Keep in mind that, in addition to any other State or Provincial bar licensure that attorneys may have, they should be a member in good standing in the jurisdiction in which they maintain an office. If the attorney comes into the jurisdiction to meet with clients and then leaves for his or her home jurisdiction to process the case, local licensure may not be necessary. However, if something goes wrong the client will have no local recourse. Complaints against the attorney will have to be made in the his or her home jurisdiction. Find out how long has the attorney has been practicing immigration law.
Immigration law is complex and experience is extremely valuable in minimizing problems.
While a lawyer who has been practicing for 10 years is not necessarily better than a lawyer who has been practicing for 5 years, you may wish to avoid anyone who has been practicing for a relatively short period of time. However, it is only one factor to be considered. Some lawyers have practiced law quite badly for 10 years while others have practiced law exceptionally well for only a few years. Find out what percentage of your attorney's practice is in the field of immigration. Again, the only way to become truly competent in handling immigration matters is to handle such cases frequently.