Many immigration matters involve a situation referred to as “dual representation.” In the world of immigration, dual representation occurs when there is both a petitioner (U.S. employer or petitioning family member) and a beneficiary (the sponsored employee or family member). The matter is considered “dual representation” because the filing of any immigration paperwork has legal implications for both parties. In these situations, it is very important that both parties agree to dual representation. At Palmer Polaski , we believe that we can fairly represent both parties in most immigration matters. Common representation in this circumstance often is more efficient and may tend to reduce the expenditures for legal services.
In undertaking to represent both the employer and employee or a family petitioner and beneficiary, in applications to the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, Immigration Court and/or the U.S. Department of State, Palmer Polaski attorneys are required to keep each client adequately informed and to maintain confidentiality of information relative to the representation. However, any information either party reveals to Palmer Polaski during this representation cannot be kept confidential from the other party without both parties’ prior consent.
There is a possibility that, in the future, conflicts will arise between the petitioner and beneficiary over the nature of the representation, relationship, and/or employment. If a conflict should develop during the course of our representation, or if confidential information should be revealed which would affect our ability to continue representation of both parties, we may be forced to withdraw from representing either party in a dual representation case.
