HW: It seems like there are so many exceptions to the rules regarding immigration that people who think they’ve got no chance of a life here – legally – could be wrong.

ATT. KARAPETIAN: Many times they are; but we surprise people here everyday by finding ways to help them that may not be as straightforward as the basic immigration benefits.

HW: So, the first step is really coming in for the “Free Consultation.” I have to tell you, though, I’ve been to Free Consultations with other Attorneys before, and they don’t reveal much

. ATT. KARAPETIAN: That’s true. Some Attorneys, when they offer Free Consultations, give absolutely no information. They listen to what you have to say, and they tell you ‘I can help you,’ without divulging what that help might be. You see, their fear is that you’ll take that information and run; maybe file with a paralegal or someone, and then they won’t get you to sign with them.

HW: But you’re different than that.

ATT. KARAPETIAN: Oh, completely. My attitude is I want each potential client to have as much information as possible to make an informed, educated decision about what to do and who should represent them. I tell them what I am going to do, and estimate the costs based on the strategy. You have to know how I’m going to help you before you sign with me. After my consultations people say to me, ‘Wow, you’re the fifth Attorney I’ve seen and nobody knew that.’ But in reality, maybe they did know it, but they just didn’t want to reveal it in the consultation; they wanted to hold that information as a secret.

HW: Okay, so what if people take the information you give them and run?

ATT. KARAPETIAN: Then I look at that information as my…donation, if you will, to that community or cultural group, so they can go out and have better cases for themselves, but most likely, they will not be able to do the same job as I would, and maybe won’t win with my strategy, as they won’t know all the details that go into the case. They still may lose!

HW: Nothing wrong with spreading a little good karma in the world… Alright, I always ask this, what are some Red Flags people need to look out for when dealing with Immigration Attorneys?

ATT. KARAPETIAN: Well, first of all, you always have to have a contract. You never give an Attorney money without knowing what they’re going to do for you. I mean, how can you pay someone and not know what you’re getting? I see that a lot. People come to me asking questions about their former Attorney, and I’ll say let me see your contract, and they’ll say ‘I don’t have a contract. We just talked and I gave them money.’ Now, under the State Bar rules, you’re supposed to have a written contract, but a lot of people don’t. And from the standpoint of the Alien, they don’t even know what you’re going to do for them, or how far you’re going to go in the process. Are you going to go all the way to Citizenship, or are you going to stop with the Green Card. I mean, you have to know where you’re going.

HW: You would think, right? So, what are some of the basic services your Firm offers?

ATT. KARAPETIAN: We really do everything related to immigration cases. We do a lot of Immigration Court cases. We love handling Removal cases for clients. A lot of our cases involve criminal law as well and how it relates to immigration, and we do the rest as well – family based cases, employment based cases, professional workers, entertainers, students… The list goes on and on. Clearly, she does.

Talking with Attorney Karapetian gives you the comfort that whatever your Immigration issue may be, she’s been in this business long enough to know the answer, and will gladly share it with you, whether you sign with her or not – but if it were me, I’d take Attorney Karapetian’s Free advice and RUN TO HER FIRM!

(818) 553-8100   IMMIGRATION-LOS ANGELES