The Consultation
Once you have scheduled an initial appointment with an attorney (a consultation), here are some thoughts on what you might expect. These thoughts and suggestions are not legal advice however, and they do not create an attorney-client relationship. They are merely my opinion.
- Bring with you all relevant documents, including any prior legal documents you may have, and any proof you think might help your case. In an immigration case, bring your passport, the passport you used to enter the US, and any prior immigration documents.
- Give the attorney the information she is asking for first, so that she can put the information you give her later in the proper context.
- You should come prepared with a list of questions you want to ask, and take notes during the consultation if you want.
- At the end of the consultation, the attorney will either give you her opinion on your situation, or tell you she will call you within a few days after she has done further research. If you have not heard back from her in a week, call her to follow up.
- At the end of the consultation, if you and the attorney decide you want to work together, she will advise you as to the next steps. Typically, she will ask you to sign a retainer agreement and pay a retainer fee.