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3 - How To Find A Lawyer English 2

This self-help guide from the U.S. Department of Justice provides information on finding legal representation in immigration court, emphasizing that individuals must secure their own lawyer or accredited representative as the government does not provide one. It clarifies that only licensed lawyers and accredited representatives can offer legal advice, while other individuals like notarios and consultants cannot. The guide also encourages self-representation but strongly recommends seeking legal assistance and provides resources for further information.

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12 views2 pages

3 - How To Find A Lawyer English 2

This self-help guide from the U.S. Department of Justice provides information on finding legal representation in immigration court, emphasizing that individuals must secure their own lawyer or accredited representative as the government does not provide one. It clarifies that only licensed lawyers and accredited representatives can offer legal advice, while other individuals like notarios and consultants cannot. The guide also encourages self-representation but strongly recommends seeking legal assistance and provides resources for further information.

Uploaded by

Xavier Marmol
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Self-Help Guide

Do You Need a
Lawyer or
Accredited
Representative?
Information on How to Find Legal
Representation in Immigration Court

The information in this packet was prepared by the U.S. Department of Justice’s
Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). It is not intended, nor should
it be construed in any way, as legal advice. The information does not extend or
limit the jurisdiction of the Immigration Courts as established by law and
regulation. Nothing in this packet shall limit the discretion of Immigration Judges
to act in accordance with law and regulation.

Updated Jan. 2022


Do You Need a Lawyer or Accredited Representative?

You have the right to have a lawyer or Department of Justice accredited


representative represent you in your immigration proceedings. However, the
government will not give you a lawyer or accredited representative. If you want
a lawyer or accredited representative, you must find one on your own and
pay for any of the costs. You should do this as soon as possible.

The ONLY people who can represent you in immigration court are lawyers and
accredited representatives.1 Notarios, document preparers, immigration
consultants, and travel agents are NOT allowed to give you ANY legal advice.

Some nonprofit organizations offer free legal advice and may be able to find a
lawyer or accredited representative to represent you for free. The immigration
judge will provide you with a list of these organizations. This list is also
available at www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers.

What is a Lawyer?

A lawyer is generally someone who has a license to practice law before the
immigration courts and other courts of law in the United States. A lawyer
helps you fill out immigration applications, such as an application for
asylum. A lawyer may also help collect evidence, prepare you to testify in
court, and present your case to the immigration judge for you.

What is a Department of Justice Accredited Representative?

An accredited representative is someone who has a certificate from the


U.S. Department of Justice to practice law only in the U.S. immigration
system. An accredited representative receives training in immigration law
and is part of a U.S. nonprofit organization. Like a lawyer, an accredited
representative helps you fill out immigration applications, collect
evidence, and present your case to the immigration judge.

Can I Represent Myself?

Although you can always represent yourself in your immigration


proceedings, the Department of Justice strongly recommends that you find
a lawyer or accredited representative for your immigration case. If you
cannot find a lawyer or accredited representative, you should use the
Immigration Court Self-Help Legal Resource Center to familiarize
yourself with the immigration system and understand your rights in
immigration court. These materials are available in every immigration
court and online at www.justice.gov/eoir/self-help-materials. Additional
information is available at the Immigration Court Online Resource, which
can be accessed at https://icor.eoir.justice.gov.

1
Under certain circumstances, the following people may also provide legal representation: law students and law
graduates not yet admitted to the bar, certain accredited officials, and other reputable individuals as defined
under section 1292.1 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

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