(215) 525-9155
Offers Video Conferencing
Tap to Call This Lawyer
PREMIUM
Peter J. Thompson

Peter J. Thompson Justia Connect Pro Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›

Personal Attention for Important Legal Matters
  • Immigration Law, Criminal Law, International Law
  • E.D.P.A. and M.D.P.A., Pennsylvania
Review This Lawyer
Badges
Claimed Lawyer ProfileOffers Video ConferencingQ&ALII PlatinumSocial Media
Biography

Tireless. Focused. Trusted and zealous advocate. Peter aggressively and creatively handles pressing legal matters, as he has for over 24 years. A trial attorney whose sole dedication is representing individuals, he is a recognized specialist is three distinct yet related areas: immigration, criminal law and trial advocacy. A dedicated representative of the people, he also trains other attorneys and judges and future lawyers in these matters. Honors graduate of Temple Law Trial Advocacy program, Professor of Law, Author, NITA faculty member. Even simple criminal and immigration matters are serious; work with someone with time-tested answers.

Practice Areas
    Immigration Law
    Asylum, Citizenship, Deportation Defense, Family Visas, Green Cards, Immigration Appeals, Investment Visas, Marriage & Fiancé(e) Visas, Student Visas, Visitor Visas, Work Visas
    Criminal Law
    Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
    International Law
    Human Rights
Additional Practice Areas
  • Expert services for Lawyers, Immigration Consequences ("Padilla Advice")
  • Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction
Video Conferencing
  • FaceTime
  • Zoom
  • Microsoft Teams
  • WebEx
  • WhatsApp
Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Payment plans are available upon request.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
E.D.P.A. and M.D.P.A.
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
Pennsylvania
Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
3rd Circuit
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
5th Circuit
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
U.S. Supreme Court
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
Languages
  • English
Professional Experience
Attorney, Founder
Thompson Law Advocates, P.C.
Current
Since 2014; Private Law Firm Dedicated to the Legal Representation of Individuals in Immigration Court, Hearings before USCIS, and Federal Criminal Court Proceedings, and Select Representation in State Court Proceedings, Federal Investigations and Hague Convention Hearings, and providing Immigration Consequences (Padilla) Advice.
Lecturer
National Academy of Continuing Legal Education
- Current
Teach Lawyers Nationally about: Crimmigration Essentials: What Attorneys Need to Know, Creative Client Representation in Times of Change: How Changing Administrations Change Your Immigration Practice, and Nuts and Bolts of Immigration Law for Criminal Defense Attorneys.(https://www.nacle.com)
Panel Member
Criminal Justice Act Panel (CJA) EDPA
- Current
Court Appointed Representation of Indigent Federal Defendants in District (Trial) Court and Circuit (Appellate) Court.
Associate Professor of Law, Immigration Law Clinic Founder
Charlotte School of Law
-
Director, Defender Immigration Project
Defenders Association of Philadelphia
-
Unit Devoted to Supporting Non-citizens in State Criminal Court Proceedings.
Adjunct Professor, Political Science Dept.
Villanova University
-
Teaching Immigration Law, International Law, International Relations
Trial and Appellate Attorney
Defenders Association of Philadelphia
-
Education
Temple University Beasley School of Law
LL.M.
-
Honors: First Honors in Trial Advocacy
Temple University Beasley School of Law Logo
Villanova University School of Law
J.D.
-
Honors: Wyn Llewellyn Award (Excellence in Client Counseling), University Senator (Law School Elected Representative), Externship – U.S. Attorneys Office, Philadelphia.
Villanova University School of Law Logo
Widener University
M.Ed.
-
Honors: Professional Teaching Certification, Graduate Scholarship
Widener University Logo
Villanova University
B.A.
-
Activities: Honors classes; Peace and Justice Center; University Board of Trustees, Academic Committee
Villanova University Logo
Awards
Lawyer of Distinction
Lawyers of Distinction
Best Immigration Lawyers in Pennsylvania
Expertise.com
10 Best Law Firm - Client Satisfaction
American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
Professional Associations
Philadelphia Bar Association
Member
Current
Activities: Immigration Law Committee
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Federal Bar Association
Member
Current
Activities: Criminal Law Committee, Philadelphia Chapter
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Philadelphia Criminal Law Inn of Court
Member
- Current
Activities: Professional Association of Esteemed Criminal Law Practitioners
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL)
Member
- Current
Activities: Regular presenter of Immigration Consequences seminars.
Placeholder image for professional associations.
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Member
- Current
Activities: Philadelphia Chapter
Placeholder image for professional associations.
State Bar of Pennsylvania
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Publications
Articles & Publications
LexisNexis Practice Guide: New Jersey Collateral Consequences, 2015, 16, 17, 18 Ed
Matthew Bender
Collateral Consequences for Pennsylvania Adult Defendants by Criminal Statute
Defender Association of Philadelphia
Guide to Representing Non-Citizen Criminal Defendants in Pennsylvania
Defender Association of Philadelphia
Speaking Engagements
Creative Partnerships: Immigration Law, Business, STEM & the Foreign National, Philly Tech Week
Instructor of Trial Skills for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy
Instructor of Immigration 101 for Lawyers at Rutgers Law Institute of Legal Education
Course Instructor on Immigration and Immigration Consequences for the Association of Defense Lawyers
Websites & Blogs
Website
Legal Answers
2 Questions Answered
Q. Hello, Question about visa, green card and crime
A: The answer to your question is complicated - I recommend seeking the in-person advice of a skilled and experienced immigration lawyer as your concern is justified. The lawyer should be able to evaluate your husband's "tourist visa" (VWP entry or B2 visa?), evaluate the seriousness of the foreign offenses as they may prove to be hurdles to adjustment (also, were they disclosed in prior applications?), and work with you to complete your husband's adjustment application, if advisable. Our active law practice focuses on clients with the combination of immigration and criminal law issues, and we know how complicated it can be. The fact that you spotted some potential problems with your husband's case now is a good sign - time to get some professional help who can help guide you.
Q. Should I mail the I-751 supporting documents with the I-751? or is it a different address? Its not clear on the website
A: Great question -- you will want to mail all of your supporting documents with your Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (USCIS Form I-751, current edition, ink signed and dated, with correct filing fee, and correctly filed before the all important deadline), but be sure to send copies of your supporting documents (not the originals) as USCIS will keep what you send to them. Save your originals in a file that you will bring with you to your important interview - this is so the interviewing officer will have the opportunity to inspect the original documents if they want to. If you have additional evidence that you want to provide, bring it to your interview and offer it (again, copies) to the interviewer. The I-751 interview is very important - prepare carefully!
View More Answers
Social Media
Contact & Map
1500 Walnut Street
7th Fl. West
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Telephone: (215) 525-9155
Monday: 8 AM - 6 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 6 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 8 AM - 6 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 6 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 6 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Notice: Available after hours by appointment.
Toggle tool

There are no recently viewed profiles.

There are no saved profiles.

There are no profiles to compare.