Working with the firm
How the process works
What happens between your first call and the day your matter closes, for immigration, personal injury and workers' compensation. Each line works differently, and you will know which steps apply to you before you commit to anything.
Every matter follows the same outline: a free first consultation, a written agreement that states the fee model, the legal work itself, regular updates, and a written close. What changes is the fee and the path. Immigration is a flat fee agreed in writing. Personal injury is a 33% contingency. In workers' compensation, a workers' compensation judge approves the fee, typically around 15%, paid from the award.
How does the legal process start?
This page sets out how the legal process works at the firm, from the first call to the closing letter. You start by calling (220) 999-9009, emailing intake@petrosyanlawgroup.com, or booking a time through the form on the contact page. Then you tell the office in a few lines what happened, what kind of matter it is, and which language you prefer. After that, the office confirms a time for your free legal consultation.
Contacting the office does not create an attorney–client relationship. Please keep passport numbers, A-numbers and medical records out of that first message; the attorney will ask for what she needs at the consultation.
What happens at the first consultation?
The first consultation is a free conversation of about thirty minutes with attorney Ani A. Petrosyan, in person at the Glendale office, by phone or by video. She listens to your account, reads any documents you bring, and explains the options the law gives you.
By the end, you should know whether the firm can take your matter, what the likely path looks like, and which fee model would apply. If your matter falls outside the firm’s work, the attorney will say so plainly. The fees and consultations page sets out the three fee models in more detail.
When does the legal work start?
The firm starts working for you once you and the attorney both sign a written engagement agreement. The agreement states what the firm will do, what it will not do, how the fee works, and who pays costs. California law requires a written fee agreement for most legal matters and for every contingency case, under Business and Professions Code § 6148 and § 6147.
- Immigration A flat fee for the defined matter, agreed in writing before work begins. USCIS or the agency sets government filing fees, and you pay them separately.
- Personal injury A 33% contingency fee. There is no attorney’s fee unless there is a recovery, but you may remain responsible for case costs and expenses, and the agreement explains how they are handled.
- Workers’ compensation A fee approved by a workers’ compensation judge, typically around 15%, and paid out of the award. You pay nothing up front.
How does an immigration matter move forward?
An immigration matter moves from gathering evidence to filing, then through the agency’s own steps until a decision. The attorney prepares and reviews every form before it goes out, whether that is an I-130 petition, an I-485 application, an N-400 or a filing with the immigration court.
- Documents You receive a checklist tailored to your case. The firm reviews what you send and asks for anything missing or inconsistent.
- Filing The firm prepares the forms and supporting evidence, reviews them with you, and files with USCIS, the National Visa Center or the court.
- Agency steps Receipt notices, biometrics appointments and any request for evidence follow. The firm responds to requests and prepares you for interviews or hearings.
- Decision The agency approves, denies or asks for more. If a decision goes against you, the attorney explains whether an appeal, motion or new filing is available.
Processing times depend on the agency and change often. As a result, any timeline you hear is a general range, not a promise. The family immigration overview explains the steps for each petition type.
How does a personal injury case move forward?
In an injury matter, the legal process moves from investigation to a claim against the insurer. It becomes a lawsuit only if the claim does not resolve. Your medical treatment comes first; the firm handles communication with insurers so you can focus on recovery.
- Investigation The firm gathers the police or incident report, photographs, witness details, insurance policies and your medical records.
- Demand Once your treatment has progressed far enough to understand your injuries, the firm presents the claim to the insurer.
- Negotiation or lawsuit If the insurer does not make a fair offer, the attorney discusses filing suit with you. California’s general deadline for an injury lawsuit is two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, and claims against a public entity usually require a written claim within six months.
- Resolution You decide whether to accept any settlement. Funds go into the firm’s client trust account, and you receive a written statement showing the fee, costs and any liens before the firm pays any money out.
The guide to personal injury deadlines explains those time limits in more detail.
How does a workers’ compensation claim move forward?
A workers’ compensation claim follows a different legal process, through the state system rather than the civil courts. It starts with the DWC-1 claim form under Labor Code § 5401 and, where the parties disagree, runs through medical evaluations and the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.
The firm files the claim or takes over one already filed, and it tracks the insurer’s decision. It also handles disputes over treatment or disability through the qualified medical evaluator (QME) or agreed medical evaluator (AME) process. Most cases close by a settlement that a workers’ compensation judge must approve, either as a Stipulations with Request for Award or a Compromise and Release. The workers’ compensation overview covers each stage, and the guide to workers’ comp settlements explains both kinds of settlement.
How will I hear about progress?
Working with a lawyer should never leave you guessing. You hear from the firm whenever something significant happens: a notice arrives, an offer comes in, a hearing is set, or a decision needs your input. In addition, the firm sends you copies of what it files on your behalf.
You can call or email at any point to ask where things stand, in English, Armenian, Russian or Spanish. Decisions that belong to you, such as accepting a settlement or withdrawing an application, are never made without you.
What happens when my matter closes?
When the work described in your agreement is complete, the firm sends you a closing letter. It confirms the outcome, returns original documents, and notes any dates you need to watch yourself, such as a conditional green card that you must renew with Form I-751 or a future eligibility date for naturalization. The guide to removing conditions with Form I-751 explains that later filing.
In injury and workers’ compensation cases, the closing follows the final accounting of funds. You keep the right to ask for a copy of your file.
What does the legal process cost?
The cost depends on the practice line. Immigration matters carry a flat fee agreed in writing before work begins, with government filing fees paid separately. Personal injury is a 33% contingency, with no attorney’s fee unless there is a recovery, though you may remain responsible for case costs and expenses. In workers’ compensation, a judge approves the fee, typically around 15%, and it is paid out of the award.
Whatever the line, the first consultation is free, and you will know which fee applies before the legal process begins.
Does the free consultation commit me to hiring the firm?
No. The first consultation is free and carries no obligation on either side. You leave with an honest view of your options and, where the firm can help, a clear description of the fee model that would apply. Nothing binds you until you sign a written agreement, and you are welcome to take it home and read it first.
What should I bring to the first consultation?
Bring whatever you already have that relates to the matter: letters or notices from USCIS or the immigration court, your passport and any prior applications, a police or incident report, photographs, medical paperwork, insurance correspondence, or your employer's claim form. If you do not have documents yet, come anyway. The consultation works from what you know, and the attorney will tell you what is missing.
Can I do the whole process remotely?
Often, yes. Consultations take place in person at the Glendale office, by phone or by video, and you can sign and exchange most documents electronically. Some steps require you in person somewhere else, such as a USCIS biometrics appointment, an immigration interview, a medical evaluation or a hearing. The attorney will explain which steps in your matter need you to attend.
Who will I actually be working with?
Ani A. Petrosyan, Esq. is the attorney responsible for every matter the firm accepts. She reviews your case, signs the filings and makes the legal judgments. Staff may help gather documents and schedule appointments, but you can always ask to speak with the attorney about a decision in your case.
What languages can I work in?
You can work with the firm in English, Armenian, Russian or Spanish, from the first call through closing. Forms filed with U.S. agencies and courts are in English, and any document in another language must include a certified English translation. The firm will explain each document to you in your language before you sign it.