Only you can decide whether you need an immigration attorney. Before making this decision, more than one attorney experienced in representing J-1 physicians should be consulted. While an employer or physician may believe an attorney is only required for certain aspects of a case, an error in the work completed without an attorney can negatively affect the entire case. A physician recruiter has no duty of loyalty to the J-1 physician and no communication with a recruiter is confidential. Finally, as recruiters often do not get paid until the physician reports to work, there may be a conflict of interest.
Immigration law is a highly specialized and complex area of law.
The immigration needs of health care professionals, including J-1 waivers and permanent residence, are an even more specialized area within immigration law. Finding an attorney who has experience and has developed specialized expertise in this constantly changing and often confusing area of law will maximize the probability of success. Listen to recommendations of friends and family. No one can give you a better recommendation for an attorney than the attorney's current or previous clients. Ask your friends and family for recommendations.