or if you have immigration questions, consult with our Nashville immigration and family law attorneys today.

Everything You Need to Know About Becoming an Immigration Lawyer

Want to make a difference—and have a lasting career—as an immigration lawyer? Keep reading for answers to frequently asked questions about this rewarding legal specialty.

First things first…

Who might be interested in immigration law?

Does the thought of working on human rights issues excite you? Do you like interacting with people from other countries and cultures? Are you interested in criminal law, constitutional law, civil rights law, family law, education law, entertainment law, sports law, compliance, or business law? Do you hope to be a transactional lawyer or litigate in federal court?

If any of the above apply to you, you are likely to benefit from studying immigration law. Why? Because immigration law provides you with a foundation to represent people who have immigration matters to resolve, but it also allows you to recognize how a person’s immigration status might impact them in many seemingly unrelated ways.

What do immigration lawyers do?

The immigration issues that have seen intense political debate and media coverage in recent years are only part of the story.

The United States sees a constant influx of people hoping to live, work, and study within its borders, and immigration lawyers can help individuals, families, and businesses navigate those various and often complex immigration pathways. A person’s immigration status might impact and intersect with other legal matters too, such as family law, criminal law, business, and tax law, and being well versed in immigration law is necessary for attorneys practicing in those areas as well.

Immigration lawyers may represent clients in administrative courts, or they may counsel clients about their legal rights and obligations related to immigration, among other things. They also suggest courses of action based on their knowledge of immigration law.

For example, immigration lawyers might help citizens of other countries through the process of gaining legal status to work in the United States with the H-1B visa program. This program provides a framework for American employers to hire non-U.S. citizens in jobs where their skills are needed. Individuals hoping to come to the United States to fill such positions must gain approval through a complex and often intimidating process. They (or often the employers hoping to hire them) often turn to immigration lawyers, who provide assistance in completing forms and taking other required steps. The lawyers may also represent clients in dealing with government officials in matters related to the visa application.

Related: Meet professor Dina Francesca Haynes, Director of the Immigration Law certificate at New England Law | Boston

You can find immigration lawyers in various legal settings as well, from large law firms to smaller practices that include or specialize in immigration law, to government agencies to nonprofit organizations. (Every world-class performer or athlete has an immigration attorney behind them, advising on and securing necessary visas!) Some immigration attorneys provide services through a nonprofit or public interest law fair. Or they may prepare correspondence, meet with government officials, make presentations, and advise staff and volunteers, among other duties.

Finally, highly experienced immigration lawyers may pursue other career interests, such as teaching immigration law in law schools. Many universities have an immigration attorney on staff to advise incoming students and faculty as well. Other possibilities include becoming an immigration judge, a legislative aid (every member of Congress has an immigration advisor on staff), or an appointed or elected official.

Even criminal lawyers would be well-advised to understand immigration law, as they can be professionally sanctioned for failing to properly advise non-citizen clients of the immigration consequences of convictions, pleas, and sentences.

At the end of the day, immigration law can be a strong fit to students interested in human rights and international law, as well as those interested in business law or criminal law.

How can you become an immigration lawyer?

Regardless of the eventual practice area, completing a bachelor’s degree is the usual first step in becoming a lawyer, followed by earning a juris doctor (JD) degree.

A law school concentration or specialization in immigration law will help bolster your expertise in this specialty and give you an advantage in the field, though it is not technically necessary to practice. Rather, employers and clients will be looking for lawyers with ample exposure to the immigration field, particularly hands-on legal experience through clinics, legal internships, externships, clerkships, pro bono activities, and more, as well as through their law school course work.

A career in immigration law, as with most legal areas, also requires certain skills. High-level capabilities in reading and writing are a must, as is the ability to understand and communicate complex concepts and advocate for your client in an adversarial setting. Law schools both seek out these skills in applicants and cultivate them in their students.

In many situations, strong interpersonal skills are also needed. During any given day in immigration practice, an attorney may work with people who have undergone exceptionally traumatic experiences, including suffering persecution, human trafficking, or torture. The ability to communicate with compassion may be especially important in dealing with immigrants and immigrant families, who may need reassurance as well as technical assistance in dealing with the legal complexities of immigration.

