Factors to Consider When Choosing an Attorney

Immigration law in Denver, Colorado

The right expertise

Choosing an attorney requires doing some homework because you'll be entrusting this attorney with an important aspect of your life and well-being, and perhaps that of others near and dear to you. So it's a good idea to check qualifications and talk to several possible attorneys before you make a decision.

You should choose an attorney who has spent many years working in the relevant field(s) of law.

At Stern Elkind Curray & Alterman our attorneys have worked in immigration law since 1978, keeping up with all the changes. Several of us are fluent Spanish speakers and we have special experience in immigration from Vietnam.

A good reputation

Choose a lawyer who has good standing both among peers and in the local community. Attorneys often have much information about other attorneys from working with them on assorted cases over the years. This allows them to have informed views about each other.

If you hear an attorney spoken well of by his peers, that's a good reference.

Our lawyers at Stern Elkind Curray & Alterman have a lot of community service to their credit, have received many awards and have been written about in various journals and publications.

Good qualifications

Check on the legal education of any attorneys you're considering. Most law firms have a website where you can read about their experience and qualifications. Besides their law degree, some will have a degree in something other than law, such as International Affairs, Journalism, or Business.

Have a look at what professional associations they belong to. This is another check on their reputation and productiveness.

We at Stern Elkind Curray & Alterman have education and expertise in several areas of law related to immigration. Our biographies

Set up an initial consultation

A good lawyer will take the time to answer your questions fully. If you don't understand some of the answers, ask further questions until you do understand
You can have your questions written down, and check them off as you receive satisfactory answers
If supporting documents are going to be necessary for the legal work, have them with you, to give the lawyer more information on the spot
Also bring with you the contact information for anyone your lawyer will need to speak with regarding your case
Feel free to ask what things might cost and what sort of payment options there might be
Ask whether the attorney will be doing the work, or whether it will be delegated to a paralegal or another attorney
Ask if you can speak to any of the lawyer's previous clients about their experience

Someone you can trust

Don't feel obligated to hire an attorney just because you've spent some time talking with him or her. If for any reason you wonder whether you can trust that person, move on and interview another lawyer.

You should choose an attorney with whom you feel comfortable and whom you feel you can trust with the important work you need done.

At Stern Elkind Curray & Alterman, we have a lot of good listeners. We'll take the time to follow your narrative, answer your questions, and address your concerns.

Click here to view our attorney biographies

If you need legal help with your immigration case, or if you know someone who does, please contact us to set up an initial consultation.