Post
by KHNW2 » Mon Nov 23, 2009 10:19 am
I know that I may sound harsh on some of the "legal eagles" of the AIT, but I wasn't at all impressed by the quality of representatives when I attended half a dozen of hearings as an observer back in August. Some are better prepped that others and all spout out a bunch of legalistic-sounding clichés, but on the whole, I am not convinced they are worth the fees. A reasonably prepared sensible sponsor can do much better by answering the quesitons truthfully and he or she can make a good impression on the judge. This doesn't work for everyone, particularly, when people are confused, struggling with English, or just not confident enough. However, it is a generalisation to say that "representation will have increased your chances". Maybe, or maybe not. Depends very much on the case and the individuals.
If you feel up for it, I would say, give it your best shot. Why put an extra layer between yourself, the applicant and the judge? It is like talking through an interpreter (who is only half-listening because he needs to be somewhere in 20 min and his phone is rining, and his Raspberry is beeping) and the judge, who is there to understand the circumstances of your case and who will assist you through the procedure? Frankly, I can't see the point.
