Sometimes the Best Representation Means Stepping Aside

A client got hit with an immigration court notice. I could have handled it myself. But I referred it to someone who does this work every day — and here's why:

One of my O-1 clients came to me in a panic. They'd just been served a Notice to Appear that kicks off removal proceedings in immigration court. I could tell right away it was baseless. They were clearly in status.

Let's be honest: immigration court isn't my favorite place. It's not where I practice day to day, and taking this on would have meant more stress on an already full caseload — in a setting where a colleague could serve my client far better than I could.

So I referred them to someone who specializes in this type of proceeding.

As a result of my colleague's representation of my client, the removal proceedings were terminated. Everyone breathed easier, including me. My client thanked me for making the connection — they appreciated having a true expert in their corner — and I got to stay focused on the work that's right for me.

As a California certified specialist, I actually do have to know every area of immigration law. But knowing an area isn't the same as being the right person to handle a case in it, day in and day out.

For years I thought being a good lawyer meant handling whatever came through the door. I don't believe that anymore.

The harder, more useful skill is knowing what's yours and what isn't — knowing when the best person for your client, on this particular matter, is someone other than you.

Referring the right cases out feels like doing right by the client.

Lately I'm asking bigger questions too, about which cases actually fit my practice, and where I add the most value versus where someone else would.

I used to think you built a practice by saying yes to everything. I'm learning it might be the opposite.