Dilip Patel of Dilip Patel Law Firm was named 2018 "Lawyer of the Year" in Tampa for Immigration Law.
How did you get into your practice area?
Initially, just to help members of the community while I focused on business transactions law. Once I started, I found it immensely satisfying, and the practice just mushroomed. I found my business background very helpful in handling corporate- and investor-based immigration.
Were there any particular inspirations (people or events) that spurred your interest?
I love interacting with people, and immigration law enabled me to meet and deal with people from all over the world from every socioeconomic group.
Who are your typical clients?
Professionals, investors, academics, and corporations and organizations.
What is your ultimate goal in your practice?
My ultimate goal is to provide my clients timely, insightful advice and to be a trusted and valued member of their teams.
What qualities do you possess that you find particularly relevant/necessary for practicing your area of law?
There is absolutely no substitute for developing a deep understanding of the law and keeping current with all the numerous changes that occur on a daily basis. In addition, you have to understand how the law is actually applied by the agencies you deal with. Finally, you have to be able to understand your clients concerns and educate them about the process.
What lessons have you learned along the way?
When I first started out, I did not know much about immigration law. Then after a few years of success, I thought I knew everything. Now, I know that I still have a lot to learn on a daily basis.
What other passions/interests do you have?
I am very passionate about family and love to socialize. I also enjoy traveling, hiking, and meeting people from diverse backgrounds.
Please provide anything else you would like to share regarding your practice.
I think that the immigration practice provides enormous personal satisfaction because you can experience on an almost daily basis the joy experienced by your clients on a personal basis when you achieve life-changing results for them. It also provides challenges when you sometimes have to break the news to wonderful, deserving people that the current law does not provide any solutions for their problems.
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