I’ve seen some attorneys’ websites stating they refund their personal fees if the paperwork doesn’t go through, though. Is that something you do?

Question

I’m interested in whether or not you can get her case through – if you can get it done then the fees are fine. I’ve seen some attorneys’ websites stating they refund their personal fees if the paperwork doesn’t go through, though. Is that something you do?

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Answer

Denny, thank you for being open with your thoughts. A “money back guaranty” is a marketing tool. I have had a good number of clients come to me after having difficulties with the case and I have not yet seen another attorney return money despite a “guaranty.” It’s easy to say, “We’re still working on it.” Also, it is very easy to craft a clause in an agreement that essentially forecloses the possibility of a return of funds.

I am paid for the work I do. I have been an attorney 21 years now. If I were a much younger attorney, I might consider advertising a “guaranty.” However, I know it is important to be very straightforward in handling cases. I do not guaranty results. I have credentials if you would like to review them, upon request. I think it a good idea for clients to request licensing information so you know where to complain if the attorney is not handling matters properly. I want to keep my license of course. I ask for a deposit so you can see early on whether we as an office seem to be competent. You are not risking the full sum upon hire.

As for increasing likelihood of success, my expertise includes visa refusals. The listeners were all immigration attorneys, members of AILA which is the main immigration attorney group in the U.S. I’ve also recently lectured to legal professionals at the University of San Diego campus in a program that was endorsed by the California Bar Association. I have more credentials to share if you like. The point is that I have experience and expertise, so I think I can help put you in the best position to succeed.

If she is denied the visa, the first thing to do is try and neutralize the damage. When an immigration officer denies, the officer is serious. It sets up a basis for future denials. So often, when problems arise people working on their own simply lash out in anger or try and start over. To succeed, it becomes necessary to identify and address the problems head on with a legal brief and other appropriate action, and then take next steps. Immigration officers are not always correct and often do not follow rules.

Each case is different. Some cases end up in court and I am capable of helping with this too. Your case should not end up in court, but at least you know that when I take a case I can see it through at all levels to protect your interests. Please let me know what more you require.

Kind regards,
Allan