If you’re not in law school yet…

If you’ve yet to enter law school (whether you’re an undergrad student, a working professional, or even still in high school), there are things you can do now to prepare yourself for the legal education ahead and your future career as an immigration lawyer.

Common undergraduate majors for students considering law school include political science, history, philosophy, economics, social sciences, language studies, and business—but no specific major is required. Even fields like nursing or engineering can serve as “pre-law” majors.

The American Bar Association (ABA) advises anyone interested in a legal career, regardless of the chosen specialty, to pursue educational, extracurricular, and life experiences that will foster the strengths and abilities needed for success in the legal world. Among them are analytical thinking, problem-solving, critical reading, writing and editing, oral communication, listening skills, and research.

The ABA also recommends getting involved in pursuits related to public service, promotion of justice, relationship-building, and collaboration. So seek out part-time or summer jobs, internships, or volunteer activities if you can. For instance, interning with a law firm that specializes in immigration issues can provide a first-hand look at the work involved while helping you polish relevant workplace skills. Such “real world” experiences can also help you assess the pros and cons of working in this field without making the commitment of full-time employment after law school. It will also provide a knowledge base you can build on later if you choose to pursue a career in immigration law.

The same can be said for gaining experience in a social outreach organization, business that relies on non-citizen employees, or government office that deals with immigration. If a direct connection with immigration is not available, any paid or volunteer activity that involves public speaking, writing, research, or other skills valued in the legal profession could be worth pursuing.

If you’re already in law school…

Once in law school, you’ll complete a combination of required courses and electives that match your individual interests and future aspirations. These may include courses or even concentrations or certificates in immigration law or related areas, which provide a vital academic foundation for a career in this specialty.

In addition to academics, and as noted above, you should also pursue as many opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the legal field as you can, particularly in immigration law–related work. You might find such opportunities through the clinical programspro bono activitiesinternships/externships, and student groups offered by your law school.

For most people planning to practice law, including immigration law, the JD is the standard degree. But some law school graduates go on to pursue other degrees or credentials requiring additional study, such as the Master of Laws (LLM) or the Doctor of Science of Law/Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD or SJD). Advanced degrees are generally pursued by those who hope to teach law or conduct scholarly research.

What does immigration law pay?

It’s no secret that legal careers tend to pay well, though individual lawyers’ salaries can vary considerably, even within the same legal specialty, like immigration law. The services you offer, clientele you serve, and area of the country you practice in can all affect earning potential.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual wage for all lawyers is about $120,000. Median salaries top $140,000 for those employed by the federal government, while pay for state and local government ranges from $85,000 to $93,000 annually. Lawyers employed by large, successful law firms or big corporations tend to earn more than those who own their own practices or work for nonprofit organizations.

Earnings for some lawyers who specialize in immigration may be lower than the average for lawyers in general. An attorney who accepts a position with a small immigration nonprofit, for example, may choose that option with the understanding that while the salary is lower than average, the work offers the opportunity to serve people in life-altering situations who lack the resources to obtain legal assistance otherwise. Not to mention the satisfaction rates are consistently higher for public interest lawyers. Many immigration lawyers go into solo practice as well.

Where can I learn more?

There are certainly plenty of online resources to help you learn more about becoming an immigration lawyer; however, you may find it’s helpful to start by connecting with people in the field. This might mean conducting an informational interview with a working immigration lawyer, perhaps through your undergraduate institution (ask the career or alumni offices at your school). Conversations with law school representatives can also be revealing, and it’s often easy to contact law school admissions folks and even professors directly. You might also get a chance to chat about immigration law at a law school fair.

Another helpful resource is the American Immigration Lawyers Association, a national organization of more than 15,000 attorneys and educators who practice and teach immigration law. This nonpartisan nonprofit provides continuing legal education, information, and professional services. Its goals are to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.

As you explore immigration law through these and other resources, you may find it offers the right career potential for you.