Is the attorney a member of the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association (AILA)?
AILA is the preeminent professional association for immigration attorneys in the United States. An attorney does not have to be a member of AILA to practice immigration law. However, AILA helps its members keep track of best practices and frequent changes to the law. AILA membership is also a good sign that immigration law is an important part of the attorney’s practice. • How long has the lawyer been practicing immigration law? New immigration attorneys can certainly do a good job, but it is always desirable to hire an experienced attorney. (Of course, the most experienced attorneys may be the most expensive, too!) • Has the lawyer handled a case like mine before? If the attorney has not handled a case like yours before, ask detailed questions about what he or she will do and why, what other options are available, and why he or she feels qualified to handle your case. • Exactly what work will the attorney do? Make the attorney explain exactly what he or she is going to do (for example
AILA is the preeminent professional association for immigration attorneys in the United States. An attorney does not have to be a member of AILA to practice immigration law. However, AILA helps its members keep track of best practices and frequent changes to the law. AILA membership is also a good sign that immigration law is an important part of the attorney’s practice. • How long has the lawyer been practicing immigration law? New immigration attorneys can certainly do a good job, but it is always desirable to hire an experienced attorney. (Of course, the most experienced attorneys may be the most expensive, too!) • Has the lawyer handled a case like mine before? If the attorney has not handled a case like yours before, ask detailed questions about what he or she will do and why, what other options are available, and why he or she feels qualified to handle your case. • Exactly what work will the attorney do? Make the attorney explain exactly what he or she is going to do (for example
