THE WISE CONSUMER'S GUIDE TO HIRING AN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY Cowles & Thompson 214-672-2000 immigration @cowlesthompson.com Page 1
Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer? Remember that immigration applications with the government are legal documents, similar to filing court documents for a lawsuit. Don t be deceived that these applications are simple and just paperwork. Behind the forms are thousands of pages of law that affect your rights and ability to live and work in the U.S. There is no one-size-fits-all with immigration cases. Consequently, you should consult an immigration lawyer, not family or friends, whenever you have to face the government. After all, isn t your immigration a life-changing matter that deserves the best assistance possible? For a qualified and experienced immigration lawyer to provide you with the best help, he or she must: Inform you of your options based upon the latest changes in U.S. immigration law and procedures. Recommend and help you decide the best course of action, based upon your individual situation, your business or employment interests, or your family concerns. Represent and defend you before Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and the U.S. Department of State (DOS), immigration-related agencies, and at U.S. consulates around the world. Advise you every step of the way with regard to the immigration or visa matters you have asked the lawyer to file for you, or with regard to other matters concerning your personal life that comes up from time to time. Check the status of your application with the government to verify timely processing Submit requests for status to the government if your application processing takes longer than the normal processing time posted by the government Prepare all legal documents for filing with the CIS, DOL, and DOS, along with correct filing fees, at the correct office of these agencies. Keep you informed with regard to changes in U.S. immigration law and procedures that could affect your case. Help you if CIS, DOL, or DOS finds something wrong with your case or your individual situation, and help you resolve the matter. Be ready to appeal an adverse decision, denying your petition or application, if necessary, and advise you on what to do next and how to get what you want. Cowles & Thompson 214-672-2000 immigration @cowlesthompson.com Page 2
17 Tough Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Immigration Lawyer 1. How long have you been practicing in the specific field of immigration law? 2. What percentage of your practice is devoted to immigration law? 3. Have you previously represented people with cases similar to mine? 4. Do you have a list of references that I may call? 5. Do you have a secure case status website so I can access my case information 24 hours a day? 6. What percentage of your clients is satisfied with your services? 7. Do you have a client services guarantee that guarantees client satisfaction? 8. Do you have an Attorney Code of Conduct? 9. How many continuing education courses in immigration do you attend a year? 10. Do you conduct free educational seminars so I can learn more about immigration cases? 11. Will you discuss my case with me over the telephone without an additional charge? 12. Are you a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association? 13. Please describe the case management system you use to prepare my case, keep up with my case deadlines, and track the status of my case? 14. Do you use the latest technology for easy access to my case information? 15. Will you send me free educational materials about immigration cases? 16. What is your communication policy? Can you communicate by email? What is the turnaround time for responses to your calls or emails? 17. How well-trained are your paralegals and support staff? Cowles & Thompson 214-672-2000 immigration @cowlesthompson.com Page 3
How to Choose a Qualified Immigration Lawyer 1. Choose an immigration attorney who consistently practices immigration law. Other attorneys simply don t have the knowledge, skill, judgment or experience to win your immigration case. And, beware of non-attorneys who claim to have immigration expertise. Notarios, visa consultants, and immigration consultants cannot provide legal services and cannot give legal advice. Only licensed immigration attorneys can offer solid legal advice. 2. Choose a lawyer who earns at 85% of her law practice revenue from immigration. If you go to a lawyer who receives less than this amount, you won t get an expert. 3. Choose a lawyer with at least five (5) years of experience in immigration law and has worked with cases similar to yours. 4. Choose an attorney you trust. Nothing is more important in a lawyer/client relationship than having a lawyer you trust. 5. Choose an attorney who has a reputation for excellent service. Anything less is not acceptable. 6. Choose an attorney who will answer all or your questions. You won t make good decisions if your questions remain unanswered. 