Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is your fee structure?
Answer: Generally, I charge flat fees that are based on the complexity of the case and the time I believe it will take to handle your matter. This provides you with certainty and we avoid unnecessary surprises. This is allows you to focus on your case and not on how much in attorneys fees you will have to pay. For some matters, I will bill by the hour. However, this is the exception, not the rule. I also request that all fees be paid up front before I start any work.
Question: Why do you charge an initial non-refundable consultation fee for immigration litigation cases?
Answer: Immigration litigation can be very complex and expensive especially in federal court. I want to take the time to speak with you, review your documents, and do some analysis before I tell you if you have a case or not. That fee pays for my time and analysis. If you have a case, that fee is applied toward any legal services I provide. But if I don't think you have a case (or at least a case right now), I will tell you that too. I don't want you to spend thousands of dollars on a case that you will likely lose.
Question: I want to discuss my immigration case with you? What do you need?
Answer: Immigration delay cases can range from the very simple to the very complicated. I need you to provide me with all notices you have received from USCIS or the embassy/consulate and any correspondence. This will give me a sense of your case, the timelines, and will ultimately be more cost and time efficient for all concerned. If another attorney assisted you in the past, I will also ask for permission to speak with that attorney about your case and get documents from that attorney.
Question: Can you act as local counsel?
Answer: The short answer is yes. But please call for more information.
Question: Why don't you list your prices?
Answer: Because every case is different. I will be able to give you a quote once I understand your case.
Question: Can you advise me on the type of visa I need or immigration application I need to file?
Answer: I focus on a very specific niche of immigration practice - immigration litigation in federal court. While I may handle other things on occasion, there are some amazing immigration attorneys out there that can advise on these issues and help you complete your application. I am always happy to provide a referral one of the great immigration attorneys I know.
Question: Can you handle my traffic ticket if it is in NY from somewhere other than Western New York?
Answer: Usually, yes. Most courts allow attorneys to handle these types of cases by mail.
Question: I am having a very hard time finding an attorney. There are so many out there, but I don't know who to trust? Can you help me?
Answer: I understand this all too well. I have a lot of people contact me asking if I can help them because they know me. However, in many cases I do not practice that kind of law. What I do have is a list of attorneys that I know and trust and practice in a wide variety of areas of the law. I am always happy to provide a referral. If you want me to be involved with your case if someone else is handling it, I can usually do that through an agreement between you, me, and the other attorney. Please call for more details.