Understanding the client-attorney relationship What you can expect from me The attorney-client relationship requires trust and confidence on both sides if the client's legal objectives are to be accomplished. To lessen the chances for misunderstanding, I have prepared the following memo which I encourage you to read carefully. Frank appraisal of your case — I never guarantee success in immigration matters, but I can estimate the strengths of your case by comparing its facts with those of others who have succeeded. Confidentiality — Whatever you tell me is confidential. I cannot be legally forced to divulge any information you provide me, nor will I discuss your case with other lawyers or officials without your express permission. Dedicated service — If you have a question or concern, I want you to call me no matter what time it is. If I am not in, please leave a message. I do my best to return all phone calls within three hours. You are my client and I want to take care of you. Updates about your case's progress — I do my best to send you copies of every significant document and letter which I file or receive. Immigration practice involves a lot of "hurry up and wait." Forms must be quickly filed to preserve rights or to assure an advantageous filing date — then you must patiently wait for a response from the INS. No one can speed up the processing except in rare, clearly identified cases. However, I and my staff do our best to navigate through the various agencies as efficiently and quickly as possible. A fair billing policy — I generally charge a retainer fee equal to one third of the estimated fee. After that I charge as work is completed. In many cases, I can quote a fixed fee. This fee does not include additonal work necessary if there are unexpected complications, such as an unrevealed criminal record. My fees are not contingent on the successful outcome of your application, unless specifically stated. As the engagement letter makes clear, my fee does not include government application fees, office expenses, and long distance phone charges. If you are concerned about the amount of a bill, please call me and we can discuss it. My guarantee — I guarantee that as my client you will receive cost effective legal services delivered in a timely manner. I promise to involve you and communicate with you regularly. I cannot guarantee outcomes, but I do guarantee your satisfaction. What I need from you Detailed, honest answers and presentation of necessary documents — I know that you are just as busy as I am, maybe even busier. I also know that one of the reasons you hired me was so that you would not need to be bothered with the details of your case. But there are facts and documents which you alone can provide. In addition, there are decisions about tactics which you alone are entitled to make. Some of the information I will ask you for may seem irrelevant, some may seem unduly personal. However, such data is often required by the government. If your case is to succeed, we must fully answer every question posed. The information you provide me with should be true for several reasons. First, INS officers have come to expect fraud and have become aggressive in pursuing those cases where they are suspicious. Second, you will be in a far stronger position if any problems are identified early and and defensive measures are taken to minimize their effect in your initial application. Your understanding that I will not misrepresent facts to the government — Knowingly misstating facts on petitions and applications can result in an attorney being censured and even disbarred. At the least it can result in destroying one's reputation, both with government officials and with other lawyers. I have worked hard to establish a reputation for integrity and honesty. If you reveal something damaging to me, I will assist you in creating a strong defense to minimize its impact. That's my job as a lawyer. I will not, however, condone or encourage perjury. Any document issuing from this office requiring my signature must contain only true statements. Suggestions and complaints — If you are unhappy with any aspects of my service to you or with any actions of my staff, please tell me about it right away. I want to do my best and appreciates any comments you have that will help me to do a better job. Prompt payment of any fees and expenses — I work hard for my clients, sometimes working weekends and late into the night to make sure that applications are filed as quickly as possible. I ask you to recompense me in the same timely manner.