Changing Lawyer

[bbt]

My lawyer parted ways with the company that she was working for and has started her own law firm. There seems to be some trouble with her and her previous company. I am caught between these beasts. On top of that I had switched my job after 18 days of filing 485. I still have the same lawyer. Now I am thinking of changing the lawyers.
Questions:
What is the procedure for that, how do I inform INS, and do I have to inform INS?
What if I get an RFE will I get a copy of it, and can I reply the RFE on my own.

Suggestions appreciated.

My details:
RD Oct. 25, 2001
ND Dec. 3 2001
EB2/India

 

[v_a_rao]

fill a G-28 notice of appearance form for the new lawyer. Actually, when you hire a new lawyer, he/she will do this for you automatically.

It is important to notify the INS about lawyer change as all communications will be sent to the lawyer directly. Failure to inform them will result in communications being sent directly to the old lawyer. This includes RFE's. You will not get a copy of the RFE until they have a lawyer for you on record. The only way to get the RFE directly to you is by self representation where in you fill the G-28 yourself and say that you do not have a lawyer and plan on representing yourself.

The above is just advise based on personal experience and knowledge based on other cases I have read about. Please do not consider this as legal advise. I am not a lawyer.

 

[sg94ahpw]

v_a_rao. Have you filled out G-28

and made self representiaon. I dont know if you can do that. I thought only attorney's name can be put in there. Can you clarify if you have direct experience.

 

[v_a_rao]

Definition:

G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative

A person can either have a lawyer or a representative or represent himself. I personally have opted for the lawyer option. But I have an acquaintance who went through the entire process himself and filled the form out on his own and was approved, although, his was a marriage based case. As per him, you need not file one for self representation, but filing a G-28 would clarify to the INS that he planned on representing himself.

Hope this helps. As I've said before, it doesn't cost much to note all questions down and spend an hour with an attorney to get your questions answered.