Francis Sin Wai Lam, Immigration Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 15 years of legal practice
AssociateatSidley Austin LLP
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing immigration in Los Angeles since 2011.
- 15+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Francis Sin Wai Lam is an associate based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Immigration. Francis has over 15 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 15 years
- Known for
- Immigration
- Handles Immigration matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 15 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Francis Sin Wai Lam: Francis Sin Wai Lam is an associate based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Immigration. Francis has over 15 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Francis Sin Wai Lam
Francis concentrates on immigration. Each area below outlines the kind of case Francis handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Immigration cases in Los Angeles, California
Francis takes immigration matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Francis agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Francis Sin Wai Lam — Over 15 years of California immigration experience
Francis Sin Wai Lam is an associate based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Immigration. Francis has over 15 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP.
Francis Sin Wai Lam is a lawyer practicing labor, employment and immigration. Francis received a B.A. degree from University of California-San Diego in 2008, and has been licensed for 15 years. Francis practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
Francis's approach to immigration cases
Francis Sin Wai Lam is a lawyer practicing labor, employment and immigration. Francis received a B.A. degree from University of California-San Diego in 2008, and has been licensed for 15 years. Francis practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
The kind of cases Francis takes
Francis reviews new inquiries case-by-case for immigration matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Francis Sin Wai Lam's legal education and bar admissions
University of California, Berkeley School of Law, Boalt Hall
J.D. · 2011
University of California-San Diego
B.A. · 2008
Jurisdictions
Francis's state bar admissions
California
2011 · ACTIVE
Francis studied at J.D. in University of California, Berkeley School of Law, Boalt Hall and B.A. in University of California-San Diego.
Law school and academic background
Francis completed J.D. in University of California, Berkeley School of Law, Boalt Hall and B.A. in University of California-San Diego. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Francis runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Francis Sin Wai Lam's office in Los Angeles
Francis's primary office is at 555 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90013. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Francis Sin Wai Lam
Francis has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Francis Sin Wai Lam — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new immigration attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Francis usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Francis charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Francis's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Francis will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a immigration attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many immigration matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Francis
Francis discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in immigration practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every immigration matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Francis confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Francis's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many immigration practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Francis Sin Wai Lam
How much does it cost to hire Francis for a immigration case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Francis walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Francis offer a free consultation?
Francis charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Francis's office. Some immigration attorneys offer free consults — check Francis's current terms during booking.
How long do immigration cases in California typically take?
Simple immigration matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Francis gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Francis take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Francis is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Francis will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Francis?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Francis will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Francis accepting new immigration clients right now?
Francis's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Immigration attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Francis handles immigration matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified immigration attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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