Should we....

[rebeccajo 14]

I know, I know, I know.

Everybody here thinks nobody ever needs an immigration attorney if their case is 'straightforward'. And this is also a self-help site.

BUT.....sometimes people don't like to do paperwork and so they just want to hire one. And many times a case seems straight-forward but it really isn't.

IN OTHER WORDS....(I'm rambling)....

We see many posters here with sad stories about dealing with attorneys. And I'm sure some people who are just considering the process read here early on, trying to determine if they want to hire a lawyer.

I'm a big believer in EVERYBODY at least having an attorney consult prior to beginning this process. But I'm also a believer in getting that consult from a COMPETENT QUALIFIED attorney.

Would there be any liability on Admin's part if we developed a quick quide on 'How to hire an immigration lawyer'?

[Krikit 1,165]

I think that would be useful information. Especially if there's a tidbit on how to decide if you need one.

[DakotaK1 1]

I dont think we should to be totally honest.

We can have that little K1 lawyer advertisement thing still up but a guide would be not much help in opionion due to the fact that it is out of our reach what the lawyer does with the process in the end.

I am sure people are smart enough to consult a lawyer if needed and tell him what they need,I doubt somebody would need a guide for that.

[rebeccajo 14]

I dont think we should to be totally honest.

We can have that little K1 lawyer advertisement thing still up but a guide would be not much help in opionion due to the fact that it is out of our reach what the lawyer does with the process in the end.

I am sure people are smart enough to consult a lawyer if needed and tell him what they need,I doubt somebody would need a guide for that.

Why do you think we shouldn't? I just saw a post of yours where you advised someone they don't need an attorney for this process and that 'that is what we are here for'. Is it your opinion that VJ serves people better than legal counsel?

How does one know if they 'need' a lawyer?

And are all lawyers qualified to assist those who want the service? Do you think they are?

[DakotaK1 1]

Well it has been known of lawyers messing up the entire process,I think one should be encouraged not to hire one and do it themselves.

If there has been Visa denies etc with somebody in the past then yes they should probably hire one,most cases though seem to be pretty "normal"

People seem to be unsure about this new experience/worried about messing up and not being with their partner anymore etc so yes they do want to hire a lawyer just to be on the safe side.

I just think encouragement is they key word.

[JVKn'CVO 11]

I think it's a good idea

Chances are, though, that the question will continue to be asked frequently, but if it helps a few members, I'm up for it.

Saludos,

Caro

[rebeccajo 14]

I don't believe we should be discouraging readers to this site to 'not' hire a lawyer. We don't know the details of their cases.

I think what we should be doing is helping members (if they are considering using an attorney) to select the best one for them.

Many of the cases you read of denials with representation are of greedy attornies who do not specialize in immigration law taking a case for what they think will be an easy buck. You know, fill out a few forms (get the secretary to do it), yadda yadda.

I would like to see us help readers ferret out those practitioners and learn the questions to ask of an attorney before they hire him or her.

Edited January 24, 2008 by rebeccajo

[DakotaK1 1]

Well I have read posts from alot of people that are just new to this entire process and just want to hire one "just because"

But in the end its up to every individual and thats all that matters.

[JVKn'CVO 11]

Also, it could help clear up some myths about hiring a lawyer. For example, some people think a lawyer can "expedite" your case, and we know that's not true.

Saludos,

Caro

[rebeccajo 14]

Also, it could help clear up some myths about hiring a lawyer. For example, some people think a lawyer can "expedite" your case, and we know that's not true.

Saludos,

Caro

No they can't expedite. But they do have Service Center access that we don't. And that can be helpful if the case starts to go belly up.

[bakofoil 27]

I think it's a good idea. It's not like you'll be running adverts for particular lawyers - just pointing people in the right direction and helping them decide when the right time is (i.e. before you file or after you run into trouble). I think it would ease a lot of people's minds since it can be very stressful wondering whether you've filled out the paperwork correctly, what to do in the event of an RFE, NOID etc. It can be very daunting for some people.

[almaty 19]

one word............UDALL

"i'm back"

Edited January 25, 2008 by almaty

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

one word............UDALL

"i'm back"

Dr. Dean - you are Udall???

[Krikit 1,165]

one word............UDALL

"i'm back"

Wasn't Udall the name of the little dog in "As Good As It Gets"?

[rebeccajo 14]

one word............UDALL

"i'm back"

Yeah, that's what was in the back of my mind when posing the question.

That's why I put the discussion out here.