Top Five Qualities Every Immigration Lawyer Should Have

Anyone with an Immigration problem wants a top lawyer able to provide the best legal advice and deliver the results they desire. But it can be difficult to sort the wheat from the chaff. Let’s face it, every Immigration solicitor in London claims they are the best.

When searching for an Immigration lawyer, be it through the internet, or a friend, for the best recommendation there are specific qualities you should seek. To assist in your search, we have created a list of five attributes that all top Immigration lawyers possess.

Ready? Let’s go.

One – Accreditations from the Law Society of England and Wales

It goes without saying that any Immigration solicitor you choose to engage should be registered with the Law Society of England and Wales and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. These are the professional bodies charged with overseeing the legal profession in England. Not only do they set standards and investigate wrongdoings by solicitors, the Law Society has a rigorous complaints procedure that clients can use if they feel they have not received the best service from their Immigration lawyer.

However, the Law Society also issues accreditations, one of which is for Immigration and Asylum law. Law firms who hold this accreditation must demonstrate to the Law Society that they have and will maintain an excellent level of knowledge, skills, experience and practice in Asylum law. This is assessed by way of examination.

There are also other accreditations to look out for. One of the primary accreditations is ‘Lexcel’, which is granted by the Law Society to law firms who have implemented an approved set of policies and procedures for managing their practice and case files.

Two – Be mentioned or applying to be mentioned in the Legal 500 rankings

The Legal 500 is an organisation that assesses the capabilities, experience and performance of law firms around the world. If an Immigration solicitor is mentioned in the Legal 500, you know they are top in their field.

The best Immigration lawyers and law firms are picked using research based on feedback from 300,000 clients worldwide, submissions from the firms themselves and interviews with leading private practice lawyers. Each application to be mentioned in the Legal 500 is carefully considered by experienced legal researchers.

Three – Experience and Knowledge

Immigration law is highly complex, always changing and fast-moving. The best Immigration lawyers specialise in the field of Immigration law - it is difficult to gain the mastery and experience needed unless one concentrates on the sector full-time.

The field of Immigration law is huge, encompassing refugees & Asylum, business immigration, family immigration, international students, detention and bail, and appeals & judicial review. Top Immigration solicitors concentrate full-time on the discipline of Immigration law, ensuring they develop experience and expert knowledge of all areas.

Four – They work for a well-established law firm

No person is an island, least of all a solicitor. The best Immigration solicitors, especially in London, often work for well-established, well-resourced law firms who can support them fully in tough situations. Immigration law is extremely personal, and solicitors are often racing against the clock to fight deportation orders or secure visas. When choosing an Immigration lawyer to advise and/or represent you, research the law firm they work with. Have a look at Google reviews and read the case studies and testimonials on the website. A good law firm takes pride in showcasing their credibility because gaining client trust is extremely important to them.

Five – Professionalism, courteousness and friendliness

An Immigration solicitor may be working with you during an extremely difficult period of your life. You need to trust them implicitly and communicate and work with them, sometimes for many months whilst your case is decided.

The best Immigration lawyers in London are highly professional and will treat you with the utmost courtesy & respect while being friendly and approachable. Don’t be afraid to have an initial meeting with a few Immigration lawyers before you commit to instructing one. First impressions do count; if the person is rude, abrupt and makes you feel like ‘just another number’, walk away and try someone else. It is important to be aware that you can usually change Immigration solicitors halfway through a case if you are not happy with their performance or service.

In summary

Finding a top Immigration solicitor in London does not have to be difficult. Just look for the five qualities we have listed. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident with the Immigration lawyer you pick and that they are providing you with the best service applicable to your legal matter.

OTS Solicitors is one of the most respected Immigration law firms in London. By making an appointment with one of our Immigration solicitors, you can be assured of receiving some of the best legal advice available in the UK today. We hold an Immigration and Asylum Law accreditation from the Law Society and are currently being considered for Legal 500 ranking.

If you wish to discuss any of the points raised in this blog, please phone our London office on `0203 959 9123.