How do I find the right attorney for me?

There are a number of factors that would make a particular attorney right for you, some of them subjective. In addition to the specific qualifications of an attorney, the location of the office and ease of access to the attorney may be important considerations.  Cost is always an important factor.  There are no standard rates for legal services.  Each attorney or firm will offer services in different bundles at different costs.  If cost is a concern, be sure to ask what an attorney's flat fee includes and whether certain costs such as filing fees, postage or courier fees, and copy fees are included in the flat fee.

The yellow pages is one place to start.  However, be warned that the the largest ad does not necessarily mean the most competent and most client-friendly service.  You should use it as one of many sources to cull a list of prosective attorneys.  From the list, you should check the California State Bar at their website (or if the attorney is a member of a different state's bar, go to that state's bar association website) to get some background on an attorney. The State Bar of California can be found online at www.calbar.org. At the website, you can confirm an attorney's California bar membership, education, the date she or he was admitted to the bar and, most importantly, any history of discipline.  This is information that the State Bar determined to be important to disclose to the public.  As a consumer, you should always look up an attorney before retaining him or her.

Why should I hire an attorney over legal service agencies (paralegals)?  

The primary reason, I believe, that consumers choose legal service agencies over attorneys is cost. However, most attorneys' offices have developed efficiencies that allow them to offer rates that are not much higher than non-attorney legal service agencies.

There certainly are benefits to retaining an attorney for immigration matters. Some attorneys belong to attorney associations that keep them abreast of the most recent changes in federal law and local filing and processing procedures. The resources of attorneys go beyond the ability to complete forms which I would assume is the area of greatest competence for non-attorney agencies. Many attorneys will contact USCIS supervisors directly to address specific problems and delays in their client's case. Attorneys are allowed to represent their clients in immigration matters and can contact USCIS on their behalf. This may be an important benefit to those who want representation at the USCIS interview. Also, communications between a client and an attorney are privileged--any correspondence or conversation is strictly confidential.