7. Choose an attorney who will return your phone calls and emails quickly. You should never hire a lawyer who won t respond promptly to your needs. 8. Choose an attorney who has a longstanding established practice with a caring staff. This attorney cares about her reputation and is more likely to be available in the future when you need help. 9. Choose an attorney who is a respected source of information for the community - one who had dedicated her practice to helping immigrants secure their future in the United States. 10. Choose an attorney who consistently updates her knowledge with continuing legal education. 11. Choose an attorney who uses the latest technology to closely monitor your case and quickly inform you about your case. 12. Choose an attorney who charges fair fees. If the fee is too low, the attorney may be leaving something out. And if the fee is sky high, the lawyer may be overcharging you. Cowles & Thompson 214-672-2000 immigration @cowlesthompson.com Page 4
7 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an Immigration Lawyer MISTAKE #1: Choosing a lawyer who does not have enough experience. The single most important factor in choosing an attorney is his or her experience. Law schools give lawyers very general understanding about the law but real knowledge and expertise are gained through experience. In particular, immigration law is so complicated that it takes at least five years for an attorney to even learn the ropes. So if you want the best representation for your case, be sure your lawyer has five or more years of experience working on cases like yours. MISTAKE #2: Choosing a lawyer who promises approval of your case. By law, lawyers cannot guarantee approval of your case. So if a lawyer makes promises that sound too good to be true, they probably are. Don t believe a lawyer tells you about a secret law or claims to have connections or special influence with any agency. And, don t let anyone find you a sponsor or spouse to get you a green card because it is illegal. An ethical, service-oriented lawyer will guarantee his or her best efforts and outstanding service to help you within the boundaries of the law. Most importantly, he or she will give you an honest opinion whether you have an approvable case. MISTAKE #3: Choosing a lawyer solely because of the size of his or her fees. Fees, whether high or low, do not always indicate the ability of an attorney. But sometimes a lawyer that charges a low fee may not have the experience, staff, and equipment to win your case and give you the dedicated service you expect. Also, some fees start out low but can become higher if the lawyer adds on extra charges as the case goes along. Be sure to ask if the fee covers everything in your case or if there may be additional charges. And be sure that the lawyer gives you a written agreement that will explain the fees and say what the lawyer will do for you. MISTAKE #4: Choosing a lawyer because of the location of his or her office. You may want to select a lawyer who has an office near where you live. But this could be a big and costly mistake because what you gain in convenience, you may lose in experience and know-how. I encourage you to hire a qualified immigration attorney based upon his or her experience with your type of case, even if it means you must drive farther to her office or even consult by telephone or email. Most immigration attorneys can provide service nationwide, no matter where you live. Cowles & Thompson 214-672-2000 immigration @cowlesthompson.com Page 5
MISTAKE #5: Choosing a lawyer because they offer a free initial consultation. Just as you would expect to pay a doctor for his or her experience, knowledge, and training in medicine, you should expect to pay a lawyer for his or her experience, knowledge, and training. Generally, immigration attorneys who do not charge for the initial consultation are usually less experienced. A well-established, soughtafter attorney with a high rate of success in immigration will have many clients who have paid for her dedicated service. Therefore, it makes sense that she will expect to be paid for the time she spends listening to the facts of your situation and giving you excellent expert advice about your options. MISTAKE #6: Choosing a lawyer who does not limit his or her practice to immigration law. Immigration law is very complex and constantly changing with new rules and procedures announced nearly every day. Lawyers who practice immigration law in addition to other areas of law may be stretched too thin to have current knowledge of immigration rules. You need an expert that keeps up with these changes so your case is not rejected because of your lawyer s outdated knowledge. The best immigration lawyers only work with immigration clients so their clients get the full attention and expertise they deserve. MISTAKE #7: Choosing a lawyer because he or she is not busy and can meet with you right away. Certainly, your immigration matter deserves immediate attention. But consider that the best lawyers are very busy people. If you call a lawyer that has a great reputation, you should not expect that the lawyer is sitting in her office, waiting for the next call. Also, the best lawyers devote their time and attention first to the clients who have already hired them. If a lawyer can see you or speak with you immediately, her services may not be in much demand or she may not provide the dedicated service that you deserve once you become a client. This information is provided as an educational service by Cowles & Thompson. If you have questions about immigration, you are invited to call or email our immigration practice group: 214-672-2000 immigration@cowlesthompson.com www.badmuslaw.com www.physicianimmigration.com Cowles & Thompson 214-672-2000 immigration @cowlesthompson.com Page 6
