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Robert Thomas Carpenter

Immigration Attorney at Chicago, IL

5.0   42 reviews
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 31 years
    State IL
    Acquired 1992
    Status
    Active and Authorized to Practice Law No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Robert

Learn Robert’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Immigration
    80%
    Mr. Carpenter represents individuals and businesses before the Department of Homeland Security and the Departments of Labor and State, often in pursuit of temporary or permanent visas. He has extensive experience with all varieties of non-immigrant visas, including H-1B1 (specialty or professional worker visas), L-1 (intracompany transferees), E (treaty-traders), F (students), J (exchange programs) and TN (NAFTA) visas. His practice includes representing professional athletes (MLB and NHL).

    30 years, 3,000 cases

  2. Asylum
    15%
    Represents victims of past torture and persecution, as well as those who fear returning to their homeland based on a fear of future persecution for the first time. Have successfully handled many asylum and withholding claims with US CIS and EOIR.

    24 years, 400 cases

  3. Litigation
    5%
    Mr. Carpenter has tried 20+ personal injury, medical malpractice and other tort and contract cases to verdict in front of juries, and has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.

    30 years, 500 cases

WE ARE EXPERIENCED, EFFECTIVE IMMIGRATION ATTORNEYS PRACTICING WITH AN EMPHASIS ON REMOVAL DEFENSE, APPELLATE WORK ON REMOVAL ORDERS, FEDERAL SUITS FOR VISA DENIALS (APA ACTIONS), & FAMILY-BASED PETITIONS. WE ALSO PROVIDE CONSULTING AND BRIEF WRITING SERVICES TO OTHER IMMIGRATION LAWYERS AND FIRMS.

Mr. Carpenter has represented individuals and various organizations before the Department of Homeland Security and the Departments of Labor and State. His thirty (30) years of immigration experience includes representing professional athletes, Coaches and Managers (Major League Baseball and National Hockey League) in acquiring permanent residency. He frequently defends foreign nationals in removal proceedings, focusing on asylum, withholding of removal and Convention Against Torture Relief, cancellation of removal and adjustment of status applications in front of the Executive Office of Immigration Review and the Board of Immigration Appeals, as well as challenging denials in federal court. His work includes litigating dozens of federal court cases involving undue delays and unfair applications of the law by the government, and prevailed in the precedent-setting decision of Ming Wei Chen v. Sessions, 864 F.3d 536 (7th Cir. 2017). His work also includes high profile, successful efforts to prevent the US government from executing removal orders where changed country conditions exist, meriting reopening for fear-based claims. He is a member of multiple Federal District Courts and United States Courts of Appeals, and is a long-time Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, whose fellow members he often mentors. Mr. Carpenter spent significant time in 2021 assisting with Afghan evacuees on a pro bono basis. He is passionate about protecting human rights for all people, and assuring the rule of law is followed by all courts in the United States.

Photos and videos

Contact Robert

Carpenter & Capt, Chtd.
53 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1515
Chicago, IL, 60604
Carpenter & Capt, Chtd.
18605 US 12
New Buffalo, MI, 49117
Carpenter & Capt, Chtd.
3073 W. John Beers Road
Stevensville, MI, 49127
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  42 customer reviews
5 Star
 
