Choosing an immigration attorney is one of the most important—and vulnerable—decisions you’ll ever make. You deserve more than a firm that rushes your case, overpromises results, or treats you like a number.

High-volume “puppy-mill” firms are skilled at looking impressive. They may claim awards, post flashy testimonials, and promise guaranteed results, but their priority is profit, not people. This guide will help you spot the warning signs and ask the right questions so you can find an attorney who truly cares about your future.

Red Flags of Exploitative Immigration Firms

Watch out for firms that:

• Use flashy marketing or boast about “thousands of cases” without real outcomes.

• Engage in high pressure consultations and intakes.

• Charge exceptionally high fees, often twice as much as other attorneys.

• Promise results or guarantee approval.

• Require payment before reviewing your case.

• Have a difficult time allowing you to speak directly to a licensed attorney.

• Avoid explaining risks, limitations, or potential downsides and primarily bolster how great your case is.

• Deliver generic, copy-paste case strategy and documents.

• Keep you guessing about who is handling your case, often because they have frequent staff turnover.

Remember, even temporary work permits can often be secured by most attorneys, but true protection requires strategy, thoughtfulness, and a plan tailored to your unique circumstances. Please, interview more than one attorney and price shop to ensure you are not being overcharged.

Green Flags of a Trustworthy Immigration Attorney

A reliable attorney will:

• Be upfront about strengths and risks in your case.

• Let you speak directly with an attorney before payment.

• Encourage your questions and explain the process clearly.

• Ask you to review and approve filings.

• Explain timelines, costs, and limitations transparently.

• Take the time to understand your full story.

• Provide realistic expectations, not false hope.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

• What experience do you have with my type of case?

• Will I review everything before it’s filed?

• How many cases does your firm handle in a month?

• How many attorneys are on your team, and will I speak to one directly?

• Who will develop my case?

• How often will I receive updates?

• How do you handle Requests for Evidence, Notices of Intent, and denials?

• What are your fees and what do the fees cover?

• Can I see your contract before signing?

Attorney Review Doesn’t Always Mean Ethical Advocacy

Some firms assign an attorney to “qualify” or “approve” cases, but the review can be rushed and superficial to meet volume metrics and check the box on “compliance.” Ethical review means thorough, honest advice, not a rubber stamp or a script or plugging your facts into a strategy you do not qualify for. This is very common for humanitarian based cases like VAWA, T visas, and asylum. Business immigration is also rip for exploitative “puppy-mill” practices meaning the high-volume firms putting your cases into a one-size-fits-all strategy.

A Note from Nyers Legal Services

At Nyers Legal Services, we work with attorneys who prioritize truth and accuracy over speed, people over profit and volume, and decisions rooted in the law over questionable marketing practices. Don’t settle for a firm that cuts corners with your life. You deserve tailored advocacy, not just checking a box. We only partner with attorneys who respect this boundary and reject pressure-based intake practices. Your immigration journey deserves nothing less!