Attorneys

What to look for when selecting an ethical Immigration Law Attorney:

Remember, when you hire an attorney you are paying for a service and you should be satisfied with the quality of that service. They should return your phone calls promptly, communicate with you personally and keep you updated on the status of your case. The attorney should also discuss the terms of your contract, including fees, up front. If you believe your attorney's performance is less than stellar, realize that you can replace them at your own discretion.

Interview them to decide which attorney you would like to handle your case. This interview takes place at an initial consultation. Don't expect your case to be solved during this visit. Consultations usually last 30 minutes so be prepared. Here are a few tips to get you ready.

• Write down your story, in your own words before your meeting to organize all of your thoughts;

• Make sure to bring copies of any documents that may affect your case;

• Give your attorney any names or dates that affect your case so the attorney has an idea of who is involved;

• Be prepared to answer all the attorney's questions; the attorney knows which questions to ask to help you;

• Always tell the truth even if you think some details may hurt your case.

• Don't lie or exaggerate the facts;

• Avoid becoming too emotional;

• Make sure you feel comfortable before leaving the attorney office. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Questions to ask an attorney:

1. How long have you been in business?

2. Do I need legal representation for my problem?

3. Have you handled cases like mine in the past?

4. What have results been on my type of case?

5. Will you be handling my case personally? If not, what kind of work will you be doing and who will be doing the rest of the work?

6. How available are you for meetings and phone calls?

7. How do you handle fees? Get a written retainer including:

   • Charges: Do you charge by the hour, a flat rate or contingency?

   • Services that are included

   • Extra fees that will be assessed

   • How you will be billed

8. What are the possible outcomes in cases such as this?

9. How long do you expect this matter to take?

10. What are my alternatives?

11. Do you recommend arbitration or mediation?

Important Consumer information for Immigration Law:

1. Always keep a copy of any document that you provide (send) to the USCIS.

2. Always send your documents or applications by Express Mail to insure proper delivery.

3. Always inform the USCIS of any address changes within 10 days by submitting Form AR-11.

4. Never send an original document with your application unless it is requested by a specific letter.

5. Always check your Approval / Receipt Notices to make sure the USCIS has the correct information.

6. You can re-schedule most appointments if you send a letter, via certified, return receipt requested, to the USCIS with plenty of time before your appointment.

7. Always be on time for your interview and bring all original documents, with one copy, even though the USCIS may have these documents in your file.

Law Office of Joe A. Nichols, P.A. 

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Joe A. Nichols, born 1960 in Edinburg, Texas, and graduated from Pan American University in 1983 and received J.D. in Law from Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Houston, Texas in 1988.

Mr. Nichols received his license to practice law from the State of New Jersey in May, 1991. His first experience with Immigration Law began with a small law firm in New York City in 1992 where he learned the basics in processing family-based petitions. These experiences reminded him of his days as a youth when he traveled to West Texas with his mother and three sisters to work in the agriculture fields picking cantaloupe and peppers in order to save money for school clothes. With this opportunity, Mr. Nichols was inspired to help those unfamiliar with our system of laws so that they could function in our society as a responsible citizen. In February, 1993, Mr. Nichols relocated to Florida where he has remained and continues his practice Immigration and Nationality Law. Over the years, Mr. Nichols has handled a variety of immigration cases but his focus has remained family-based petitions, VAWA (Violence Against Women's Act) based petitions, entertainment type petitions for a variety of artists, athletes and coaches, and work visas for US companies seeking temporary workers.

The Law Office of Joe A. Nichols, P.A. understands the immigration process is difficult and thus focuses on providing each potential client with alternatives to their immigration situation while providing clients with personal services including suggestions on how to handle related matters like, children attending school, drivers license and social security, and income tax returns.

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

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