98%
4 Star
 
2%
3 Star
 
0%
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Posted by anonymous | January 6, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend!!!
We highly recommend Robert Carpenter! Robert was recommended by a friend who credited Robert for guiding a family member through a very difficult immigration case. We had a very difficult husband/wife immigration situation that was made even more difficult when our first attorney had already made a grievous error on advice given to one of us. Robert expertly guided us through the process that had many detours. Now, one of us is a U S citizen; the other a Green Card holder. It is difficult to put into words our feelings of appreciation for what Robert did for us. He was always available and kept us current. We attended multiple meetings with him in his office for updates and reviews. He was always attentive and answered questions and explained everything in terms we all could understand. Plus, emails and telephone calls were usually directly with him, and he was prompt in every aspect. We would very highly recommend Robert Carpenter and his staff for any type of immigration case!
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Posted by Delmy | October 13, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honesty, Integrity and efficacy..
I had a very very difficult immigration case. I was actually in deportation proceedings. After many years dealing with other attorneys an an exorbitant fees paid, I got referred to Robert Carpenter. Since the beginning I trusted him. He was great, I was able to stay in the USA get a greencard and able to raise my two daughters. a few years later he got me USA citizenship.. He did possible what other attorneys didn't.. He is a very honest person. I will recommend Robert with my eyes closed.. He is worth every penny he charge. He gets the job done..I am thankful to God that I found him. Thank you Robert..
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Posted by Sandra R. | September 12, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly grateful !!!
My family are very satisfied with the professionalism, care and effectiveness of the Carpenter firm, even though we are in different states and never meet in person our communication by phone and emails was enough to let us always feel the closeness of his action in our case. Thank you ROBERT.
Posted by Jimena | September 26, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Naturalization
They made my citizenship process quite easy, in addition to being very fast, they undoubtedly did an excellent job.
Posted by A&I | April 5, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
"Exceptional Immigration Attorney: Professional, Thorough, and Dedicated
We want to express our sincere gratitude to Robert, our immigration attorney, for his exceptional services. For the past 12 plus years, he has been a professional and thorough gentleman, who has provided us with the guidance and support we needed throughout our legal journey. Robert's staff is equally impressive, and they have always been prompt in addressing our concerns and questions. Robert has been patient with us, and he has taken the time to explain the intricacies of immigration law to us, ensuring that we understand the entire process. We are delighted with the services Robert has provided us, and we have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone seeking immigration legal representation. His expertise, professionalism, and dedication to his clients are unparalleled. Robert, we appreciate all that you have done for us, and we are grateful for your unwavering support during our challenging times. Your guidance and advice have been invaluable to us, and we will likely use your services for all our future legal needs. Once again, thank you so much for all that you have done for us.
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Posted by Md Shamsul Arefin | November 3, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Immigration Attorney
Mr. Robert and his team is one of the best immigration attorneys I have ever seen in my life. He and his team are professional, knowledgeable and have excellent communication skills. I am so thankful to him and his team.
Posted by Jenn | October 16, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing Lawyer! 100% the Best!
Robert is professional, knowledgeable and has excellent communication skills. Him and his team answered any questions I had promptly and they stayed on top of my case. Robert was with me every step of the way, and I am so thankful to him and his team for making a difficult and scary process as easy as possible on me. I recommend Robert Carpenter 100%.
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Posted by Emilija | July 6, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Green card process
I am thankfull for having Robert as my lawyer during the green card process thru a marriage. Everything went smooth and i have received my green card. Me and my husband are very happy with how everything went. Robert was very helpful throughout the entire process. Very clear with the instructions and was responding fast to all of my emails. Very experienced and knew exactly what had to be done. I would recommend him to anyone who needs help regarding immigration cases.
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Posted by Yuksel | May 20, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best immigration lawyer
I recently had the pleasure of working with Mr. Carpenter while going through the process of becoming a legal U.S. citizen. He was very professional and very helpful in my finally getting my green card for permanent residency. I would highly recommend Mr. Carpenter.
Posted by Carmen | March 20, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Testimonial
I recommend Carpenter & Capt lawyers. They are a family team of lawyers. They helped my husband Bolivar Dorantes with getting his green card. There were a lot of ups and downs but the carpenter family helped us with every step. They are very nice people. So we decided to keep working with them. So my husband can become a citizen. So we kept working with them and now my husband is a citizen. We recommend them to everyone, who wants the immigration process to be done correctly. You can call them or email them as many times as you would like with questions and they are happy to answer it for you, with no problems. They don’t charge extra for questions Lol. We have had a very good experience with them. Thank you Robert, Patricia, and Mike Carpenter for your hard work and dedication to me and my family. You guys are great.
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Posted by Mussa | March 10, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
TOP ATTORNEY
In our consultation, He listened me well and told me He will clean the mess that other attorneys made on my case, he will re-write everything from begining and we will win in this time frame. You wont hear from an attorney about the time, the succes you will reach. So he is the one who wants to terminate your case ASAP and get your Green Card !
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Posted by anonymous | January 20, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very good
