Matthew C. Thomas

Matthew C. Thomas

also known as Matthew Charles Ursel Thomas

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

Immigration Lawyer at Phoenix, AZ
Practice Areas: Immigration, Criminal Defense

3830 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ

About Matthew

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Immigration 88%

Practicing in the area of US immigration and naturalization, including deportation, asylum and family-based petitions. We specialize in I-601 and I-212 waivers. Additionally, we prepare VAWA and U visa petitions for victims of violent crime. I am fluent in Spanish.

20 years | 2,500 cases

88%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Arizona for 18 years

State: Arizona

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Thomas Law Firm, PLC

3830 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85015

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Matthew C. Thomas's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

22 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (22) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Federica | October 05, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

The perfect lawyer

If you're looking to hire an immigration expert, Matt is the one. My story is quite rare, but I want to share it to hopefully benefit the ones with a background similar to mine. I moved to the US to do my PhD, and was on a student visa. When you are on a student visa, you are only allowed to stay ...in the US until your expected graduation date and, if you are married, your spouse cannot work. This wasn't too bad for us at first, as my husband worked as a journalist correspondent for a newspaper back home. However, after living in different countries, I thought I liked living in the US for the great work environment and work ethic you can get here, along with the great opportunities for professional development. For these reasons, my husband and I had been considering staying in the US with no restrictions and started interviewing lawyers to apply for residency. During our search for the perfect lawyer, we heard all kinds of things. With both of us being foreigners with no family members or employers to petition for us, we became discouraged and thought there were no options. Then, we met Matt Thomas, who wanted to learn more about our backgrounds and asked for my CV. A few days later, on a Sunday morning, we were about to give up when I got a phone call from Matt. He wanted to see us again and suggested that I self-petition in the EB-1 track. I had done my homework and gone through all the possible scenarios, so I knew what Matt was talking about. However, some lawyers had advised me against that route as being too long and complicated, and they had even said I did not qualify for it. So, when Matt and I discussed such option, I tortured him with tons of questions to make sure his advice was sound enough. Of course, I knew I had a great CV but I had been long discouraged by other lawyers and didn't want to waste my time. Matt illustrated all the details of an EB-1 track to me, and we went through the timeframe, the chances for success, etc. I decided I wanted to hire Matt when I thought: "OK, this guy knows more than me about this, and his advice sounds impartial." After that point, I gave Matt my time, my money, my hopes and, even most, my trust. I couldn't make a better decision. Matt and his team built a strong case for me, advertised my achievements and expertise in a clear an engaging way, and managed to get me an approval without even passing through the Request For Evidence step. Now both my husband and I received a Welcome notice and our residency cards are on their ways. Up to this point, the whole process took less than a year, and it was smooth. What I really liked about Matt Thomas is that he believed in me when other lawyers didn't know what to do with my case. Additionally, Matt is very knowledgeable, experienced, personable, and reliable to the point the he even replied my lots of emails on weekends. So, yes, EB-1 is a real thing and it is doable if your CV is rich with achievements. Don't believe who says that you have to be a Noble Prize laureate to fit in the EB-1 track. And, most importantly, with Matt Thomas you're in good hands.

Posted by Carlos | August 19, 2014 | Immigration

Professional Service That is Honest with a WIN/WIN Philosophy!

Thomas Law Firm has eased my living here in the United States. They have assisted several family members and myself with different immigration matters. I have experienced great service and at no time did I feel like I was wasting my money but most important my time. I can say with confidence that I... will continue going with them. They are prompt and straightforward. Thank you for the excellent work!

Posted by santos | July 24, 2014 | Immigration

back with my family

My case was bad, I went to alcock & assosiates but they just collected their cut and didn't do anything but tell me to sign a paper and they lost my case file, given to the wrong client, after them came pope, nothing happened and he was super rude to my wife, soon after that, my wife found this aweso...me lawyer named Matthew Thomas which was really helpful and never gave up on my case, I am now a permanent resident thanks to the hard work of Matt and his team. I highly recommend Mr. Thomas, you wont go wrong.

