How to find an Attorney
Finding and Choosing an Immigration Attorney
United States immigration law is complex and involves many federal statutes, executive actions, and court decisions. International students and scholars may need to seek assistance from a qualified immigration attorney from time-to-time.
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What to look for in an Attorney/Lawyer
- Member of AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association). Being an AILA member does not ensure the quality of the lawyer, but it may indicate that the lawyer is keeping up with immigration law.
- How the attorney sets his/her fees. Compare how much lawyers charge. Most immigration lawyers work on a flat fee basis, but some bay bill hourly. Be concerned if you see an attorney charging too much or too little for their services.
- Licensed attorney. Check the state bar to see if the attorney is licensed and in good standing.
- Disciplinary action. Has the attorney ever been disciplined by the Board of Professional Responsibility of the state bar?
- Reputation. Does the lawyer have a good reputation in the community or referrals from someone you trust?
- Focus on practice. Choose a lawyer that specializes in the area of immigration law that relates to your case (i.e. employment, asylum, deportation, etc.).
- Ethics. Avoid lawyers that tell you it is okay to lie or act dishonestly in your case.
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How to Use AILA to Find a Lawyer
The online Immigration Lawyer Search (ILS) can help you find an attorney in your area. All lawyers participating in the service are AILA members, are licensed to practice law in a state or territory of the United States, and are currently a member in good standing with AILA and their State Bar Association.
Go to www.ailalawyer.com
Under "Type of Lawyer" choose the type that best suits your issue. Types include:
- Asylum & Protection (for seeking asylum or refugee status)
- Deferred Action (DACA & DAPA)
- Business and Employment (work-based sponsorship such as the H-1B visa)
- Students & Exchange Visitors (F-1 and J-1 visa holders)
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Need a Place to Start?
Lisa York
Curray York & Associates LLC
U.S. Immigration Lawyers
3131 South Vaughn Way, Suite # 200
Aurora, CO 80014
(303) 407-4100 (Phone) x 308
Lisa.York@cyavisalaw.com
www.cyavisalaw.comJacqueline Lentini McCullough
Law Office of Jacqueline Lentini, LLC
Mailing Address:
9235 N. Union Blvd., Ste. 150, #323
Colorado Springs CO 80920
(630) 262-1435
jacki@lentinivisas.com
www.lentinivisas.comJonathan Moore
McCandlish Holton, PC
1111 E. Main St, Ste. 2100
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 775-7227
jmoore@lawmh.com
www.lawmh.comAdam Cohen
Siskind Susser Immigration Lawyers
1028 Oakhaven Road
Memphis, TN 38119
(901) 682-6455
acohen@visalaw.com
www.visalaw.comBob White
Masuda, Funai, Eifert & Mitchell, LTD.
200 N. Martingale Road, Suite 800
Schaumburg, IL 60173-2033
(847) 734-8811
RWhite@masudafunai.com
www.masudafunai.com
*Disclaimer: The information provided by the University of Denver’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information, counsel, or materials provided by ISSS do not constitute legal advice. ISSS staff are not immigration attorneys. Selecting an immigration attorney to represent you is a personal decision. The University of Denver does not endorse or require any attorney listed. The above list is provided as a resource to help you start your search for the immigration attorney of your choice. AILA is also a good resource to find an immigration attorney.
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