Choosing a lawyer is not an easy task, and it is not one that should be taken lightly, either. This page will tell you how to find an immigration lawyer that will suit your needs and take good care of your case.

• When it comes to immigration law, one mistake could be the difference between having or not having citizenship. Because of this, you're going to want to find a good lawyer to represent you. Here are some tips on finding the right attorney for your needs.

(Creative Commons photo by Thomas Roche)

• You should absolutely find a lawyer that specializes in immigration law. You don't want to hire a personal injury lawyer for an immigration case.

1. Search online. There are many sites on the Internet that include large databases of attorneys that specialize in immigration (like the American Immigration Lawyers Association). Searching these listings can be a good place to start in finding a lawyer in your area.
2. Ask around. You may have family members or friends who have also needed an immigration lawyer in the past. Talk to them about their experiences, and see if they have recommendations for specific lawyers they've worked with.

• Once you have a few names of immigration lawyers to check into, you should do a little research into their background.

1. Look for a lawyer with a lot of experience; more experience means more expertise brought to the table.
2. Check for results. Look to see that the attorney in question has a history of success.
3. Do an Internet search to see if there are any articles about this particular lawyer.
4. Look into where they went to school, if they are in good standing with the State Bar lawyer referral service, etc.