Choosing an immigration lawyer is an important decision, especially when your immigration status, family, employment, or future in the United States may depend on the legal process. The right attorney should have the appropriate credentials, relevant immigration experience, clear communication practices, and a good understanding of your specific situation.
If you are looking for an immigration lawyer in Orlando, Florida, comparing several important factors can help you make a more informed decision. Here are five practical considerations to review before choosing legal representation.
1. Verify the Attorney’s Credentials
Before hiring an immigration lawyer, confirm that the attorney is authorized to practice law in the state where they provide legal services. For clients in Orlando, checking an attorney’s Florida Bar status is an important first step.
You can also review publicly available disciplinary information and confirm that the attorney’s professional information is current.
Consider checking:
- Whether the attorney is licensed to practice law in Florida.
- Whether the attorney is currently in good standing.
- Whether there is publicly available disciplinary information.
- Whether the attorney’s practice includes immigration law.
Professional organizations can also provide additional information about an attorney’s professional involvement. For example, membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) may indicate that an attorney participates in a professional organization focused on immigration law. However, membership should not be treated as a certification or guarantee of a particular outcome.
2. Look for Experience With Your Type of Immigration Case
Immigration law includes many different types of cases, and the procedures and requirements can vary considerably depending on the circumstances.
When comparing an immigration lawyer in Orlando, ask whether the attorney regularly handles cases similar to yours.
Depending on your situation, this could include:
- Family petitions and visas.
- Adjustment of status.
- Citizenship and naturalization.
- Deportation defense.
- Immigration court matters.
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
- Employment authorization.
- Immigrant visas.
- Consular processing.
- DACA.
- VAWA.
- LGBTQ immigration matters.
Experience with a particular type of case can help an attorney understand the applicable procedures, documentation requirements, and potential issues that may arise during the process.
The Angel Law Firm provides immigration legal services in Orlando and lists several of these areas among the immigration matters its team handles.
3. Evaluate Communication and Accessibility
Immigration cases can involve multiple forms, supporting documents, government correspondence, and periods of waiting. Clear communication with your legal team can make it easier to understand what is happening with your case and what information may be needed from you.
Before hiring an attorney, ask:
- Who will be your primary contact?
- How should you send documents and questions?
- How frequently can you expect case updates?
- Will you communicate directly with an attorney?
- Who will handle routine communications?
- What should you do if you receive a notice from an immigration agency?
Language accessibility may also be important. If you are more comfortable communicating in Spanish, consider whether the firm provides bilingual legal support.
The Angel Law Firm states that its attorneys and staff provide legal support in both English and Spanish.
4. Understand the Legal Fees and Services Included
Before signing an agreement, make sure you understand how the attorney charges for legal services and what is included in the fee.
Ask the firm to explain:
- Whether the attorney charges a flat fee or hourly rate.
- Which legal services are included.
- Whether government filing fees are separate.
- Whether translation or interpretation services involve additional costs.
- What circumstances could result in additional attorney fees.
- When payments are due.
Getting this information in writing can help you understand the financial aspects of your case before representation begins.
Government filing fees and attorney fees are not necessarily the same expense, so make sure you understand which costs are paid to the government and which are paid to the law firm.
5. Ask How Your Case Will Be Managed
A consultation should give you an opportunity to understand how the attorney approaches your specific situation.
Rather than focusing only on whether an attorney claims to have handled many cases, ask questions that relate directly to your circumstances.
For example:
- What information will you need from me?
- What documents should I prepare?
- What potential issues should I be aware of?
- What are the main steps in my case?
- Who will prepare and review my documents?
- How will I receive updates?
- What happens if an immigration agency requests additional evidence?
- What happens if my circumstances change during the process?
A good consultation should help you understand the general process and the role you and your attorney will have throughout the case. An attorney should also be willing to explain potential challenges rather than promising a specific result.
The Angel Law Firm states that its attorneys are personally involved in processing client cases and handling legal matters.
