Finding an Immigration Lawyer or Representative

Why representation can matter

A representative can help you understand the charges in the NTA, identify possible relief, meet filing deadlines, request records, organize evidence, prepare witnesses, and make legal arguments. The American Immigration Council's analysis of EOIR cases completed in fiscal years 2019–2024 found that 26.9% of represented respondents received removal orders, compared with 61.8% of unrepresented respondents. These are aggregate, observational results—not a prediction for one person, and they do not prove that representation alone caused the difference.

The government generally does not appoint a lawyer in immigration court. A person may hire an attorney or seek free or low-cost help. If you cannot find a representative before the first hearing, tell the judge and ask about time to seek counsel; the judge decides whether to continue the case.

American Immigration Council: Where Can You Win in Immigration Court? · EOIR: Who Can Represent You Before Immigration Court

Where to look for free or affordable help

Start with EOIR's List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers for the court where your case is pending. The list includes nonprofit organizations, attorneys, and referral services that provide or connect people with free legal services. EOIR updates the list quarterly, but availability and eligibility vary; contact providers directly and ask whether they are accepting cases.

You can also contact local legal-aid organizations, law-school clinics, immigrant-rights nonprofits, and bar-association referral services. Some nonprofit employees may be DOJ-accredited representatives who can provide immigration legal services through a recognized organization. If a hearing or filing deadline is near, tell each provider right away. Looking for counsel or asking the judge for time does not automatically change a court date or extend a deadline.

EOIR: List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers · EOIR: Recognition and Accreditation Program

Check that the person is authorized

An attorney should be licensed and in good standing with a state bar. Ask for the attorney's full name and bar number, then verify the license directly with the state bar. An accredited representative is not a lawyer, but must be approved by DOJ and work through a recognized nonprofit; verify the organization and representative through EOIR.

Notarios, immigration consultants, document preparers, and travel agents are not authorized to give legal advice or represent you before EOIR just because they advertise immigration services. Do not hand over original documents without a receipt, sign blank forms, or trust a promise of guaranteed status or release. Keep copies of every form, filing, receipt, and payment.

EOIR: Who Can Represent You Before Immigration Court · EOIR: Recognition and Accreditation Program

Questions to ask before agreeing to representation

Ask for a written agreement in a language you understand. A trustworthy representative will explain risks and limits, will not promise a guaranteed outcome, and will tell you when they do not know an answer.

• Have you handled cases like mine in immigration court?
• Who will prepare the filings and appear at hearings?
• What services are included, what will they cost, and what costs are extra?
• How will we communicate, and how quickly should I report a new notice or address change?
• Will you give me copies of every filing and court notice?