President Emmerson Mnangagwa Appoints 5 New Judges

By Staff Reporter
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August 21, 2019

judicial organ and ensure expeditious justice delivery.

The judges comprising four men and one woman are expected to take oath of office before Chief Justice Luke Malaba, when the final term of 2019 legal year opens next month.

Veteran lawyer, Advocate Webster Chinamora, prominent Bulawayo-based lawyer Christopher Dube-Banda, Labour Court judge Evengelista Kabasa, Zimra head legal department Siyabona Msithu and Sunsley Zisengwe, who boasts of shining legal accolades after he obtained first-class law degrees at both undergraduate and master’s levels, are the latest to join the High Court bench.

They were among the cast of 18 candidates nominated to contest for eight vacancies of the High Court bench last month.

Judicial Service Commission acting secretary Mr Walter Chikwanha yesterday confirmed the appointment of the five.

“His Excellency the President has made the appointments of the five to the High Court bench,” he said, adding, “The Chief Justice (Luke Malaba) will preside over the swearing in ceremony of the five on September 4.”

The judges were appointed following public interviews held by the JSC last month, which seeks to increase transparency and enhance good governance.

The five were among the list of top performers, whose names were recommended for appointment by the JSC.

After the interviews, the JSC sent a list of “qualified persons as nominees” for the available posts.

The appointment of the five judges is expected to ease the workload that had reached breaking point, affecting the bench’s capacity to timeously dispense with cases requiring determination.

In one of the judgments, in February this year, Justice Tawanda Chitapi bemoaned the immense pressure the higher court operated under due to increased workload.

He made the remarks while delivering judgment in a dispute over a residential stand in Goromonzi involving Blessing Mureyani and Ms Maggie Genti.

Judgment in the case had delayed for almost three years. Justice Chitapi’s sentiments resonated with Chief Justice Malaba’s remarks during the official opening of the 2019 Legal Year in January.

In his keynote address, the Chief Justice noted the workload of the High Court judges. He said the judges worked under extremely difficult conditions.

“It is anticipated that in 2019 what remains clear is that the judges of that court are overworked,” he said adding, “More Judges are required to lessen the burden on the judges’ shoulders

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Immigration Lawyer Near Me: How to Choose the Right Attorney for Your Case

Immigration Lawyer Near Me: How to Choose the Right Attorney

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When your future, family, job, or immigration status is on the line, choosing the right immigration lawyer matters.

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Immigration law is complicated. One missing document, late deadline, wrong form, or weak explanation can create delays or serious problems. That is why many people search for an “immigration lawyer near me” when they need help with a visa, green card, citizenship application, deportation case, asylum claim, or family petition.

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A good immigration lawyer does more than fill out forms. They help you understand your options, identify risks, prepare evidence, respond to government notices, and build the strongest case possible.

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What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?

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An immigration lawyer helps people deal with U.S. immigration agencies and immigration courts.

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They may assist with:

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Family-based green cards
rnMarriage green cards
rnFiancé visas
rnWork visas
rnStudent visa issues
rnCitizenship and naturalization
rnDeportation defense
rnAsylum claims
rnDACA-related matters
rnWaivers of inadmissibility
rnAdjustment of status
rnConsular processing
rnGreen card renewals
rnEmployment authorization
rnImmigration appeals

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USCIS processes immigration and naturalization applications, while immigration court cases are handled through the Executive Office for Immigration Review, also called EOIR.

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Why Hiring an Immigration Lawyer Can Help

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Immigration paperwork can look simple at first. But many cases involve hidden risks.

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For example, a person may think they only need to file a green card application. But an attorney may discover issues involving unlawful presence, prior visa violations, criminal history, public charge concerns, past misrepresentation, or missing evidence.

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An immigration lawyer can help you:

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Choose the correct immigration path
rnAvoid common filing mistakes
rnPrepare stronger evidence
rnUnderstand deadlines
rnRespond to USCIS requests
rnPrepare for interviews
rnRepresent you in immigration court
rnExplain risks before you file
rnAvoid immigration scams

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USCIS warns that people seeking immigration help should use authorized legal representatives, such as attorneys or accredited representatives.

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When Should You Contact an Immigration Attorney?

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You should consider speaking with an immigration lawyer if:

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You received a Notice to Appear in immigration court
rnYou are facing deportation or removal
rnYour visa or green card application was denied
rnYou have a criminal record
rnYou overstayed a visa
rnYou entered the U.S. without inspection
rnYou need a waiver
rnYou are applying for asylum
rnYou are sponsoring a spouse or relative
rnYou are unsure which form to file
rnYou received a Request for Evidence
rnYou missed an immigration deadline
rnYou are applying after a previous immigration problem

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Simple cases may still benefit from legal review. Complicated cases almost always need professional guidance.

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How to Find a Good Immigration Lawyer Near You

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1. Check Credentials

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Make sure the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. You can usually check through a state bar association website.

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If the person is not an attorney, they may still be allowed to help only if they are a DOJ-accredited representative working with a recognized organization.

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2. Look for Immigration Experience

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Immigration law is its own field. A general lawyer may not know the latest immigration procedures, court rules, or agency requirements.

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Ask:

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How many immigration cases have you handled?
rnDo you handle cases like mine?
rnDo you appear in immigration court?
rnDo you work with USCIS filings?
rnDo you handle appeals or waivers?

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3. Read Reviews Carefully

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Reviews can help, but do not rely on them alone. Look for patterns.

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Good signs include:

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Clear communication
rnHonest expectations
rnStrong preparation
rnResponsive staff
rnProfessional service
rnExperience with similar cases

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Bad signs include:

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Guarantees
rnPressure tactics
rnPoor communication
rnHidden fees
rnUnclear answers

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4. Ask About Fees

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Immigration lawyers may charge flat fees, hourly rates, or consultation fees.

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Ask for:

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Written fee agreement
rnWhat services are included
rnWhat services cost extra
rnWhether filing fees are separate
rnPayment plan options
rnRefund policy
rnExpected timeline

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USCIS filing fees change, so applicants should verify current fees using the USCIS fee schedule or fee calculator before filing.

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Questions to Ask During a Consultation

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Before hiring an immigration lawyer, ask:

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What are my immigration options?
rnWhat are the risks in my case?
rnWhat documents do I need?
rnHow long could this take?
rnWhat happens if USCIS asks for more evidence?
rnWill you personally handle my case?
rnHow will we communicate?
rnWhat are your fees?
rnAre government filing fees included?
rnWhat happens if my case is denied?

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A good attorney will not promise guaranteed approval. They should explain strengths, weaknesses, and realistic possibilities.

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Red Flags to Avoid

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Avoid anyone who:

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Guarantees approval
rnTells you to lie on forms
rnUses fake documents
rnClaims special government connections
rnRefuses to provide a written agreement
rnWill not explain fees
rnIs not licensed or accredited
rnAsks you to sign blank forms
rnDoes not give copies of filings
rnRushes you into paying immediately

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Immigration scams can cause serious damage. The wrong help can lead to denial, deportation, or future immigration bars.

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Final Thoughts

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Searching for an “immigration lawyer near me” is often the first step toward protecting your case.

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The right lawyer should be experienced, honest, organized, and clear about your options. They should help you understand the process, avoid mistakes, and prepare your case carefully.

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Immigration decisions can affect your family, career, and future. Choose someone who takes that responsibility seriously.