Peter Thompson, Esq., is an unwavering, determined, and reliable immigration and criminal law attorney known for his tireless efforts in handling critical legal issues. A trial attorney with over 25 years of trial and appellate experience, Peter actively represents individual clients in both the immigration and criminal courts. He is passionate about his work and clients and, through careful and rigorous preparation, confident in his representation. He is devoted to the success of his clients and their protection within our legal system.

In 1999, Peter joined the Defender Association of Philadelphia. A public defender, he represented children and adults in criminal court. Peter then joined the appellate unit, all the while actively working with clients in the criminal trial courts. In 2008, he was chosen for and accepted the Director of the Defender’s Immigration Project position. An industry leader, this unique collaboration between immigration specialists and criminal trial attorneys works tirelessly to advise non-citizen (immigrant) clients of the immigration consequences of criminal charges and convictions. In 2010, Peter and his team joined in an amicus brief for the (ultimately successful) Supreme Court case Padilla v. Kentucky. This important case granted to non-citizen (immigrant) defendants the right to accurate immigration consequences advice from their criminal defense attorneys. Since then, Peter, in addition to direct representation of private clients, is sought after by fellow criminal trial attorneys across the nation for advice and guidance regarding the immigration consequences their clients with criminal convictions face. He has co-authored legal guides, taught in both University and Law Schools, and regularly teaches both lawyers and judges regarding his legal specialties or immigration and criminal law. He is a recognized member of the Criminal Justice Act Panel for the EDPA, where he serves as a court appointed immigration expert. Most important for Peter is his crafting of the individualized, creative and comprehensive legal services he provides his clients with immigration and criminal matters.

In addition to his robust immigration and federal criminal defense practice, Peter actively defends parents and their children facing allegations of improper removal under the International Child Abduction cases (Hague Convention). Combining his unique and comprehensive skill set – a federal trial attorney well versed in both immigration and criminal law with international law experience – Peter supports parents and children who flee abusive relationships and seek protections in the United States. Peter is first and foremost a trial attorney – when others concede, Peter and his team fight to protect his clients in federal court. The U.S. judicial and court system provides a unique opportunity to shed light upon and challenge allegations of child and spousal abuse. Accessing the protections of the courts through creativity and tenacity is the hallmark of Peters practice in this specialized and demanding area of the immigration, criminal and international law.

Peter, a devoted lawyer for his clients, also serves an essential role in training other attorneys, judges, and aspiring lawyers in the areas of immigration and criminal defense law. He frequently lectures locally and nationally on immigration consequences, Criminal Defense, and Trial Advocacy. He is an Honors graduate of the Temple Law Trial Advocacy program, a respected law school clinician in immigration law, a published author, and a valued legal colleague in the Philadelphia area.

It is critical to collaborate with an attorney and legal team who have the knowledge and experience to provide accurate and lasting legal solutions to your immigration, criminal defense, and international law needs.

Education

  • Temple University - LLM - Trial Advocacy - 2004
  • Villanova University - J.D. - 1998
  • Villanova University - B.A. - 1992
  • Widener University - M.Ed. - 1994

Client Reviews

The legal representation provided by Peter was honestly exceptional and tailored precisely for my complex situation. My immigration hurdles began in 2010 and did not conclude until 2021. During that lengthy period I had retained the services of about four other attorneys. The service...

Anonymous Client, 2021

I was looking for an attorney to represent me during my citizenship interview. Peter was so friendly and understanding, patient and made me feel comfortable and confident that my case would be okay. He listened to my situation and offered his advice before asking if I wanted him to represent me...

Anonymous Client, 2021

Finding the right legal representation is hard. Peter and his team are amazing. Peter is so down to earth and is so honest. We always felt comfortable asking any questions. His response time is second to none. Knowing that all of the paperwork was being filled out correctly the first time is worth...

Anonymous Client, 2021

A good lawyer is important, a great lawyer is priceless! I met with Peter in 2018, and knew he was the right lawyer for my complicated case. He showed me that he knows immigration law very well, and we built a plan for success. He made sure that I understood what was happening with my case and met...

Anonymous Client, 2022

My dream came true! I came to Lawyer Peter Thompson and his Philadelphia team with a prior deportation order after facing threats of torture in my home country. He was recommended to me. From the very start, Peter was in my corner – very responsive, intelligent, driven, and genuine. He did not just...

Anonymous Client, 2022

Thompson Law Advocates, P.C.

1500 Walnut St
7th Floor West

Philadelphia, PA 19102

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For a Consultation (215) 525-9155