In accordance with applicable university regulations, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) does not provide specific attorney referrals. As such, the immigration attorney list is not a comprehensive resource. It is provided to students and scholars as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement of the individual and/or firms listed herein.
Tips on hiring an immigration attorney
- Ensure that the attorney is experienced in immigration law and that he or she devotes a majority, if not all, of his or her practice to immigration matters.
- Interview a minimum of two attorneys before making your decision – be weary of attorneys who will not take the time to meet with you before taking your case.
- Ask friends and colleagues if they have suggestions or experiences with the attorneys, you are considering.
- Discuss the fee up front and in detail; do not hire an attorney that will not provide you with a detailed, written, fee agreement.
- For immigration matters it is usually customary and preferable to negotiate a fixed fee for service.
- Be concerned if the proposed attorney fee is too law as it may indicate that the attorney may not be providing all necessary and customary services.
- Remember that you are hiring the attorney and that you have the right to ask questions about his or her professional credentials and practice experience.
- Hire an attorney that communicates with you well on both a personal and professional level.
- Avoid making your decision based on cost alone – the best attorneys will generally not charge the lowest fees.
- Prepare for your initial interview in advance and be punctual: bring your immigration documents; a list of questions and prepare a written narrative of your situation (the narrative should be fact based, clearly indicate in the body that it is intended for communication with your attorney).
Questions to ask when hiring an Immigration Attorney
- How many years of experience does the attorney have practicing immigration law and what percentage of his or her practice is devoted to immigration cases?
- Does the attorney have specific experience with your type of immigration case?
- Is the attorney Texas Board Certified in immigration law?
- Is the attorney a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)?
- What is the attorney’s Martindale Peer Review Rating?
- Does the attorney charge by the hour or by a fixed rate; how much will he or she charge to take my case; is the entire fee or a percentage required up front; does the fixed fee include an appeal if my petition is denied by the USCIS?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case and what are the chances of my success?
- Will my case by delegated in whole or in part to a paralegal or an associate attorney?
- How long does the attorney estimate it will take to resolve the case?
- How will the attorney and his or her support staff communicate with me about the status of my case?
Resources for finding Immigration Attorneys
- U.S. Department of Justice List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers
- American Immigration Lawyers Association’s Immigration Lawyer Search Tool
- The American Bar Association (ABA)
- Martindale Database of Legal Professionals
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):(search: “Finding Legal Advice”)
- Immigration Advocates Network
- State Bar of Texas
- The Texas Lawyer Referral Service: 1-877-9TEXBAR
- The Yellow Pages (search: “Immigration attorney”)
- Ask your friends or colleagues
- Ask respected professionals in the community such as accountants, attorneys practicing in other specialties, ministers, doctors, etc.
Bryan/College Station Attorneys
NOTE: Only initial consultation fees are listed. Fees and charges for taking on a case after consultation vary greatly and depend on the specific case. All consultation fees listed on this website are subject to change at any time.
Texas Based Attorneys
NOTE: Only initial consultation fees are listed. Fees and charges for taking on a case after consultation vary greatly and depend on the specific case. All consultation fees listed on this website are subject to change at any time.
Other U.S. Based Attorneys
NOTE: Only initial consultation fees are listed. Fees and charges for taking on a case after consultation vary greatly and depend on the specific case. All consultation fees listed on this website are subject to change at any time.