HELP!!! I am so lost. I am an Immigrant in New Zealand and I am looking to hire an Attorney here but I can’t figure out the first step to take or things to consider before hiring an Attorney in New Zealand.

Fret not for I am here! On this article, I will walk you through just 10 things to consider before hiring an Attorney in New Zealand. Ready?

The Role of an Immigration Lawyer

Immigration is  challenging to navigate, but having a good immigration lawyer by your side can make a world of difference. I have put together the key factors that an immigration lawyer should possess.

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Expert Guidance: An immigration lawyer acts as your guide through the complexities of New Zealand’s immigration system.

They have in-depth knowledge of the laws, regulations, and processes, enabling them to provide accurate and up-to-date advice tailored to your specific situation.

‍Eligibility Assessment: A good immigration lawyer will assess your eligibility to immigrate to New Zealand.

They will review your circumstances, education, work experience, and other relevant factors to determine the most suitable immigration pathways available to you.

This may also include reviewing previous visa applications, your passport, Offer of Employment, and any existing visas, to ensure their validity and adherence to the immigration requirements.

‍Document Preparation: Immigration applications often require extensive documentation. An immigration lawyer will assist you in gathering and organising the necessary documents, ensuring that your application is complete and meets the requirements set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Your documents are presented in a logical and ordered way to support your application and this makes it easy for  the immigration officer to assess your application.

Staying up-to-date: Immigration law changes with politics and New Zealand has just had a change of Government. Staying current with the latest immigration law changes is crucial.

A knowledgeable immigration lawyer continuously monitors updates from (INZ) and interprets how these changes may impact your immigration goals.

They should help provide valuable insights and help you adapt your plans accordingly if changes occur.

Interesting Read:

Apply for New Zealand Insurance Benefits as an Immigrant – New Zealand Insurance

The Benefits of Seeking Professional Advice on Applying for a Visa in New Zealand 

Applying for a visa in New Zealand can be a complex and challenging process, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with the country’s immigration laws and regulations.

Seeking professional advice from migration advice services, experienced lawyers, or a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA) can provide a range of benefits to individuals who are looking to enter or stay in New Zealand.

Professional advisors provide expert guidance on the different visa options available and help individuals to navigate the application process.

They also help ensure that visa applications are complete and accurate, reducing the risk of delays or rejections.

In addition, an (LIA) provides guidance on how to prepare for visa interviews as well as general support throughout the entire application process.

Seeking professional advice can help to ensure that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible, while also increasing the chances of a successful outcome.

10 things to consider before hiring an attorney in New Zealand

1. Experience and Expertise

Ensure the attorney has experience in the specific area of law you need help with (e.g., family law, criminal law, property law).

2. Reputation

Research the attorney’s reputation through reviews, testimonials, and professional ratings.

3. Credentials

Verify their qualifications and membership in the New Zealand Law Society.

4. Cost and Fees

Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, fixed fees, and any additional costs.The most common questions attorneys are asked involve their fees.

This makes sense because whenever you are paying for a good or service, you want to make sure you are getting good value and can afford it.

The first step is to find an attorney who offers a free case consultation. After all, who wants to pay just to speak to someone when it may turn out they cannot even work with them.

During your free consultation, you will be able to learn everything you need to know about your prospective attorney and can work out a fee arrangement that will work.

Some attorneys charge an hourly rate while others charge flat or fixed fees for the whole case. Some attorneys are cheaper, and others are more expensive for several reasons.

You should not let price be the determining factor in your decision because this may not be wise.

5. Communication

Assess their communication skills and responsiveness. Clear and timely communication is crucial.

6. Case Management/ Approach:

Inquire about how they handle cases, their workload, and who will be working on your case.

Lawyers approach cases in different ways. Some are looking to resolve cases as quickly as possible so that they can move on to the next client.

Others may be using a case to experiment and test their own skills as an attorney. For most people, these approaches are not helpful to their situation.

This is especially true in criminal defense cases.

You want to find an attorney whose goal is to get you the best possible result. This means pursuing dismissal or reduction of the charges, negotiation of the consequences, and pursuing a not guilty verdict at trial.

If your attorney’s approach does not involve those objectives, you should look elsewhere.

7. Success Rate:

Ask about their success rate with similar cases to gauge their effectiveness.

8. Conflicts of Interest:

Ensure there are no conflicts of interest that could affect their representation.

9. Client-Attorney Relationship: Consider whether you feel comfortable and trust the attorney. A good relationship is essential.

10. Accessibility/ Size of the Firm

Check their office location and availability for meetings, as well as willingness to provide updates on your case.

One of the number one complaints clients have is that they believed they would be working with a particular attorney and later found out that their case was passed to an associate, paralegal, or legal assistant.

Larger firms employ more people and often engage in this practice. In fact, in some of the larger firms, your case may simply be reduced to a client number and the people working on it may not even know who you are.

In a smaller firm, you will have the opportunity to get to know the attorney who will be handling your case and can be assured that it will not be passed to other associates because smaller firms simply do not employ enough people to have attorneys farming out their cases.

For many, especially in criminal cases, a small firm approach fits their needs best and will result in higher levels of satisfaction when all is said and done.

Conclusion

When you find yourself facing a legal issue, the next steps you are going to take can significantly alter the rest of your life.

Carefully follow the steps above before hiring an Attorney in New Zealand that can deliver you the results you expect and be a beacon of hope in dire situations.

Did you find this helpful? Let me know in the comment section. T for Thanks.

Further Reading:

New Zealand Admission for International Students – Study in New Zealand