1- A refugee claimant is in the process of selecting a lawyer and want to know if they can change lawyer half way (if lawyer is lazy etc) and still be able to find another lawyer who can use legal aid for fees? Does not want to get stuck with a lawyer who is not doing their work properly but is only interested in sign up.
2- Also, how to know if a lawyer is good for refugee claim job? what questions to ask and how to hold them accountable to that?
Thanks,
Disclaimer- This is a long read and it’s my personal story.
You can replace your lawyer if you feel you ain’t getting the support you need. Based on my experience, I replaced my legal aid lawyer because she’s incompetent. Below are the steps I took.
1. The first step is I looked for a competent law firm whose specialty is immigration.
*PS - I filed for refugee claim in 2018*
2. I enrolled for the services and I signed the power of attorney.
3. The law firm assigned my file to a lawyer in the firm.
4. The new lawyer sent a copy of the signed power of attorney to immigration and my former lawyer.
5. The former lawyer sent my file to the new lawyer and I started my session with the new lawyer.
6. The new lawyer carefully scrutinized my file, gave me list of evidences to provide and other supporting documents for my case.
7. I had mock hearing sessions with my lawyer and she asked me questions based on my story, highlighted and corrected mistakes and errors.
8. The completed documents was sent to immigration and I waited for IRCC to advice hearing date.
9. IRCC sent hearing date to my lawyer and I.
10. Upon the receipt of the hearing date, I had another 2 hours comprehensive mock session (it’s like a war room) with my lawyer. She noted my mistakes, loop holes and make necessary corrections.
11. December 2020, I had my in-person hearing at the immigration office. The whole hearing was 40 minutes.
12. Received my positive decision January 2021 and applied for my PR immediately. I got my PR last December 2021.
NOTE:- During the hearing, it is your responsibility to convince the board member that you deserve to be given a protected status. The preparation from your lawyer will give you a soft landing.
