As a practicing lawyer for 30 years, I have learned that winning at trial or putting together a winning waiver application takes more than expertise in the law, and compelling, well-reasoned arguments: it takes a committed and knowledgeable support staff. While the lawyer may craft the arguments, it is our experienced support staff that lays the foundation for our victories. Our paralegals and clerks follow up with family, friends, physicians and expert witnesses; they obtain the medical records and psychological evaluations we rely upon; the photographs and the documentary evidence – and then they put it all together in a well-organized submission. In this way, Immigration Judges or U.S.C.IS. adjudicators are often moved to want to help our clients after having reviewed our submissions – even before having heard testimony. After many hearings or trials, I have received complements from Judges and U.S.C.I.S. adjudicators about how well documented and organized our submissions were – and this is testimony to the experience and dedication of our support staff. When litigating, a team effort is the key to success.
