Robert Thomas Carpenter

PRO

Robert Thomas Carpenter

4.9
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 33 years

Immigration Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Immigration, Asylum, Litigation

53 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1515, Chicago, IL

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Robert

Biography

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.

We believe families belong together, and in the promise of America. We've practiced Immigration & Nationality Law at the highest levels, often making new law in front of the Board of Immigration Appeals, the US Federal District Courts and the US Courts of Appeals.

Asylum often requires litigation. We will construct your affirmative asylum case with the same meticulous care we bring to the table for defensive asylum, withholding of removal and CAT claims in front of the immigration courts with defensive applications.

Our immigration system is unjust. We are not hesitant to utilize our federal courts to ensure our clients aren't the recipient of bias, bullying or wrong applications of the law, most often with Mandamus Petitions and APA Actions for the government not following its own regulations and directives.

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

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).

33 years | 3,000 cases

80%
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.

27 years | 400 cases

15%
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.

33 years | 500 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2021 2020 2019
...
+ 1
Notable Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 33 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1992

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Carpenter & Capt, Chtd.

53 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1515, Chicago, IL, 60604

carpenterandcapt.com

Carpenter & Capt, Chtd.

18605 US 12, New Buffalo, MI, 49117

carpenterandcapt.com

Carpenter & Capt, Chtd.

3073 W. John Beers Road, Stevensville, MI, 49127

carpenterandcapt.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Robert online.

Robert Thomas Carpenter's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

49 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (49) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 16 - 20 of 21 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Susanne | March 25, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Extremely professional, helpful and courteous!

Mr Carpenter has assisted me with my naturalization process to become a US citizen. Throughout the process Mr Carpenter kept me updated regularly on progress, was prompt in forwarding me copies of immigration documents and thorough in requesting reviews of the forms that were filled out for me. He a...lso provided clear explanations about the process, key milestones and related time frame, and he was an experienced hand at dealing with the complications of my case. In addition it is a pleasure to work with Mr Carpenter, who was calm, professional and nice during every call and meeting. I was glad to have entrusted something so very important to the right person. I recommend Robert Carpenter without reservation.

Posted by Christopher | September 14, 2014 | Immigration

Excellent Experience

Our journey through the immigration system began over five years ago. Every attorney, pro bono or paid, was offering about a year until finalization of the removal process. We contacted Robert and he traveled 90 miles to meet with us. After reviewing all the details, Robert stated his goal would be p...ermanent resident status leading to citizenship. At the time, our marriage was only recognized in a couple of states and not by the Federal Government. We understood and accepted the process would take longer than a traditional married couple. Throughout the entire process: • Charges never exceeded the pre-determined fee • We were kept informed in a timely manner • Questions and concerns were answered quickly • Members of Robert’s staff were knowledgeable of our case and the process. We have achieved success and our next call to Robert will be to begin the process of an application for citizenship.

Posted by Max and Elena Reilly | February 18, 2013

Very helpful with our litigation in resident status through our marriage

This law firm was excellent in our experience. They took care of everything expediantly and professionally, They were all very informative throughout the whole process.They put our minds at ease knowing everything was being taken care of and while we were worried about everything they made us fell as...sured everything would work out for us. Thanks Robert,Deborah and the entire team

Posted by Lili | June 22, 2012 | Immigration

Excellent Immigration Lawyer

Robert was recommended by a coworker to me to help with my green card application process. Robert always took the time to explain every step of the process, and answered questions promptly. He notified me when it was time to renew travel and work authorizations with plenty of time to file and recei...ve the new forms before the old ones expired. Immigration paperwork is daunting, but Robert not only gave me the confidence that I was in good hands, he also delivered. I strongly recommend him.

Posted by anonymous | April 04, 2011 | Immigration

Great lawyer, wonderful job!!!

Excellent lawyer who was personable, explained things in common terms, and was able to find a solution to our specific immigration problem. He was very knowledgable and was able to give us great guidance. I would hire him again if ever needed.

See All Client Reviews

Robert Thomas Carpenter's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Robert
Anne L. Buckleitner headshot
Anne Buckleitner

Immigration lawyer | 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."

Richard Hanus headshot
Richard Hanus

Immigration lawyer | 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."

Brian Walsh Sather headshot
Brian Sather

Immigration lawyer | 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."

Jack Robbin Epstein headshot
Jack Epstein

Immigration lawyer | 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."

Justin G. Randolph headshot
Justin Randolph

Immigration lawyer | 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."

View All Endorsements
Anne L. Buckleitner headshot
Anne Buckleitner

Litigation lawyer

Justin Russell Burton headshot
Justin Burton

Immigration lawyer

William A. Quiceno headshot
William Quiceno

Immigration lawyer

Omar Adel Abuzir headshot
Omar Abuzir

Immigration lawyer

Richard Hanus headshot
Richard Hanus

Immigration lawyer

Damon Matthew Cheronis headshot
Damon Cheronis

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian Walsh Sather headshot
Brian Sather

Immigration lawyer

Jack Robbin Epstein headshot
Jack Epstein

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael John Petro headshot
Michael Petro

Criminal defense lawyer

Patricia Elizabeth Capt headshot
Patricia Capt

General practice lawyer

Justin G. Randolph headshot
Justin Randolph

Immigration lawyer

Uchenna Onyemaechi Asonye headshot
Uchenna Asonye

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Notable Attorney, High Legal Ability, Martindale-Hubbell®

2021

Notable, Martindale-Hubbell

2020

Notable, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Notable, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Notable, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Notable, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Notable, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

High Legal Ability and Ethical Standards Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2005

Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Efforts, Hearltland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights

2000

Named as a Leading Attorney for Immigration & Nationality law, Leading Attorneys - IL

Work Experience

1994 - Present

Partner, Carpenter & Capt, Chartered

1992 - 1994

Associate, Benjamin & Shapiro, Ltd.

1991 - 1992

Law Clerk/Research Attorney, Lindner, Speers & Reuland

Associations

2022 - Present

US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Bar Member

2014 - Present

US Court of Appeals for Second Circuit

Bar Member

2013 - Present

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Bar Member

2010 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

2009 - Present

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Trial Bar

2007 - 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

2002 - Present

Association of Trial Lawyers of America

Member

2001 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

Bar Member

1998 - Present

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Trial Bar

1998 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

2010 - 2014

The Pokagon Fund

Board Member

Sample of 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

Matter of JL

Permanent residency granted

In the Matter of JV

Appeal granted, and case reopened

ES v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, et al. 2020 NDIL

Permanent residency granted

DB v. Eric Holder

Settled/Unlawful Removal Stopped

Matter of V

Appeal sustained and remaneded to Immigration Judge

See More Legal Cases

Education

1992

DePaul University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1989

University of Florida

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2012

AILA Chicago Chapter Seminar

Unlawful Voting - Recent Seventh Circuit Decisions

2012

2012 AILA Midwest Regional Conference FDNS - Information CIS has about Your Client

2010

American Immigration Lawyers Association Midwest Conference

Brief Writing in Front of U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals

2009

AILA Chicago CLE

Mandamus Relief in Federal Court

2007

AILA Chicago Chapter CLE

Child Status Protection Act (CSPA)

2006

DePaul University College of Law

New Affidavit of Support Requirements

Languages

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution