How Much Do Lawyers Make?
As one of the most demanding jobs today, many people are wondering what is the average annual salary of an average lawyer. With lawyers making up a large portion of the white-collar workforce, their salary potential can range drastically depending on experience, specialty, and geographic region.
Generally speaking, the average annual salary for lawyers in the United States ranges from around $60,000 to over $160,000 per year.
How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Make?
If you are interested in legal and justice issues, the federal government, or current affairs, you may consider a career in immigration law.
Immigration lawyers tend to make higher salaries than the average lawyer, with an annual salary range of $80,000 - $190,000 per year with an average lawyer salary of $81,187 (according to labor statistics), depending on their experience and specialization.
Roles of an Immigration Lawyer
Advising clients on immigration options
Immigration lawyers guide individuals and organizations on the various immigration options, including visas, permanent residency, and citizenship. It may involve reviewing clients' circumstances and recommend the best course of action.
Filing immigration paperwork
Immigration lawyers prepare and file the necessary paperwork and legal documents for their clients' immigration cases. It may include applications, transcribing legal documents, petitions, and supporting legal documents.
Representing clients in court
Immigration lawyers may represent their clients in court during immigration or legal proceedings, such as deportation hearings. It may involve presnting evidence, arguing on behalf of the client, and negotiating with opposing counsel.
Advocating for clients
Immigration lawyers advocate for their clients and their rights and interests throughout the immigration process. It may involve negotiating with government agencies or making arguments on behalf of the client in court.
Providing legal counsel
Immigration lawyers provide legal counsel to their clients, answering questions and providing guidance on various legal matters related to immigration. For any legal disputes, they may consult with other lawyers or legal experts as needed.
Staying up to date on immigration laws and regulations
Immigration lawyers must stay current on the latest developments in immigration law and ensure that their clients comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
It may involve conducting research, attending continuing education courses, and staying informed about changes to immigration policies and corporate law.
For those who want to practice law, whether it is your goal to be one of many public defense attorneys, litigation lawyers, legal secretaries, or immigration lawyers, you will need to go through a wide variety of steps to become certified and receive your license.
It includes completing a law degree in a law school, passing the bar exam, getting admitted to practice in your state, and other requirements depending on location.
How are Immigration Lawyers Get Paid?
Immigration lawyers can be paid in a variety of ways, depending on the specific arrangements made with their clients. Some common payment methods for immigration lawyers include:
Hourly billing
This is a common payment method for immigration lawyers, where the lawyer charges a set hourly rate for their services. The client is typically invoiced every month, and the final fee is based on the total number of hours worked.
Hourly billing allows clients to pay for only the specific services they receive and can be a good option for cases that are complex or hard to predict. Hourly average salary: $38.55.
Flat fee arrangements
In a flat fee arrangement, the lawyer charges a set fee for a specific task or service. This could be a one-time fee for completing a particular task, such as preparing and filing an application, or a fixed fee for representing a client throughout an entire immigration case.
Flat fee arrangements can be beneficial for clients because they know upfront exactly how much they will be paying.
Contingency fee arrangements
In a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer is paid a percentage of the money the client receives as a result of the case. For example, if a client is awarded a settlement in a deportation case, the lawyer may receive a percentage of that settlement as their fee.
Contingency fee arrangements can be helpful for clients who are unable to pay upfront for legal services, but they may be less common in immigration cases.
Pro bono work
Some immigration lawyers may offer pro bono (free) legal services to low-income or otherwise disadvantaged clients. Pro bono work can be a great option for individuals who cannot afford to pay for legal representation.
However, the availability of pro bono services can be limited, and clients may have to meet certain eligibility requirements.
Depending on the law offices or lawyers' experience in the legal field, fees could vary greatly. It is important to ask for legal writing or an advanced consultation to determine the rates and fees for their services.
The Bottom Line
Immigration law is a rapidly changing and complex field, and it can be difficult for clients to understand the legal process. Immigration lawyers play an essential role in helping clients navigate the legal system, understand their options, and obtain the desired outcome. Becoming an immigration lawyer requires dedication and a commitment to helping others, but it can also be an extremely rewarding and lucrative career. With the right training and experience, immigration lawyers can have a significant impact on their clients' lives.
If ever you'll be needing an immigration lawyer, feel free to contact Westover Law Firm. Our immigration lawyers in Arizona have the knowledge and experience to help you in whatever case you have. Contact us today!