What should you expect? What should you do to prepare? To get the most value from your first meeting, you should take the following five steps:
1. Schedule an Appointment
Although some firms may allow walk-in appointments, most attorneys will be too busy to work you into their schedule. Even if an attorney can see you immediately, neither you nor the attorney will be prepared for the meeting. Schedule your appointment in advance.
2. Prepare a List of Questions
Before your appointment, write down a list of questions you have regarding your immigration situation. Take your list to the meeting with your attorney – or even better, email it to your attorney in advance of the meeting. Questions about immigration that are commonly asked at an initial meeting include: How long will my case take? What are the legal fees? Are there any government or filing fees I need to pay?
We provide a pre-consultation questionnaire to everyone who schedules an appointment. At the end of the questionnaire, we invite you to list any questions you may have. This questionnaire is due 24 hours before your appointment in order to give us time to review your case information and prepare responses to all of your questions.
3. Gather Your Case Documents and Bring Them to the Meeting
If this is your first immigration case, you may not have many documents to gather. However, if you are asking your attorney to review a case that has already been filed, you should copy all of your case documents and bring them to your meeting. Other documents that your immigration attorney will want to review include: marriage certificates if your case is based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, any criminal records for you or the person you are sponsoring, and your Notice to Appear if you have been placed in removal.
If we need to review documents during your first meeting, we will give you a pre-consultation checklist when you schedule your appointment.
4. Arrive on Time
Confirm your attorney’s address and driving directions before the day of your appointment. Leave early. If you are late, your appointment may be rushed, and you may not have enough time to discuss all of your questions with your attorney.
We provide an email confirmation for every appointment along with detailed driving directions and parking information.
5. Relax
For many of you, the initial consultation will be your first meeting with a lawyer. Although it can seem intimidating, remember the attorney is there to help you. To get the most out of your first meeting, you should relax. Do not be afraid to ask questions and take notes. Your attorney may need to ask a number of questions to plan a course of action for your case. Be honest and upfront. You must feel comfortable with the attorney you choose to represent you. If you feel the attorney is not a good fit for you after your first meeting, it’s best to search for someone else.
Still looking for an immigration attorney? We can help.
| San Diego | Houston |
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