You drafted your own EB-2 NIW petition and want a professional opinion before filing — but not full representation. Here is what a limited-scope review can and cannot cover.
You drafted your own EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition. Perhaps you researched Matter of Dhanasar, assembled exhibits, and used ChatGPT, a tool found on GitHub, or something else to organize your arguments. Now you want an attorney's opinion before filing — but you do not necessarily want to pay for a lawyer to prepare the entire case.
What Is a Limited-Scope Review?
A limited-scope legal service, often called "unbundled" representation, allows a client to retain an attorney for defined tasks while the client handles other parts independently. American Bar Association Model Rule 1.2(c) recognizes limits on the scope of representation when the limitation is reasonable under the circumstances and the client gives informed consent. Every state has different rules regarding unbundled legal services, so the terms of any engagement depend on where the attorney is licensed.
What Can an NIW Review Cover?
Depending on the written engagement agreement, an attorney may assess the proposed endeavor, evaluate arguments under the three-prong Dhanasar test, and identify apparent evidentiary gaps or material legal weaknesses in specified materials. The attorney may provide written findings that help the client decide what to address before filing.
What Does It Not Cover?
A petition review is not automatically a rewrite, an exhibit-by-exhibit verification, completion of USCIS forms, filing assistance, or representation if USCIS issues a request for evidence. The client may remain responsible for revisions, filing decisions, deadlines, and future correspondence unless the engagement agreement says otherwise. No one can guarantee approval.
Why Might Someone Choose It?
For applicants who have already done substantial preparation, a targeted assessment may provide professional issue-spotting without the cost or scope of full representation. However, limited-scope services are not appropriate for every case; the attorney must determine whether the proposed limits allow competent assistance under the applicable rules of professional conduct.
If you are weighing a review of your EB-2 NIW case, an attorney can tell you up front whether your case is a good fit.
