10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Immigration Lawyer

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Immigration Lawyer

Hiring an immigration lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your immigration journey. The right attorney can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes, while the wrong one may leave you frustrated and no closer to your goal.

At Thomas J Hanna Law, we believe that clients should feel empowered when choosing representation. That’s why we encourage families and workers to ask questions before making a decision. Here are 10 questions you should always ask before hiring an immigration lawyer—along with why they matter.

1. How much experience do you have with cases like mine?

Not all immigration cases are alike. A lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours (family-based petitions, work visas, asylum, or citizenship) will know the common pitfalls and how to navigate them.

2. Are you licensed to practice immigration law in the U.S.?

Unfortunately, some people fall victim to scams by “notarios” or consultants who aren’t licensed attorneys. Always make sure your lawyer is authorized to practice immigration law in the U.S.

3. What are your fees, and what do they include?

Transparency about legal fees is key. Ask for a clear breakdown of costs so you know exactly what services are covered—and avoid unexpected surprises later.

4. Who will be handling my case day-to-day?

Some firms pass cases to assistants or paralegals. It’s important to know whether you’ll be working directly with your lawyer or primarily with staff.

5. How do you communicate with clients?

Immigration cases involve waiting periods and updates. Ask how often you can expect communication, and whether the attorney prefers email, phone calls, or in-person meetings.

6. What challenges do you foresee with my case?

A trustworthy lawyer won’t promise “guaranteed approval.” Instead, they’ll point out potential difficulties and explain how they plan to address them.

7. How long will the process take?

No lawyer can speed up government processing times, but they should be able to give you a realistic estimate based on your type of case and current timelines.

8. Have you ever been disciplined by a legal authority?

This question may feel uncomfortable, but it’s important. Reputable attorneys won’t shy away from answering honestly.

9. Can you provide references or client testimonials?

Hearing from past clients can give you insight into how the lawyer works and whether others had a positive experience.

10. Why should I choose your firm over others?

This is your chance to hear what sets them apart. A confident and transparent attorney will highlight their strengths without putting down others.

Why These Questions Matter

Asking these questions doesn’t just help you compare lawyers—it gives you peace of mind. A good attorney welcomes informed clients because transparency builds trust. At Thomas J Hanna Law, we encourage you to ask us these very questions. We believe the best client relationships start with honesty and open communication.

Free Resource: Download Your Guide

To make your search easier, we’ve created a FREE guide: “10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Immigration Lawyer.”

Inside, you’ll get:
✅ The full list of questions in a printable format
✅ Red flags to avoid when interviewing lawyers
✅ Space to take notes during consultations

📥 [Download Your Free Guide Here]

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right immigration lawyer is a decision that impacts your future and your family’s future. Take your time, ask the right questions, and choose someone you trust.

At Thomas J Hanna Law, we are here to answer your questions with honesty, provide clear guidance, and walk with you every step of the way.