The practice of immigration law looked very different a decade ago—consumers would ask their friends and family members for recommendations or search the Yellow Pages for attorneys. More often, they would call a phone number, make an appointment, and hire the attorney whose office will be most conveniently located. Every minute spent on the client's case was documented and listed on the client's bill. Each month, the client's statement was carefully reviewed to ensure that the time spent matched the tasks performed. The interaction and processes between lawyer and client evolved slowly, leaving the profession and the professional mostly unchanged. Bolstered by the advent of the Internet, the legal profession was forever altered. The Internet revolutionized the way immigration attorneys' work, communicate with clients and gather and share information. The Internet, coupled with email, immigration forms programs, case management systems, smartphones, and search engines like Google, has initiated profound changes that have increased immigration attorneys' ability to effectively and efficiently deliver legal services. All of these technological developments have changed how attorneys perform their work, interact with current clients, and market to prospective clients.
However, as we face the continuing evolution of immigration law practice, it is time to examine the current ethics rules and the regulatory structure by which we are bound to start a meaningful conversation about the future of immigration law practice. By drawing upon vast experience in the field to provide clients with a 360-degree view of their immigration options when providing strategic advice, we hope this edition of Manage HR helps you advance your initiative. We present to you "Top 10 Immigration Law Firms 2020."
