If you are considering immigrating to the United States or are already in the US and have concerns about your immigration status, you are likely attempting to determine which immigration lawyer will be the best option for you. Immigration laws are complex, and in the current political climate immigration policies and priorities have the potential to change rapidly. That is why it is vitally important to have a highly skilled immigration lawyer to represent you. Yet for many, choosing an attorney is incredibly challenging. With so many immigration attorneys offering their services, it can be difficult to know how to pick the right lawyer for your situation. The following factors can help you make a decision as you narrow down potential candidates in your search for an immigration lawyer.
Reputation in the Community
Attorneys who have worked hard and have built up a strong practice often have a great reputation in the local community. If an immigration attorney has established himself or herself as a someone who does excellent work, then this is a strong factor in favor of hiring that lawyer. Colombo & Hurd has been awarded an AV rating by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. An AV rating is the highest rating available to any law firm for skill and integrity and the rating is reserved for attorneys designated as outstanding in the field. We are listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, a peer review honor granted to fewer than 2% of all law firms in the United States. Attorneys from the firm frequently appear on major news outlets including ABC News, Fox News, Univision and Telemundo to provide immigration guidance globally.
Client References
One of the best indications of the quality of an attorney’s services is how their clients feel about them. Asking family, friends and coworkers for a referral for an immigration lawyer can be a great way to find a quality attorney. Alternatively, schedule an appointment with an Orlando immigration lawyer to discuss your immigration options. At the end of the consultation, ask for references. The lawyer should be able to provide several references for former clients who are happy with his or her work, which can be helpful as you decide whether to hire this attorney
Communication
If you are awaiting a determination on an immigration matter, you will understandably be nervous about your case. Your Orlando immigration lawyer should keep you informed of developments in your case and return your calls and emails in a timely fashion. At Colombo & Hurd, our Orlando immigration lawyers are available to our clients and answer emails and phone calls promptly.
Language Skills
Many immigrants do not speak English as a first language, or may not speak English at all. Having an attorney who can speak your native language can be tremendously helpful, particularly when it comes to reviewing documents and communicating about issues that may arise in your case. Many of the attorneys of Colombo & Hurd are immigrants themselves. We understand the challenges faced by our clients, and we have facility with multiple languages, including Spanish and Portuguese.
Immigration Specialization
Many attorneys list immigration as one of many practice areas, particularly in areas of the country where there are many immigrants, such as Florida. Immigration is a highly complex field of law that is constantly changing. It can be difficult for even a dedicated Orlando immigration lawyer to stay on top of all of the updates to United States immigration law. If an attorney claims to specialize in a number of practice areas in addition to immigration, he or she might not be a great choice for your immigration attorney.
Use of Technology
Immigration cases often involve large numbers of documents, which often need to be sent internationally or on short notice. The use of technology, such as a cloud-based document system, can make your immigration case run more efficiently. At Colombo & Hurd, our Orlando immigration lawyers use a secure web-based portal where our clients can access their files, monitor the status of their case, upload documents, answer questionnaires and emails, and instantly share information.
AILA Membership
The American Immigration Lawyers Association is a professional organization of attorneys who practice in the field of immigration law. While membership is not required to practice, it can show that your Orlando immigration lawyer is staying on top of the latest news in this rapidly-changing legal landscape.
Work with Experienced Orlando Immigration Attorneys
The Orlando immigration attorneys of Colombo & Hurd have developed a reputation for providing top-notch legal service to our clients. We have dedicated our practice to immigration law, and pride ourselves on our customer service and commitment to quality. To schedule a consultation to discuss your immigration matter, contact us at our Orlando office at (407) 478-1111 to schedule a confidential consultation.
