If you are facing deportation from the US, you probably think that there isn’t much you can do about it.
The truth is, there is a lot you can do to make the system work on your behalf, but you are highly unlikely to pull it off by yourself.
You need to find a legal representative among the lawyers for deportation and removal defense, and we are going to help you make the right choice.
Here is the list of qualities to look for in a deportation defense lawyer.
1. Expertise in Immigration Law
Just like any other law type, immigration law is constantly changing. This is one of the reasons you need a legal representative who specializes in this type of law, as they will always be up to date with the latest changes in regulations.
Moreover, they are likely to know all the loopholes, strategies, and legal precedents that can work in your favor.
2. Experience with Deportation Cases
A lawyer with a history of running and preferably winning deportation cases is your best bet to stay in the US.
This is simply because someone who has been through the process understands the specifics and challenges that come with deportation legal issues.
The more experience they have with immigration judges and deportation hearings, the better they’ll be prepared for all the potential obstacles.
3. Communication Skills
Finding a lawyer with great communication skills is a must, as they will need to break down complicated legal terms in a way that makes sense to you, thus guiding you effectively through every step of the process.
Plus, they should keep you in the loop about your case—whether it’s prepping for court or filing documents.
But good communication isn’t just about talking to you; it’s also about how well they present your case in front of a judge or negotiate with immigration officials.
4. Empathy and Compassion
When you are facing deportation, it gets scary and stressful, so having someone compassionate beside you can be very beneficial.
You want a lawyer who will invest themselves emotionally and go above and beyond to present your case in the best way.
5. Attention to Detail
Immigration law entails a lot of paperwork and meeting many deadlines. Even the smallest mistake or oversight can cause major setbacks.
A detail-oriented lawyer will file everything correctly and on time, thus reducing the risk of errors that could hurt your case.
How to Know if Your Lawyer Is Legitimate
When you’re trusting someone with your future, you want to be sure they are legitimate law practitioners.
Here are a few simple steps to do before you make a final decision:
1. Check Their State Bar Status
Every lawyer must have a license to practice law in their respective state.
To verify this, head to your state’s bar association website, search for their name, and if they’re licensed, you’ll find their basic details like:
- Name
- State bar number
- The firm they work for
- Contact information
- Law school and graduation date
2. Check Out Their Website
A legitimate law firm will have a polished and professional website. Look for clear, organized information about their practice areas, qualifications, and services.
Check out the following:
- Contact information: Check that the website includes easy-to-find contact information like a physical office address, phone number, and email.
- Attorney credentials: Look for a section that highlights the lawyer’s credentials, including their education, years of experience, practice areas, and state bar membership.
- Client reviews or testimonials: See if there are any client reviews or testimonials on the site.
3. Explore Third-Party Websites
You search for online third-party websites that can help you find and evaluate lawyers through detailed profiles, ratings, reviews, and matching services based on your legal needs.
Some of the most reputable websites that you can visit include:
- Avvo: Provides profiles and ratings for nearly every licensed lawyer in the U.S. It helps users find lawyers based on reviews, ratings, and detailed information about their experience and qualifications.
- Lawyers.com: Comes with a user-friendly directory of attorneys with access to client and peer reviews. It helps people search for lawyers based on location and practice areas.
- LegalMatch: Connects individuals and businesses with pre-screened lawyers by matching them based on their legal needs. It uses a rating system and allows lawyers to respond and communicate with potential clients interested in their services.
- Justia: Features a directory of lawyers, law firms, and legal aid organizations with detailed profiles. It provides two types of reviews—attorney ratings and client reviews—to help users find and evaluate legal professionals.
Conclusion
Since your future is at stake, you need to make sure the deportation defense lawyer who is going to represent your case is experienced, knowledgeable, compassionate, and legit.
We hope we’ve provided you with the valuable information needed to make an informed decision in selecting the most qualified legal representative for your deportation case, giving you the best chance for a favorable outcome.
