Office Location is Irving, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Office Location is Irving, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico
If you’re an immigration attorney practicing outside the Dallas area, you’ve likely noticed a significant shift in how USCIS offices are handling appearances. Telephonic options that once saved you time and your clients money are disappearing, forcing a difficult decision: Do you travel for what might be a 15-minute hearing, or do you find another solution?
I’m seeing this challenge play out daily in my practice. USCIS offices are increasingly requiring in-person appearances, and the impact on out-of-state attorneys and their clients is substantial. While some clients prefer their primary attorney present and are willing to absorb the additional
travel costs, many are discovering that there’s a smarter, more cost-effective approach that doesn’t sacrifice quality representation.
When you factor in the true cost of traveling to Dallas for a brief USCIS interview or hearing, the numbers add up quickly. Beyond the obvious expenses—airfare, hotel, ground transportation, and meals—there’s the billable time lost in transit. A 15-minute appearance can easily consume an entire day or more of your schedule.
For your clients, this translates to:
Meanwhile, you’re pulled away from other clients who need your attention, and your practice productivity takes a hit.
The alternative many attorneys consider is referring the case to local Dallas counsel for the appearance. However, this approach comes with its own set of complications. As you know, bringing in a new attorney for an isolated hearing means that person needs to get up to speed on the case. They’ll need to:
Your client ends up paying for duplicate work—once for your case preparation and again for the new attorney’s preparation. Plus, there’s often a communication gap. You know your client’s story inside and out, understand the strategy you’ve developed, and have built rapport that can be crucial during stressful USCIS proceedings. A new attorney, no matter how competent, starts from scratch.
This is where experienced local counsel who specialize in appearance representation can make all the difference. The key distinction is working with an attorney who is already up to speed on USCIS procedures, knows the local offices and officers, and can effectively represent your client’s interests without requiring extensive case-specific preparation for routine matters.
As a Dallas-based AV Preeminent immigration attorney with 45 years of Immigration Law experience who regularly provides local counsel limited services, I work collaboratively with out-of-state attorneys to ensure their clients receive quality representation without the inefficiency of starting from zero. Here’s how it works:
Streamlined Communication: We have a focused conversation about the case specifics, what to expect at the appearance, and any particular concerns. This is dramatically more efficient than a new attorney conducting a full case review.
Procedural Expertise: Local counsel who regularly appear at Dallas USCIS offices understand the local procedures, know what the officers typically ask, and can navigate the process smoothly.
Cost-Effective for Clients: Without the need for extensive case preparation or travel expenses, your clients pay only for the actual appearance and focused preparation—typically a fraction of what they’d pay for your travel or a full engagement with new counsel.
You Stay in Control: You remain the attorney of record and primary counsel. Local counsel handles the appearance while you maintain the client relationship and overall case strategy.
As USCIS continues to limit telephonic appearances, attorneys need reliable solutions that serve their clients’ best interests while maintaining practice efficiency. The question isn’t whether to travel or find local counsel—it’s about finding the right kind of local counsel partnership.
Your clients hired you for your expertise, and you’ve invested time in understanding their cases. The goal is to ensure they receive quality representation at their Dallas USCIS appearances without paying for unnecessary duplication of effort or expensive travel.
If you have clients with upcoming USCIS or EOIR interviews or hearings in Dallas and you’re looking for experienced local counsel who can represent them effectively without the inefficiency of getting up to speed from scratch, I’m here to help.
Don’t let your clients bear the burden of travel costs or pay for duplicative case preparation. Let’s discuss how we can work together to serve your clients efficiently.
Contact John Lawit today: Visit Lawitlaw.com or call to schedule a consultation about your upcoming Dallas USCIS appearances. Let’s find the solution that works best for your practice and your clients.
