Did you know that more than 40 million people living in America were born in another country?
If you’re thinking about immigration, you may be wondering what the difference is between an immigration attorney and a lawyer.
Well, you’re not alone. Many people are unsure of the differences between these two types of legal professionals.
Keep reading because here’s a breakdown of the key differences between an immigration attorney vs lawyer so you can make an informed decision about who to hire for your immigration case.
What Is a Lawyer?
A lawyer is a professional who has gone to law school and obtained a Juris Doctor degree. Lawyers can represent clients in civil or criminal cases.
To become a lawyer, one must first earn a bachelor’s degree. After that, the individual must attend an accredited law school and obtain a Juris Doctor degree.
Once they have completed their education, lawyers must pass their state’s bar exam to be licensed to practice law.
Lawyers can choose to specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal law, family law, or business law.
They can also choose to work in a specific type of legal setting, such as private practice, government, or non-profit organizations.
No matter what path they choose, lawyers play an important role in our society by ensuring that everyone receives fair and equal treatment under the law.
What Is an Immigration Attorney?
Immigration law is a complex and ever-changing area of law, and it can be difficult for non-specialists to navigate. That’s where immigration attorneys come in.
Immigration attorneys help their clients with all aspects of immigration law, from applying for visas and green cards to naturalization and citizenship.
They also keep up with the latest changes in immigration law, so they can provide their clients with the most up-to-date information and advice.
Whether you’re looking to immigrate to the United States or you’re already here, an immigration attorney can help you with all of your immigration needs.
If you’re starting your career as an immigration attorney, you’ll want to make sure you can generate law firm clients. Look here for help on how to do that.
Key Differences Between Lawyers and Immigration Attorneys
You now know what lawyers and immigration attorneys are. Let’s take a look at some of the key differences between these two types of legal professionals:
Education
Immigration law is a complex and ever-changing area of law. This makes it one of the most challenging practice areas for lawyers.
To become an immigration attorney, a lawyer must first obtain a law degree from an accredited law school. They must then pass the bar exam in the state where they wish to practice.
After passing the bar, lawyers may choose to specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal defense or family law. However, not all lawyers are qualified to handle immigration cases.
People who do not have experience in this area of the law may find it hard to represent their clients in immigration proceedings.
People who want to hire an immigration lawyer must speak with someone who has experience in the field.
Experience
Immigration attorneys generally have more experience dealing with immigration law than lawyers. This is because immigration law is a complex and ever-changing area of law.
It also requires specific knowledge and skills to navigate.
Immigration attorneys need to be able to keep up with changes in the law. They also need to be able to communicate with clients from different cultures effectively.
Immigration attorneys need to be familiar with a lot of different legal options. They also need to be able to help clients choose the best option for them.
As a result, those who wish to hire an attorney to help with their immigration case should look for an attorney who specializes in immigration law.
Licensure
Attorneys who wish to provide legal assistance to immigrants must be licensed. This requirement ensures that attorneys have the necessary training and knowledge to competently advise their clients.
There are several ways for attorneys to become licensed to practice law in the United States.
The most common route is to obtain a law degree from an accredited law school and then pass the bar exam in the state where they wish to practice.
Once an attorney is licensed, they must follow the professional rules and regulations set by their state bar association.
These rules govern everything from lawyer advertising to client confidentiality. By following these rules, attorneys can help ensure that immigrants receive competent and ethical legal assistance.
Fees
Immigration attorneys typically charge higher fees than lawyers. This is because immigration law is a complex and specialized area of law, and it takes more time and effort to handle these cases.
Immigration attorneys need to know a lot of laws, like the laws about visas, citizenship, and deportation.
In addition, they often work with clients who do not speak English as their first language, which can add to the complexity of the case.
As a result of these factors, immigration attorneys typically charge higher fees than other types of lawyers.
However, many people feel that the extra cost of hiring an immigration expert is worth it. They can help you through the often confusing and overwhelming process of immigrating to another country.
Choosing an Immigration Attorney
Immigration law is a notoriously complex and ever-changing area of law. Consequently, immigration lawyers typically charge higher fees than other lawyers.
This is because handling an immigration case often requires more time and effort than a typical legal case.
Immigration attorneys need to know a lot about the law. This includes constitutional law, federal statutes, and administrative regulations.
In addition, they must be up-to-date on the latest changes to immigration law.
People who need help with an immigration matter should expect to pay more than they would for a different legal issue. This is because immigration law is more complicated.
Immigration Attorney vs Lawyer: Which One Should You Choose?
It’s important to know the differences between an immigration attorney vs lawyer. Attorneys can provide legal services in a variety of areas, while lawyers are specifically licensed to practice immigration law.
Make sure you consult with an experienced immigration lawyer. They can help guide you through the process and ensure a successful outcome.
For more information on hiring an immigration lawyer or finding one in your area, check out our blog. We have tons of great articles that will help make your search easier!