They work hard in my case they did everything possible the results were pleasant I am happy because thanks to them I have my residence I recommend them with confidence
Posted by Paul | March 28, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great immigration lawyer
Thank you to Robert and all the team for being so professional and timely with our immigration applications. Robert was always very prompt to reply to any questions, and explained the process clearly to us. I would highly recommend Robert to any one having any immigration concerns.
Posted by Irlanda | March 5, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best Immigration Lawyer In The City Of Chicago
Robert Carpenter is extremely knowledgeable of the law and very professional . He listens to you and treats you with the up most respect. After years of searching and going to multiple lawyers who claimed to but unable able to help. Just when we had given up and lost hope. I found Robert Carpenter while doing a google search. I have to say he was truly God sent. He will turn unturned rocks for you, he will go out of his way. He took on my mothers case and thanks to him she was able to obtain her green card in just 1 year. After 30 years my mother had finally obtained her documents. Not only did he help her but he also helped me with my immigration case as well. He took on my case on May 2017 and I received my permanent resident card in the mail on 12/29/2018. He helped me obtain my card in just as little over a year, during Trump era. Not only is he the best at what he does but he will do it with a passion. I get emotional every time I think about it because he changed our lives forever. I will forever be thankful to him.
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Posted by Anderson | February 26, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Clear and prompt guidance.
Robert had provided legal guidance in my immigration process from the time I applied to the legal residence status to the approval of application to naturalization. Throughout this process, Robert had demonstrated excellent immigration expertise and agility, making the experience worry-free at a good value.
Posted by MARIBEL | June 25, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
EXCELLENT AND HONEST JOB
Robert and Patricia Carpenter did great job in my case. They help me to get my green card three years ago and now i have my certificate of naturalization. I am very grateful for your terrific job but most important thing for your honesty. I hope you can continue helping people like us for long time....... thank you very much.
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Posted by Toni | March 11, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Helpful, Sincere, Prompt, Straightforward
Going into immigration was a nightmare. Me and my (now) husband had managed to pull up a paltry single packet of information when we first did our initial dig into the process. We filled out the paperwork, looked through the terribly organized government sites on requirements again, and started second guessing ourselves. Every time we looked again, we found new, and sometimes scary, information. We decided to seek a second opinion- and I am so glad we did. Just as the title states, Robert was incredibly helpful. During our consultation he laid everything out for us- expected wait times, what the process was like, and what he could do for us. When we hired him, he took care of all of the paperwork with the key information we gave him- sending us a veritable binder of paperwork (compared to our paltry pamphlet) to look through, verify, and sign. Whenever we had questions, I never had to wait long for a reply. He was clearly there to help us, and no matter how silly or small our questions, he was available. Aside from just the daunting amount of paperwork needed, he was also straightforward with us. He didn't hedge bets or make promises that he knew couldn't be kept. When he gave us information it was with a full spectrum of possible outcomes, so we could go into any situation fortified and prepared. Even now, well after the fact, he still responds to my e-mails with the same respect and promptness that we came to appreciate him for. I couldn't ask for a better person to help me and the love of my life navigate the confusing system in place for immigration. Thanks to him, we could start our new lives together free of the burden of not knowing whether we were filling out something wrong- or missing some vital piece of paperwork that would see our case declined arbitrarily. TLDR: Robert Carpenter was a god send when it came to guiding us through this process. He was prompt, helpful, sincere, and straightforward. He took us all the way from step one, to receiving my permanent resident card in the mail, without a single hitch or worry.
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Posted by anonymous | February 18, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent consultation and service
Robert and his team were very knowledgeable and helped me through my green card immigration application. They guided me every step of the way and was always up to date with submission deadline and renewing of work permit etc. The entire process was very smooth and they provided me with all the advice and consultation I needed. Very happy with their service and will definitely recommend to family and friends.
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Posted by Tim | January 17, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Pleased and Recommended
We decided to hire Robert after reading good reviews about him. He helped us through the process of getting my wife's Permanent Resident Card. It was a long process that took 2 1/2 years, but Robert always kept in touch with us and did what he could to make the waiting better. He really proved to know the law very well.
Response from Robert Carpenter January 18, 2019
Tim, So incredibly pleased with the outcome for both of you. You, as a couple, are a credit to our immigration system, and to why it strengthens our Country. We are better for this result. All the best, Robert
Posted by anonymous | January 15, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Totally Satisfied
If you need serious no nonsense representation for your immigration needs, please consider the Law firm of Carpenter and Cap LLC. Robert Carpenter represented my family’s interest recently, and I must say that I am truly and completely satisfied with the end results. Attorney Carpenter is very knowledgeable in all areas of the US Immigration laws. He answered every question my wife and I had, and was available every time we had any follow up questions/concerns. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention his conviction and downright confidence in handling our not so simple case. In these fickle times where everyone is looking out for themselves, Robert Carpenter was unwavering in his support and dedication towards out needs. Without a doubt, I highly recommend Attorney Carpenter and his team for all your immigration needs.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.6 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Carpenter & Capt, Chartered
  • 1994 - Present
  • Associate
  • Benjamin & Shapiro, Ltd.
  • 1992 - 1994
  • Law Clerk/Research Attorney
  • Lindner, Speers & Reuland
  • 1991 - 1992