The Top 10 Reasons to Choose Cowles & Thompson For Immigration Success Reason # 1: Highly Successful. Timing and reduced risk of rejection are critical in your immigration case. As the immigration solution experts with years of experience in cutting through government red tape, we anticipate and address the issues in your immigration case so your petitions are prepared fast, right, and ready for approval, the first time. Reason #2: Experience and expertise. Since 1993, our immigration attorneys have served over 2000 immigration clients. With that kind of experience, you can be certain that we are well-versed in the ever-changing immigration rules and regulations. And, because immigration is all we do, you can be confident that you ve received the right advice and that your case won t be rejected because of outdated information. Reason #3: Compassion and Commitment. We understand first-hand how complex and intimidating the immigration process can be. In fact, many members of our team have been through the immigration process themselves - either personally or with a family member. More importantly, we all really want you to succeed so you can be assured that we will take care of everything for you, and you will have unhindered access to our attorneys and staff who are dedicated to you. Reason #4: Comprehensive Case Management. Our tested and streamlined immigration process is second to none. Our all-inclusive case management system presents your best case to the government in the fastest time possible, tracks your applications to make sure they don t fall through the cracks, and has won approvals for thousands of clients like you. Reason #5: Outstanding Communications. You need to know what is happening in your case. Your peace of mind is important to us so you are never left in the dark and you can focus on your job or family, rather than immigration concerns. As our client, you get email updates, a private case website that gives you the status of your case at any time, 24 hours a day, and quick responses to your emails and phone calls should you have specific questions or need information. Reason # 6: Guaranteed Client Satisfaction. Cowles & Thompson strives to provide world-class service at all times. We have a long list of ecstatic clients and testimonials, and guarantee your satisfaction with our services. In fact, over 95% of our clients providing feedback are happy with our services and would recommend our firm to their friends, family, and colleagues. If you are not as pleased with our service, you will receive a $100 gift certificate of your choice. That's how serious we are about excellent service to you. Cowles & Thompson 214-672-2000 immigration @cowlesthompson.com Page 7
Reason #7: Education. Immigration law is constantly changing! Not only do we stay on top of those changes, we know how important it is to you to understand these changes as well. That s why our attorneys will take the time to carefully explain everything and advise you on your best options based upon current law. And, through our blog, newsletters, and free seminars, you ll receive updates the latest changes in immigration law that affect you. Reason #8: Team of Professionals. Our team consists of highly qualified attorneys, paralegals and support staff. All of paralegal and support staff have college degrees or equivalent experience and are very knowledgeable. And like our attorneys, all of our staff members attend continuing education courses to gain the latest information necessary to serve our clients better. Most importantly, all of us are committed to assisting every client and work as a team to meet the expectations of our clients with the highest level of professionalism. Reason #9: Use of Technology. As a valued client, keeping you constantly informed is a priority. Information is literally at your fingertips through a private client intranet so you have 24 hour access to your case. Integrated with other streamlined technology tools like email, case management software, paperless document management, newsletters and blog, everything is geared towards rapid response for your ultimate satisfaction. Reasons #10: Cost-Effective. Of course, you need to know what your total investment will be to secure your future in the U.S. With our standard fees based upon the type of application or process, you will never be surprised about your bill and you can plan your budget accordingly. And, considering the enormous benefits of living, working or doing business in the U.S., you will find our fees extremely reasonable and one of the best investments you will ever make.. If you are ready for a successful and worry-free immigration experience, you are invited to call or email us: 214-672-2000 immigration@cowlesthompson.com www.badmuslaw.com www.physicianimmigration.com Cowles & Thompson 214-672-2000 immigration @cowlesthompson.com Page 8
