When you are considering filing for US citizenship, it is first important to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements. Whether your child was born in the US, have lived for three years in the US after marrying a US citizen, or lived in the US for five years with a green card, applying for citizenship can be a tedious and lengthy process. Do you have the expertise to handle such a situation? This is where a citizenship lawyer comes in handy. This article delves into the things you should do when looking for one to ensure they suit your needs. So, follow these six essential tips and by the end learn why we are one of the best options for you in this regard.
1. Understand Why Specialization Matters
A general lawyer will often have a very broad knowledge and the capacity to handle many simple cases on a wide range of topics. Still, they are not likely to understand specific areas of law, such as citizenship, in detail, and they will not always understand how to handle them.
A dedicated citizenship and immigration attorney will not only understand the law as it currently exists. They will also ensure they keep up-to-date on it too. As regulations and laws change, they will remain ahead of the game, able to alter any work they do for you to match.
As they will handle such cases all the time, they are also likely to have processes in place that make handling them easier. Due to this, they can ensure you get through the process efficiently. As they will have templates for any letters they will need to send off, this makes it much less likely that said documents will have minor mistakes, too.
If your issue then goes to court, a dedicated lawyer will know and expect the process a citizenship or immigration case will undergo. They can pre-empt any issues that might come up, as well as know what to do if they do. It is also more likely they will know the judge or other lawyers involved as well as how best to respond to them to get the best results.
2. Ensure The Citizenship Lawyer Has Relevant Experience
Look into the case history of any lawyer you think about hiring. Ensure they have worked on diverse cases in the field of citizenship and immigration law. If they have, they will know the steps to take if unexpected events occur.
You should also look at their success rate. While no lawyer can guarantee any specific outcome, you want one who has a good track record compared to others.
Bear in mind, though, that success does not always mean the person getting exactly what they want. Sometimes success in a courtroom means something as simple as ensuring someone’s rights are respected at each step.
Another option is to inquire with previous clients who have asked the lawyer to handle a citizenship case for them. They may offer insights into their capabilities or let you know if they thought the attorney did everything they could to help them.
3. Guage Their Communication Skills and Availability
When you email book an initial consultation or speak to them during your first meeting, use this opportunity to see if they can communicate well. A good lawyer will ensure you stay informed of any developments in your case as soon as they occur. This allows you to respond to them on time.
As they discuss the case with you, it is also imperative they communicate with you in a clear and precise way. Make sure they avoid complex terms, as this shows they can both help you understand your situation as well as speak well in a courtroom if necessary.
4. Make Sure They Are Not a Hammer
If they are a “hammer” and treat everything as the same “nail”, they will fail to respond to the nuances of every case. This makes it less likely you will succeed at getting the results you need, setting any citizenship application back.
As every case is unique, ensure the lawyer understands the context behind your situation as well as how it may affect the steps they will take. This may come down to how they fill in government forms or how they speak with authorities, as well as their actions in court. It may not even be necessary to push for court processes in all situations, so make sure that is not their go-to in every case they take on.
5. Do Research and See Referrals for a Reputable Citizenship Lawyer
If you want more of a comprehensive understanding of the different lawyers in the area, try to look for reviews online. These can offer you insights from other clients who might have had a good or bad experience. Of course, ensure you treat each review with a dose of skepticism, as bad reviews may only be from those who did not get the result they wanted.
You can also speak to the bar association once you have whittled down your options. They can often provide information on disciplinary action that has occurred against a lawyer. This may impact whether you wish to keep working with them.
6. Make Sure They Respect You
Being a citizen requires proficiency in the English language, though you may need a lawyer with patience if you are not fast. If you would prefer to speak in your native language, find a lawyer who can do the same or who has an interpreter.
Make sure you also work with someone who respects your culture and can speak on your level. You want to know they will fight for you no matter your upbringing or religion. If they help, but in doing so make you feel uncomfortable, reconsider whether it is worth continuing to interact with them.
Hire the Best Citizenship Lawyer for Your Needs
As you can see, choosing the right lawyer is not only about whether they have passed the bar. You need to find a partner who can help you through a very difficult process, and this is why a dedicated citizenship lawyer is your best bet.
At Boyer Law Firm, we understand the complexities of immigration law and can make sure you do not stumble on the path to U.S. citizenship. So, connect with us today and ensure you have a smoother journey.
