What if I am not satisfied with my lawyer?

This post is for asylum seekers in the U.S. who have concerns about their immigration lawyer. If you are not satisfied with your lawyer, you can learn about possible steps below.

1. You can get a second opinion.

• You can ask a different lawyer for their opinion. You can search for legal assistance here, including free and low-cost legal help and private attorneys who charge fees. 

• If a lawyer says that they cannot help you, you can ask them if they have recommendations of other trustworthy lawyers in your area. Some offices only take certain types of cases so it can be helpful to call multiple offices.

• You can also find information about the asylum process here.

2. You can get your documents from your lawyer. 

• You have the right to a copy of any written contract for the lawyer’s services.

• You have the right to a complete copy of all documents in your case, except for the lawyer’s personal notes. The lawyer may charge a reasonable fee to provide that copy, but cannot refuse to give it to you.

• You have the right to all of your original documents, such as passports or birth certificates.

• You also have the right to confidentiality. Your lawyer cannot share your documents or information that you tell them with the government or other people without your permission.

3. You can ask your lawyer for information about your case, to help you make decisions. 

• You have the right to communication from your lawyer. If you ask questions, they must provide you with information about your case within a reasonable time.

• If no one answers when you call your lawyer’s office, you can leave a voicemail with your name and phone number. And you can keep trying! You can also try going to your lawyer’s office in person during business hours. 

• You have the right to make all important decisions in your case. Your lawyer should advise you what they think is best and why. But you have the right to make final decisions.

4. If you decide you do not want to continue working with your lawyer, you can fire them.

• If you decide you do not want to continue working with your current lawyer, you have the right to fire them.

• If the lawyer did not do all the work that you hired them to do, they may be required by law to return money to you. If you have a written contract, you can review it and compare what was promised to what was actually done. 

5. If you had a serious problem with your lawyer, you can file a complaint. 

• To look up how to file a complaint against a lawyer in your state, Google “lawyer complaint in [your state]”.

• If you were a victim of an immigration scam or fraud, learn about next steps.