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Why I Only Work with Clients Who Have Legal Representation

When I first started conducting immigration evaluations, I didn’t have a policy about whether or not clients needed to be represented by an attorney. But over time, I realized just how critical proper legal representation is to ensuring a client’s case is handled correctly. Today, I’m firm: I don’t work with clients who don’t have an immigration attorney or an accredited representative.
This decision wasn’t made lightly. It stems from years of seeing how vulnerable people can be left at risk when they don’t have the proper support. Immigration cases are life-changing—they can determine whether someone stays with their family or faces deportation. For me, insisting on legal representation is about protecting my clients and giving them the best possible chance of success.
Understanding the Role of Notarios
One of the biggest threats to immigrants navigating the legal system is the prevalence of notarios. In many Latin American countries, notarios públicos are respected legal professionals, similar to attorneys. They’re often considered “lawyers lite,” much like nurse practitioners are to doctors. Notarios in these countries have extensive education and training and are authorized to handle various legal matters. People trust them because they’ve earned that trust through years of education.
But in the U.S., the term “notary public” refers to someone authorized only to witness signatures. Becoming a notary usually requires little more than a short course and a basic application. Unfortunately, this distinction is often exploited. As Public Counsel explains, “Notarios routinely exploit members of immigrant communities by defrauding them and placing them at risk of deportation.” These individuals may promise quick fixes, file incorrect forms, or even disappear after collecting fees. The harm they cause is far-reaching, leaving clients confused, overwhelmed, and often in a worse position than when they started.
This predatory system is why I refuse to work with clients who don’t have proper legal representation. My evaluations are designed to support the client’s case, but without a knowledgeable attorney guiding the process, there’s no guarantee the work will be used correctly—or even at all. That’s why I refuse to contribute to a process that isn’t supported by proper legal guidance.
Why Legal Representation Matters
There are several reasons I’ve chosen to work exclusively with clients who have legal representation:
1. Immigration Law Is Incredibly Complex
Immigration law is one of the most intricate areas of law in the U.S. Policies change frequently, and the stakes are incredibly high. A single mistake on an application can have life-altering consequences. As the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) emphasizes, “It is more important than ever to seek advice from a qualified immigration attorney or an accredited representative about your specific situation.”
Only someone with legal training can navigate this complexity effectively. Without that expertise, clients are left vulnerable to errors that could cost them their chance to stay in the country.
2. Attorneys Provide Essential Guidance
When I’m conducting an evaluation, I often have questions about how my findings will impact the client’s case. These aren’t clinical questions—they’re legal ones. Without an attorney involved, there’s no one to provide clarity. Having a legal professional on the team ensures the entire process is aligned with the client’s goals.
3. Accountability Matters
Attorneys are licensed, regulated professionals held to strict ethical standards. If they make a mistake, there are systems in place to hold them accountable, including bar complaints and legal remedies. Notarios operate outside these systems. They aren’t regulated in the same way, which means clients have little recourse if things go wrong.
4. Protecting Clients from Harm
Without a lawyer, there’s no guarantee the client is getting the right advice or exploring all their options. Notarios often file incomplete or incorrect applications, sometimes making false claims that put clients at risk of deportation. As Public Counsel explains, their actions “routinely place clients at risk of removal.” Without legal representation, clients don’t have the safeguards they need to navigate these challenges.
The Notario Fraud Epidemic
Notario fraud doesn’t just harm individuals—it erodes trust within entire communities. Misrepresentation, misinformation, and outright fraud erode trust and leave families vulnerable.
The ABA highlights this issue, noting that notarios often misrepresent their qualifications by claiming to be attorneys or authorized legal representatives. Their actions lead to “missed deadlines, false claims, and unnecessary deportations,” all while charging clients exorbitant fees.
Addressing Common Concerns
I know my stance on requiring legal representation can feel strict, but it’s grounded in what’s best for the client. Here are a couple of concerns I’ve heard:
“Not everyone can afford a lawyer.”
This is a valid concern, but notarios are not free—and in many cases, they charge as much or more than a licensed attorney. The difference is that attorneys provide real expertise and accountability. For clients with limited resources, there are nonprofits, legal aid organizations, and community groups that offer low-cost or pro bono services. Many attorneys also offer payment plans to make their services more accessible.
“Not all lawyers are trustworthy.”
It’s true that, like any profession, there are bad actors among attorneys. The difference is that lawyers are regulated, and clients have recourse if something goes wrong. Notarios operate without oversight, leaving clients with no protection when mistakes happen.
Why I Insist on Legal Representation
Refusing to work with unrepresented clients isn’t about turning people away—it’s about ensuring they get the support they deserve. Immigration cases are too important to leave to chance. Clients need a team that includes both clinical and legal expertise to give them the best shot at success.
My evaluations are just one piece of the puzzle. Without an attorney to guide the process, there’s a risk that my work could be misused or misunderstood. That’s a risk I’m not willing to take—not for me, and certainly not for my clients.
Final Thoughts
I’ve seen how much of a difference it makes when a client has a skilled immigration attorney. Attorneys know how to take what we write and connect it to the legal framework of a case. Without that collaboration, even the most thorough evaluation risks being misunderstood—or not used at all. Requiring legal representation is one of the clearest ways I can protect my clients and make sure my work is part of a process that gives them the best chance to succeed.
I know it’s not always easy to set boundaries like this, but these boundaries are to protect our clients who are already vulnerable. They deserve a team that’s fully equipped to support them, and we deserve to know that our work is making the difference it’s meant to make.
If you’re a clinician who conducts immigration evaluations, I highly encourage you to adopt a similar policy and only work with clients who have proper legal representation. This type of policy shows a commitment to ensuring the integrity of the work we do and the well-being our clients.
Sources:
American Immigration Lawyers Association. (n.d.). Beware of immigration scams! Retrieved from https://www.aila.org/library/psa-beware-the-promises-of-notarios
Public Counsel. (n.d.). Notario fraud: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://publiccounsel.org/issues/immigrants-rights/notario-fraud
American Bar Association. (2024, December 12). About notario fraud. Retrieved from https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_interest/immigration/projects_initiatives/fightnotariofraud/about_notario_fraud/

I’m Cecilia Racine, and I teach therapists how to help immigrants through my online courses. As a bilingual immigrant myself, I know the unique perspective that these clients are experiencing. I’ve conducted over 500 evaluations and work with dozens of lawyers in various states. Immigrants are my passion, I believe they add to the fabric of our country.
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