Finding a trustworthy immigration lawyer in the UK is not always an easy task. Finding an immigration attorney who will work “with you” and “for you” is worth the time you spend.
Many clients have unique circumstances which can affect their application for immigration. Immigration law is complex. Applicants should steer clear of companies offering guarantees or promises about the outcome of their application. A good lawyer will provide clear, honest advice so you know exactly what you need to do.
Trustworthy lawyers can be found online, just Google, for example, immigration lawyer in Manchester UK.
Following are the 7 steps to finding lawyers for immigration purposes.
-
Do your research
In order to ensure that you find a legitimate firm, you should start by checking the Home Office website. The OISC or the SRA are independent agencies that regulate lawyers if they are members of the OISC or SRA. It is important to note that OISC certification is available at three levels.
-
Get recommendations
Check with your family or friends if they can recommend an immigration lawyer. One of your friends or family members probably needed the services of an immigration solicitor at some point in their lives. Making positive recommendations is very fast, but warning others about a bad experience is even faster. Asking friends, and colleagues, and checking online reviews is a great way to find recommendations. You can often find people who have gone through a similar application and can provide feedback about it.
-
Compare costs
Lawyers charge a lot for their services, as everyone knows. Your case may be straightforward and you are well-informed. You might consider saving money and/or seeking advice from a non-profit organization that supports immigrants and migrant rights. HSMP, for example, assists skilled migrants of all nationalities in obtaining visas, work permits, and other immigration matters.
You may wish to seek the assistance of an immigration lawyer if your case is more complex and you don’t want to take any chances (or simply don’t have the time). The majority of immigration solicitors bill on a flat fee basis, but hourly billing is also an option in some cases. Firms will work differently in different situations. It would be best if you agreed to a fixed fee before instructing any lawyer. You won’t know the true costs until the end of the process if you instruct a lawyer who charges by the hour.
-
Have a consultation
When you have selected a firm, you should have a consultation with them. Considering your individual circumstances, it will be impossible for any lawyer to be able to guide you without reviewing your documents or understanding your background. During the consultation, your lawyer will be able to assess your case in detail and provide you with tailored advice. It will also allow you to find out whether you can trust the lawyer with your case and feel confident in working with them.
It is advisable to talk to a few of the law firms that you have shortlisted in order to find out if they meet your needs and if they have experience with your type of case. During the interview, you should try to get a sense of how the firm works and whether or not you are comfortable with them. It is important for a lawyer to be both personable and professional.
-
Reputation
When choosing an immigration lawyer to represent you, you will also want to take a look at their reputation. If you are looking for a UK law firm that can provide the services you require, you should consult The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. These guides provide detailed reviews of law firms and lawyers as well as full contact information for all the firms that are listed in the guide.
-
Focus of practice
Immigration can be subdivided into a number of subcategories, such as nationality, citizenship, family, asylum, etc. You may want to choose a lawyer who has a strong background in the case area you are involved in. Also, it is good to know how many years of experience your lawyer has in handling immigration cases.
-
Trust your judgment
Follow your instincts and your judgment. You should meet your lawyer and discuss your case openly. If you ask all your questions, he/she should be able to provide you with a clear and complete assessment of your situation. Lawyers who promise you a positive outcome or who don’t give an estimate of the costs involved in your case should be avoided. Having confidence and trust in your lawyer is essential.
Conclusion
Documentation is a crucial part of any visa application. The earlier you get your documents in order, the better, as it takes a long time to qualify for visa routes. As the documentation requirements vary depending on the route, it is best to check the Home Office website and consult with an immigration lawyer. As a result, you’ll have more time to find the best lawyer for you.