Why Local Experience Can Matter When Choosing an Immigration Lawyer in Orlando
Although U.S. immigration law is primarily governed by federal law, choosing an attorney who serves clients in the Orlando area can make communication and access to legal services more convenient.
A local immigration law firm may also be familiar with the needs of individuals and families living in Central Florida.
When evaluating an Orlando immigration lawyer, consider the firm’s location, consultation options, communication methods, languages offered, and the types of immigration matters it handles.
The Angel Law Firm identifies itself as an immigration law firm serving Orlando and clients throughout Central Florida.
Questions to Ask During Your Initial Consultation
Preparing questions before your consultation can help you compare attorneys more effectively.
Consider asking:
Does the attorney handle cases like mine?
Ask about experience with your specific immigration matter rather than relying only on general experience.
Who will work on my case?
Find out whether an attorney, paralegal, or other staff member will be responsible for different parts of the process.
How will communication work?
Ask about response times, document submission, case updates, and the best way to contact the legal team.
What are the expected costs?
Request a clear explanation of attorney fees, government filing fees, and any other potential expenses.
What are the potential challenges?
An attorney should be able to explain issues that could affect your case without guaranteeing a particular outcome.
Why You Should Compare More Than One Immigration Lawyer
You do not necessarily have to hire the first attorney you consult. Speaking with more than one immigration lawyer in Orlando can help you compare:
- Relevant immigration experience.
- Communication practices.
- Legal fees.
- Services included in the representation.
- Availability.
- Language support.
- Your overall level of comfort with the legal team.
The goal is not simply to find the cheapest attorney or the firm making the strongest promises. Instead, look for legal representation that is appropriately qualified and whose services match your specific immigration needs.
Choosing an Immigration Lawyer in Orlando
Choosing an immigration lawyer requires more than searching for a firm with a high ranking or reading a few online reviews. Verify the attorney’s credentials, consider their experience with your type of immigration case, understand the fees, evaluate communication practices, and ask clear questions during your consultation.
The Angel Law Firm provides immigration legal services in Orlando and throughout Central Florida, with support available in English and Spanish. Its listed immigration services include areas such as deportation defense, family petitions and visas, adjustment of status, citizenship and naturalization, TPS, employment authorization, immigrant visas, consular processing, DACA, VAWA, and LGBTQ immigration.
If you are considering legal representation, reviewing your specific circumstances with a qualified immigration attorney can help you better understand your available options and the next steps in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose an immigration lawyer in Orlando?
Start by verifying the attorney’s license, reviewing their experience with your type of immigration case, understanding their fees, evaluating communication practices, and asking questions during an initial consultation.
How can I verify whether an immigration lawyer is licensed in Florida?
You can verify an attorney’s professional status through the appropriate Florida Bar resources. Reviewing current licensing information can help confirm that the person is authorized to practice law.
Should I choose an immigration lawyer who specializes in my type of case?
Relevant experience can be useful because immigration procedures vary depending on the type of case. Ask the attorney whether they regularly handle matters similar to yours.
What should I ask an immigration lawyer during a consultation?
Ask about their experience with your type of case, the expected process, documents you may need, communication procedures, legal fees, additional costs, and potential challenges.
How much does an immigration lawyer in Orlando cost?
The cost varies depending on the type and complexity of the immigration matter, the services provided, and the attorney’s fee structure. Ask for a clear explanation of attorney fees and separate government filing fees before hiring legal representation.
Does The Angel Law Firm provide immigration services in Spanish?
Yes. The Angel Law Firm states that its attorneys and staff provide legal support in both English and Spanish.
What immigration cases does The Angel Law Firm handle?
According to the firm’s website, its listed immigration matters include deportation defense, family petitions and visas, adjustment of status, citizenship and naturalization, TPS, employment authorization, immigrant visas, consular processing, LGBTQ immigration, DACA, and VAWA.
Where is The Angel Law Firm located?
The firm’s website lists its office at 1339 Arlington Street, Orlando, Florida 32805.
