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.
- 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).
- 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?
- 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.