Your odds are increased by choosing an Immigration Attorney that is Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law. Four states (California, Florida, North Carolina and Texas) make it easy for you to select an immigration attorney. Board certified means he or she has been designated as an expert in his or her field. Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law in Texas means he or she has at least five years of experience in the field, has received favorable ratings by judges and other Board-Certified Attorneys and has passed a rigorous examination. That is usually an excellent indicator of quality.

There are plenty of “jack of all trades” lawyers who add immigration law to his or her list of business, family, criminal, etc., so that he or she can increase their client base but further dilute their expertise. There are also many lawyers who claim to be experts in immigration law but who have little experience or very bad records.

You should choose a lawyer that focus on your needs and gives you advice that is understandable and realistic. Your lawyer should inform you of any obstacles or constraints prior to accepting your case in an honest and open fashion. At Tidwell, Swaim & Associates (TSA), we do not accept cases unless there is a clear legal option available which gives us a chance to win. Strategies are always discussed in detail, in advance with a full explanation of the options, risks and chances of success

 Unsuspecting clients, who are drawn by advertising and low pricing offered during the initial consultations to “new immigration lawyers” who lack proper training and experience. If a client is basing his or her choice of attorney solely on cost, they are asking for problems. Attorneys who quote a low fee compared to others have often underestimated what needs to be done and the amount of time it will take to accomplish a successful outcome. Furthermore, what difference does cost mean when the case is so badly handled that even paying more money to fix it won’t work? Follow the old adage: you get what you pay for. This may sound like a justification for high fees but really is true when it comes to almost any profession! Lawyers, Doctors, Accountants, etc. Expertise and experience cost more because they produce winning cases.

Having someone who speaks your native language and shares your culture can be reassuring. Unfortunately, comfort does not guarantee quality. Too many individuals let the ethnicity of their attorneys excessively influence their hiring choices. Don’t fall for comfort; go for experience and quality. Experience trumps all.

No, there are no entrance requirements to join AILA for an attorney. All that is required is paying the monetary dues. In fact, AILA sponsors many seminars or conferences which are directed at “teaching” immigration law to a novice.

Generally, no. If an attorney claims some type of “connection” that will help your case, do not believe it. On the other hand, over the past thirty-five years we have developed relationships which may be useful, but we NEVER claim this at the start of a case.

David: Why not? What relationships do we have that are appropriate and genuinely helpful vs what is intended to be called out here is questionable?

Immigration attorneys rarely run into any difficulty compared to attorneys who specialize in another field, such as criminal attorneys. Immigrants rarely take any action against these attorneys so the risk to the attorney for incompetence is minimal. The clients will mostly be out of status? and will certainly not pursue any action against the attorney that ruins their lives compared to a criminal attorney. To verify your attorney’s background and credentials in Texas – go to www.texasbar.com

Ethical attorneys always give estimates based on experience. No guarantees should ever be made by a lawyer.

David: Add reasons why, things that impact timing and how we avoid or are better prepared to combat and ultimately be more efficient.

• How many cases like mine have you handled?
• What is your success rate?
• How long have you practiced immigration law?
• How do you stay current/expert on all the areas you practice in?
• Do you have a written contract?