Updated June 28, 2024
Professional Communication Policy
Our firm operates under a communication policy designed to maximize efficiency and ensure clear, structured interactions. Unlike most firms that might be receptive to spontaneous calls, we find that scheduling in advance allows us to provide a higher standard of service. This policy saves you from incurring unscheduled costs and eliminates potential confusion.
Meeting Scheduling
Initially, if our team schedules an appointment, there is no cost to the client. Furthermore, for the first 60 days of legal representation, any application preparation meetings booked by the client are also offered at no cost, ensuring a smooth and accessible start to our legal services. After this 60-day period, client-scheduled meetings will incur a nominal fee, which is implemented to cover administrative expenses. Clients have the option to revert to our standard hourly fee instead of paying the nominal meeting fee. Choosing this alternative requires the client to provide an advance retainer deposit, which is 10 times the agreed hourly fee and is maintained as an evergreen retainer.
As our client, your convenience is paramount. Scheduling a call allows us to prepare and ensures your queries receive the attention they deserve.
Appointments must be scheduled via our Existing Client Scheduler
Requests to return calls, callbacks, and case status updates require an appointment in order to adequately prepare to answer client questions.
Unscheduled calls will not be returned under any circumstances.
We aim to maintain a high productivity level by minimizing interruptions during work hours. This policy extends to all incoming calls, regardless of the caller’s identity.
Please note, there will be periods when we are unavailable due to court appearances, client meetings, or casework. As such, any conversation anticipated to exceed ten minutes should be arranged in advance through a scheduled meeting. These sessions can be facilitated via various mediums—telephone or web-based platforms—as circumstances necessitate and mutual agreement dictates.
Communication Classification
For file management, billing, and response purposes, all messages are treated as written communications.
Routine Messages
We request your patience in waiting for responses to messages, as we might not always provide immediate feedback. Messages sent outside of business hours will be addressed on the next business day. We do not require our staff or attorneys to respond outside of these hours unless in the event of an emergency (as outlined below).
Emergency Messages
Emergencies are classified as immediate threats to life, liberty, or property. Legal emergencies, though infrequent based on the types of cases I handle, warrant an immediate response. Examples include instances of law enforcement at your door with an arrest warrant or if you or an immediate family member have been taken into custody.
The following are emergencies:
- Police / ICE / CBP at your door regarding an arrest warrant.
- You or an immediate family member has been taken into Police / ICE Custody.
Important Messages
The following, while very important, are NOT emergencies:
- You received a notice from Immigration Court.
- You received a notice from Federal Court.
- You received a notice from USCIS.
- An agent visited your home for an inspection.
- The status of your case or application changed recently.
Our clients are asked to please consider whether the matter is very important as opposed to an emergency. Important issues will be prioritized and handled as soon as possible.
Important Messages
Though certain matters are of utmost importance, they do not qualify as emergencies. These include court notices or changes in case or application status. We prioritize these issues and strive to address them expediently.
Client Responsibility
Full cooperation with our firm is expected. Regular, candid communication, especially regarding relevant case information, is critical to your case’s success. Your case may require court appearances and responses to both verbal and written queries. It’s crucial to provide all necessary documents and evidence no less than 60 days prior to the court’s deadline.
Maintaining Confidentiality
Candor is crucial in our professional relationship. Inform us upfront about any potential weaknesses in your case. Sharing these details helps us prepare and strategize more effectively.
Social Networking
Please refrain from sharing any content on social media platforms that you wouldn’t want disclosed in court. Public documentation of your daily life can inadvertently provide ammunition to the opposing party in your case.
Errors
Every party involved in the legal process is susceptible to errors, including us, court officials, or governmental agencies. We will rectify any identified mistakes and appreciate your understanding in this regard.
Misinformation
We advise against taking actions based on external advice or information gleaned from the internet, friends, or family. We are more than willing to clarify any confusion or address your concerns.
Court Proceedings
Please note that we do not have control over the court’s schedule or the length of your case’s proceedings.
Attorney Accessibility
Our firm observes weekends and holidays to allow our staff to spend time with their families. The attorney operates strictly by appointment during business hours. Unsolicited visits are not encouraged.
Message Etiquette
Please leave a message when you call our office. Accusations of communication failure when no message has been left strain our working relationship and impede our ability to provide optimal service.
Text Message Policy
Our Telephone Policy disallows the provision of staff or attorney cell phone numbers to clients, barring extreme circumstances. Due to security and reliability concerns, text messaging is generally not an approved communication method. However, our practice management software may send reminders via text message, usually in instances of non-response to secure online messages.
