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Finding a Lawyer

In this section:

We are aware that finding a private immigration attorney can be daunting and have compiled this list of suggested resources to help in your search. We hope this compilation is helpful and wish you good luck!

The Importance of Good Advice

Finding and working with immigration attorney involves time, effort, and often significant costs. Many people wonder whether they might be able to find the same information online or by talking with friends. Immigration law is extremely complicated, always changing, and highly situation-specific. A lawyer has the expertise to differentiate what is or is not likely to be successful in your case, as well as how to proceed properly and avoid complications.

LGBT Specific

Several organizations focused on immigrant rights issues have special projects around LGBT issues and several organizations focused on LGBT rights have special projects around immigration issues. Most of these either offer some legal consultation services or have a list of recommended attorneys. As a first step, we suggest contacting them to ask about representation and referrals. Links to some organizations are listed under Resources in the immigration-related sections of this website.

No matter your situation, an attorney who has a background in assisting LGBT people and families is more likely to be sympathetic and capable. To the extent possible, we recommend you seek someone with experience in situations like yours. Don’t be afraid to ask!

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Free Legal Services (Pro Bono)

If money is a limiting factor, we still suggest contacting the organizations focused on LGBT/immigration issues as described above. Here are two other resources for seeking low- or no-cost legal help:

Resources Specific to U-M

These resources are specific to the U-M campus community and may or may not apply and be available to you.

  • U-M Retained Immigration Counsel
    U-M Office of the Vice President and General Counsel has screened local immigration attorneys and endorsed this list of lawyers for U-M departments to use. These law firms will also accept individuals as clients.
  • U-M Benefits Group Legal Plan
    If you receive U-M benefits and signed up for the Group Legal Plan during the enrollment period, you may be eligible to obtain assistance through this service. Contact the service to determine if your topic is covered.
  • Student Legal Services
    Student Legal Services provides legal assistance to enrolled U-M students on a limited number of topics. If you are a currently-enrolled student, you may visit their website to see if your issue is covered.
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Other Resources

These resources are publicly available and not specifically endorsed by U-M or the International Center.

  • American Bar Association (ABA) Consumers' Guide to Legal Help
    The American Bar Association is a voluntary professional association for legal professionals in the U.S. The ABA maintains a “Consumers' Guide to Legal Help” webpage as a service to the public. This page includes resources for finding a lawyer, advice on hiring and using a lawyer, and some basic legal information.
  • Washtenaw County Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS)
    If you are in the Ann Arbor area, you may consider using the Lawyer Referral and Information Service of the Washtenaw County Bar Association. See the website for more information. There is a fee for this service.
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Immigration Lawyer Search
    AILA is an association of attorneys and law professors who practice and teach immigration law in the U.S. AILA maintains an “Immigration Lawyer Search” webpage as a service to the public. Lawyers pay to become members of AILA and pay an additional fee to be listed in the Immigration Lawyer Search service. 
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