💼 It is very important that you speak to a lawyer about your immigration case as soon as possible, because it can take a few months to find one that can represent you or that you like.
Sometimes meeting with a lawyer for your first immigration consultation can feel scary and intimidating, but it helps to remember that they want to help you, and it is their job to help you! Your first meeting with a lawyer is to help you learn about your legal choices and prepare for your court hearing.
In this article, we will explain what to expect during your first immigration consultation with an immigration lawyer and how to get ready by answering these questions:
📝 What should I bring to the consultation?
🤔 What should I prepare to share with the lawyer?
🙋️ What questions should I ask the lawyer?
Important: Before meeting with a lawyer, make sure you do your research about them! One of the first things that you should do is check the state’s Bar Association to see if that attorney is licensed to practice law. You can also look up reviews online of their work up to now.
1. 📝 What should I bring to the consultation?
Your lawyer will need to know as much about your case as possible, so it’s important that you gather the following documents:
- 📁 Forms of identification, such as your passport or birth certificate, if you have them.
- 📑 Documents related to your immigration case, such as your Notice to Appear (NTA), Verification of Release (VOR) forms, and other documents given to you in the shelter.
- 📃 Paperwork related to an arrest or any encounter with law enforcement (or a crime committed against you or a family member).
Keep in mind that, while copies of the documents are okay at this stage, your attorney may ask you for original documents at a later stage to present to the judge.
It is important to come prepared for your first meeting with the lawyer; make sure you have a pen and notebook or a notes app on your phone. This way, you can easily write down important information, such as answers to your questions and any new details you learn. Taking notes will help you remember valuable information shared during the meeting.
2. 🤔 What should I prepare to share with the lawyer?
Your first meeting may be scheduled with your lawyer, or with a paralegal/legal assistant instead. A paralegal/legal assistant is someone who is professionally qualified and trained to assist a lawyer, and it’s normal for them to meet with clients, especially during their first visits.
Whether you meet with your lawyer or their legal assistant, your first meeting is a chance to share your story. This will allow your lawyer to evaluate your case and figure out the best way to help you. Sharing these details might be difficult and might make you emotional, but it is important for the lawyer to understand your situation.
Some of the questions that you can expect to be asked are:
- 🌎 Why did you come to the United States?
- 📅 Important dates, like your approximate arrival to the US
- 👩🏽💼 If you have a court hearing already scheduled
- 🛤️ Details about your immigration journey
- 👮 Your experience at the border and/or with immigration officers
Remember, everything you discuss is confidential between you and your lawyer. Always be honest and feel comfortable sharing your full story. Don't worry, your lawyer is here to support you in each step!
3. 🙋 What questions should I ask the lawyer?
This consultation is also an opportunity to ask questions and see if the lawyer is a good fit for you.
He/she is here to help YOU, so you should feel comfortable asking any questions and asking for clarification if something is confusing to you.
These are some topics and specific questions you can ask when meeting with a lawyer for the first time:
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🌎 Immigration Experience
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💵 Cost
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📄 Contract
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This article provides general information and should not be considered legal advice.
Please be sure to speak to an attorney about your specific case.
For more information about finding a lawyer, check out our article on “4 Important Things to Keep in Mind When Looking for an Attorney.” And don’t forget, we’re always here to help! If you have questions about finding a lawyer, send us a message!
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Sources:
Immigrant Justice Project. How to prepare for your NIJC intake appointment. From https://immigrantjustice.org/how-to/how-prepare-your-nijc-intake-appointment
GLG Law. What happens during a free consultation with an immigration attorney? Retrieved March 13, 2021, from https://gldlaw.com/what-happens-during-a-free-consultation-with-an-immigrationattorney/#:~:text=When%20you%20call%20an%20immigration%20attorney%20for%20a%20consultation%2C%20he,to%20the%20attorney%20you%20call
Law Office of Gareth T. Powell. What to expect from a free consultation with an immigration attorney. Retrieved from https://www.lawofficeimmigration.com/what-to-expect-from-a-free-consultation-with-an-immigration.html