Hey man, I've been trough that. I applied for asylum back in 2002, was referred to an IJ after the interview, Judge denied the asylum, appealed in the BIA, they denied the appeal, that was back in 06.
Hired another lawyer, she made it clear that our chances were slim for an appeal in a circuit court. she mentioned it was more money than before, there wouldn't be a way of requesting a work permit with a pending asylum form, 90% chances of being denied.
BUT! it would give me more time, as the process usually takes around a year, and besides faith and hope are the last things you'll lose.
A year later, Thanks to God!, the Circuit Court ordered to Vacate and Remand, basically to send the case back stating that the IJ and the BIA didn't apply the law accordingly. the case went back to BIA, they agreed with the courts decision, then the case was sent back to the IJ, had to go to court around month and a half ago. Got a call from my lawyer 3 days ago, saying that the judge signed the asylum (she had told me right after the court date that she "negotiated" with the Immigration lawyers and they had agreed not to make anymore questions, I guess also agreeing with the court decision. Im not totally convinced until i have the papers on my hands, because my lawyer made a mistake like 5 months ago, telling me the asylum was granted only to tell me a week later that it was not. but still very happy and waiting for the paper.
So, if you are able, appeal! and have faith. you never know. better to know than to wonder what would've had happened. My best wishes and good luck.
PD: i will be making a post more in detailed when I receive my papers, probably this or next week, my best wishes to all of you!