Thousands of clients have hired Cowles & Thompson partly because of Cowles & Thompson 12-Part Client Services Guarantee When you hire my services, I promise you will receive 1. Close Personal Attention. I promise I will answer all your questions, meet with you as often as you wish, and do everything possible to treat you the way I like to be treated when I m the client. 2. Immediate Access. If I m in the office and available when you call, I promise I will speak with you immediately. I do not screen calls based on who pays the highest fees, or who demands the most attention. I speak with clients in the order they call. You can depend on it. 3. Prompt Return Calls and Emails. I promise I will make every effort to return your phone calls and emails as soon as possible but within one business day, if not sooner. If I discover that I will be tied up and can t return your call or email within that time frame, I ll ask my assistant to call you and set a time for our telephone appointment. 4. Quick Response to Your Requests. Whenever you need something from my office, please don t hesitate to call. If I m not available at that moment, feel free to ask my assistant to help you. If she cannot fulfill your request, I ll handle it for you as soon as I m available. 5. Confidential Service. I promise when you hire my services, everything I do for you and your family is confidential. The only person or companies that will learn of your immigration matters are those people required by law. 6. Fair and Reasonable Fees. Immigration is a life-changing process your career, your family, your future depends upon the success of your immigration. When you hire my services, you are not paying for a penthouse suite of offices or a huge support staff of secretaries and assistants. You are investing in your future. Because I appreciate your investment, I regularly monitor my fees to make sure they are fair and reasonable for both of us. You don t want a cheap lawyer who charges so little he goes out of business. Nor do you want the most expensive lawyer that you must struggle to pay. The best lawyer-client relationship is the one when both you and I are happy. I promise to work with you to that end so that you get the utmost value. Cowles & Thompson 214-672-2000 immigration @cowlesthompson.com Page 9
7. Ready to Assist You. Any time you have a legal question or problem, I invite you to call me. I ll be glad to speak with you on the telephone. If you need legal services, I ll gladly help you if your problem is in an area of law I practice. If your problem is outside my areas of expertise, I ll refer you to another experienced, competent attorney. 8. Competent Services. I work hard to maintain the highest level of knowledge in the areas in which I practice. I eagerly attend continuing education classes, seminars and workshops. They allow me to provide you with the latest information, most effective techniques, and most efficient methods to help you reach your immigration goals. 9. Current Knowledge. I stay on top of everything that s happening in the field of immigration by belonging to important groups of lawyers such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the American Bar Association. 10. Attorney Code of Conduct and Code of Accountability. My commitment to excellence - and your assurance of outstanding, personalized legal services - is reflected in my guaranteed code of conduct and code of accountability. To my knowledge, our immigration group is the only one in the United States that offers this remarkable pledge. 11. Value in Every Respect. My goal is to make sure you feel the value you receive from my services is always greater than the fee you pay. So while I can t guarantee my fees will always be low, I can guarantee that they will always be fair. I want you to receive more value from me than any other lawyer you know. And I ll work hard to make sure you do. 12. More Than You Expect. If you think of some way I can provide you with better service, or better meet your needs, please tell me how. Even though we work together on your immigration goals, still, I m not a mind reader. If you have something troubling you -- or if you have a concern or a problem -- please discuss it with me. If I can help you, I will. And if I can t help you, I may know someone who can. A good lawyer-client relationship deals with all types of problems, not just legal problems. So if something crosses your mind and you want my input, I ll be happy to help. If you have questions or comments, you are invited to call or email Cowles & Thompson 214-672-2000, immigration@cowlesthompson.com Cowles & Thompson 214-672-2000 immigration @cowlesthompson.com Page 10