Chicago Immigration Attorney: Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring One

By Richard Hanus, Esq,

Published December 11, 2021

Are you looking for a Chicago immigration attorney?

An immigration lawyer can help you with all of your immigration needs. They are knowledgeable about the laws and regulations that govern U.S. citizenship, visas, green cards, deportation defense, naturalization and more.

If you’re in need of an experienced professional to represent your interests in court or before government agencies such as USCIS or ICE, it’s time to find the best lawyer possible. But what questions should you ask? We’ve put together a list of suggestions.

Keep reading to learn more.

Question 1: What Are The Potential Outcomes of My Case?

Some lawyers will be upfront about what they can do for you, while others may try to convince you that your case is more complex than it actually is. It’s important to find an attorney who has a realistic idea of what you need. If they continue to make promises and fail to deliver results, it may be time to look elsewhere.

Why Is This Important to Ask?

Every case is different, but you should know before you begin what your lawyer thinks could happen. This will help you to determine whether or not they’re a good fit for your specific needs.

Question 2: Which Fields Have You Specialized In?

Your attorney should have extensive experience with immigration law. There are many sub-fields within the umbrella of immigration law, and you don’t want an inexperienced lawyer working on your case. The more they know about your type of petition or application, the better equipped they’ll be to help you.

Why Is This Important to Ask?

You don’t want to waste your time or money on a lawyer who isn’t going to be able to help you with your specific needs. Make sure that they have experience in the area of law that pertains to your case.

Question 3: How Much Experience Do You Have?

It’s important to find an attorney with plenty of experience in order to increase your chances of a successful outcome. Ask how many cases they’ve handled in their career and what type of results they were able to achieve.  This can help you to determine whether or not they’re the right lawyer for your case.

Why Is This Important to Ask?

The more experience a lawyer has, the likelier it is that they’ll be able to achieve favorable results. An immigration lawyer in Chicago can specialize in specific types of cases. The more familiar your attorney is with your type of case, the better they’ll be able to represent you.

Question 4: What Is Your Fee Structure?

Immigration lawyer billing practices vary, and may depend on the type of case.  For example many immigration attorneys will charge an hourly rate in a given case, but some may also charge a flat fee. Make sure you know what to expect and ask for an estimate of how much the entire case will cost. This will help you to budget appropriately and avoid any surprises.

Why Is This Important to Ask?

It’s important to know how much you’ll be spending on legal fees. You don’t want any unexpected expenses popping up down the road. Make sure you’re comfortable with your lawyer’s fee structure before hiring them.

Question 5: How Available Are You?

Your case may require extensive communication with your attorney, especially if you are in the middle of an application or petition. Make sure that they are available to answer all of your questions and give you advice when needed. Otherwise, it may be difficult to reach them efficiently.

Why Is This Important to Ask?

If you’re unable to contact your lawyer with any questions or concerns, you may not get the representation that you need. Find an attorney who is available to help you when necessary and make sure to ask how they handle case emergencies.

Question 6: How Will I Communicate With You?

Different lawyers have different methods of communicating with clients. Some prefer phone calls, while others will only use email or text messages. Make sure you know how your lawyer prefers to communicate and ask if there is a preferred method for urgent messages.

This is really important because you want to make sure you can contact your lawyer easily and get a timely response.

Why Is This Important to Ask?

You don’t want to be waiting for a response from your lawyer. If they only check their email once a day, and you have an emergency, you may not get the help you need in a timely manner. Find out how they prefer to communicate and see if it matches your needs.

Question 7: What Is Your Guarantee?

Aside from the ethical concerns, one should be very suspicious of any attorney who will offer a guarantee that they will be able to get your case approved.  Further, getting a refund of fees paid after legitimate, bona fide legal services are provided just because the services failed to achieve the client goal is rare.

Why Is This Important to Ask?

Attorneys who are all to ready to provide a guarantee should be approached with caution and suspicion, and for numerous reasons.  The vast majority of established legal professionals practicing immigration law stay away from such promises.

Question 8: Which Visa or Immigration Status Do You Handle the Most?

An immigration lawyer may specialize in a certain type of case. Find out what types of cases they’ve handled in the past and which they handle most often. This can help you to determine whether or not their experience matches your needs.

Why Is This Important to Ask?

Some lawyers have more experience with certain types of cases. For example, if you’re applying for a family-based cases or are in the process of getting your green card in the U.S. (aka Adjustment of Status), you’ll want to work with an attorney who has extensive experience with this type of case.

Finding the Best Chicago Immigration Attorney Today

These are just a few questions to ask before hiring a Chicago immigration attorney. By asking these questions, you’ll be able to get a better idea of what to expect and find an attorney who is the best fit for your needs.

When looking for a Chicago immigration attorney, it’s important to ask the right questions. This will help you to find an attorney that is the best fit for your case. Take the time to ask these questions before hiring a Chicago immigration attorney.

When you’re ready to hire an immigration lawyer, contact us today.