If this attorney shares that they are licensed in another state, they can still represent you — but it’s a good idea to nonetheless look them up in their home state’s bar. Most states have an attorney search tool available online. Experts recommend you confirm an attorney’s bar number before making any payments — or sharing your personal documents with them.
Some questions you can also ask to make sure that this person can provide you with the legal services you are looking for:
“Have you worked on cases similar to mine?”
“Are you a member of any professional groups or organizations related to immigration law?”
“Where can I find more information about you online?”
Other red flags to watch for when it comes to verifying your immigration lawyer:
Blank documents: If you are asked to sign a blank form and told that everything else will be taken care of, be wary. A blank document can later be altered, and you may find yourself in a contract you did not actually agree to. “Always ask for copies of everything. Get everything explained to you,” Meza said.
Cash only: Stay alert if you are told that only cash payments are accepted. “Fraudsters want to do stuff under the table. They don’t want a lot of paper trail,” Meza said.
Costs keep increasing: “They’re always saying that a hiccup came up and they’re asking for more and more money,” Meza said. “That’s a big red flag.” Before you sign anything, make sure you and your attorney have clearly established how much you will pay for their services.
Overly optimistic promises: Immigration law is extremely complicated, and many immigration benefits can take many months, if not years. Be wary of people promising you very quick, positive results.
“In the legal field, you never know what might come out in a trial or how a judge might decide a case,” Meza said. “If anyone’s promising you a specific permit or immigration status, that’s also someone who I would probably turn away [from] and look for someone else.”
What should you know about choosing a trustworthy immigration lawyer? (iStock)
Can someone who is only licensed to practice law in another country help me?
San José immigrant organizers recently told KQED they’re aware of individuals offering immigration legal services when they are only certified to practice law in their home country, but not in the U.S.
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, any attorney who offers legal representation must be eligible to practice law in a U.S. state or territory or the District of Columbia. They must also be in compliance with the professional standards set by their state’s bar.
If someone claims to be an attorney in another country but they are not licensed anywhere within the U.S., they cannot offer you legal services as a lawyer in the U.S.
If they are a lawyer but licensed in another state — Texas, for example — they can offer immigration legal services to someone living in California. This is because immigration law is federal, and a person licensed in any U.S. state or territory can practice it.
If you connect with an immigration attorney in another state, experts still recommend that you verify that they have a valid license.