Education

  • DePaul University College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1992
  • University of Florida
  • Bachelor's
  • 1989

Legal Cases

  • Matter of M.R./___Zoo
  • H-1B1 granted
  • Chen v. Sessions, 864 F.3d 536 (7th Cir. 2017)
  • Appeal won, permanent residency granted at remanded hearing.
  • Matter of A, AAO Decision
  • Appeal granted, permanent residency obtained
View all legal cases

Associations

  • US Court of Appeals for Second Circuit
  • Bar Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
  • Bar Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan
  • Trial Bar
  • 2009 - Present
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • Bar Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
  • Bar Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America
  • Member
  • 2002 - Present
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • Bar Member
  • 2001 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • Trial Bar
  • 1998 - Present
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
  • The Pokagon Fund
  • Board Member
  • 2010 - 2014
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Notable
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2021
  • Notable
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2020
  • Notable
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019
  • Notable
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • Notable
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017
  • Notable
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • High Legal Ability and Ethical Standards Rating
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2009
  • Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Efforts
  • Hearltland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights
  • 2005
  • Named as a Leading Attorney for Immigration & Nationality law
  • Leading Attorneys - IL
  • 2000
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • AILA Chicago Chapter Seminar
  • Unlawful Voting - Recent Seventh Circuit Decisions
  • 2012
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association Midwest Conference
  • Brief Writing in Front of U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals
  • 2010
  • AILA Chicago CLE
  • Mandamus Relief in Federal Court
  • 2009
  • AILA Chicago Chapter CLE
  • Child Status Protection Act (CSPA)
  • 2007
  • DePaul University College of Law
  • New Affidavit of Support Requirements
  • 2006
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (5)
Given (12)
Endorse Robert
Immigration Attorney | Jul 14
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Robert Carpenter is an excellent attorney. He is meticulous and thoughtful in his work and always up to date on the latest developments in the fluid world of immigration law. Among other things, Robert is my 'go to' when I represent a criminal defendant for whom a conviction could have collateral immigration consequences. I fully endorse Rob Carpenter."
Immigration Attorney | Mar 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Having known him for 20 years, I can say Rob Carpenter is a lawyer's lawyer. He is a consummate immigration law professional with many years of deep experience assisting clients achieve their immigration law goals, ranging from straight forward matters to the most challenging cases. He is knowledgeable and creative, and just as important, he cares about his clients. With Rob on their side, an immigration law client is in great hands."
Immigration Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Rob Carpenter is easily one of the most trustworthy, intelligent, and conscientious lawyers I have had the pleasure of knowing. He is a very zealous advocate for his clients. His knowledge of American immigration law is very deep and very broad. And his commitment to his clients is an inspiration to other lawyers. I used to work for him, and the experience made me a much better lawyer than I was before he hired me. To top it off, he's a very nice guy whom clients feel very comfortable with."
Immigration Attorney | Sep 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Rob is a tried and true great attorney. He is well respected in his field and is very trustworthy. I would not hesitate to recommend him and have many times. He knows immigration law inside and out and is experienced, patient and thoughtful with his clients."
Immigration Attorney | Apr 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Robert Carpenter is an excellent attorney with years of experience. He has handled some of the most difficult cases in this area of law. He treats each of his clients with the utmost respect and their cases like the case was for someone in his family."
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Immigration
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Criminal defense
Immigration
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