Posted by Karla | April 11, 2013 | Immigration

So happy I chose Matthew

We hired Matthew a couple years ago to handle my case and I couldn't have chosen a better person for the job. My case was a bit tricky as I had been in the US since I was five (now 28) and was deported in absentia when I was six but never left the country. I didn't even know I had been deported until... our case was started. At first I was excited about adjusting in the US thanks to being eligible to adjust in the US but after finding out about the deportation I was terrified about many things including being deported or having to leave the country on my own while I tried to adjust. There were so many unknowns. Matthew, however, was amazing. He did his research and found older cases and laws that came to benefit my case greatly. He was always upfront about everything with me and was so patient with me and my many questions. I can't tell you how much I appreciate him making me feel comfortable enough to bombard him with questions and concerns. He always responded promptly and in a kind professional manner. The process was long (Almost 2 years exact) and frustrating at times but in the end it all worked out. On Octotober 17, 2012 I became a legal US resident. Matthew accompanied me on my last interview and emailed me as soon as my status was adjusted on the USCIS website to congratulate me. Another thing worth mentioning is his staff....wonderful. Always so polite and helpful, if I called with a question and Matthew was busy with another client they would do their best to help. Good people. Matthew also had a very reasonable payment plan. My husband and I saved up knowing what we were getting into, we thought we'd be asked to pay in full so we were prepared when we went to my initial appointment with Matthew. Fortunately, we weren't forced to hand over the lump sum. We made a deposit to get things going and had low monthly payments for the remaining balance. In our contract we were obliged to pay in full by my last appointment with USCIS, seeing as this process is a lengthy one, we finished paying Matthew months before my case was complete. His payment plan allowed us peace of mind financially which was so good considering we had many other things to worry about at the time. I was very impressed with him and his firm that I even suggested my sisters look into hiring him for their cases. One of them took my advice and I couldn't be happier. I know she is in good hands. Thank you Matthew. :D

Posted by Zayra | October 22, 2012 | Immigration

Most trustworthy, knowledgeable, & professional law firm I've every interacted with! Best for immigration!!

It's difficult to know who to trust, especially now with all the changes to immigration law and after a few sketchy law offices (one of which we were supposed clients of already and they did nothing to help with our immigration case) we were referred to Thomas Law Firm. We had called around and trie...d so many law offices with questions regarding the immigrant visa application for a spouse that Thomas Law Firm, PLC was our last recourse. Both my husband and I were skeptical and wary of giving out even MORE personal information only to have our calls ignored or be told to pay for some document and then never hear back from the firm. We were desperate and frustrated and Thomas Law Firm was a 'light at the end of the tunnel.' They were professional, knowledgeable, honest, and overall patient regardless of how many questions I had or how often I contacted them I always received a prompt reply and it was always cordial--even during my many frantic and confusing calls. There was always someone who could answer my questions, even if they needed to call me back to make sure the information was correct. That proves just how honest and dependable Mr. Thomas and his staff are, rather than just give vague answers they were willing to go into as much deal as was needed to make sure that I understood and was comfortable with what they were doing. We are so eternally grateful to Mr. Thomas and his staff for all of the assistance and support they provided. We are thankful for having found a firm that not only knows what they are doing but is not trying to rip you off. They were even able to work with us on payment arrangements and even after our case was won--THANK YOU THOMAS LAW!!!!!!--they still maintained contact to make sure that I had everything I needed and knew how to proceed. We will always recommend Thomas Law Firm, PLC first when asked for a 'good' immigration attorney because we trust Mr. Thomas and his staff and know that in a time with so much uncertainty having someone dependable on your side makes a huge difference. Thank you so much Thomas Law, we don't have enough words to describe what your office has done for my husband and I.

See All Client Reviews

Matthew C. Thomas's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Matthew
Epimenio Lopez V headshot
Epimenio Lopez

Unknown lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Darius M Amiri headshot
Darius Amiri

Immigration lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"When it comes to Immigration in Phoenix, AZ area, Mr. Thomas is as good as it gets. Highly knowledgeable, compassionate, and well respected attorney. Recommend for any immigration matter, including family based petitions and consular processing."

Charles Franklin Farrell Jr. headshot
Charles Farrell

Immigration lawyer | Apr 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew provides a valuable service on Avvo. He gives excellent answers to user questions on this site. I am happy to endorse him."

John A Phebus headshot
John Phebus

Immigration lawyer | Mar 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Justin M Crozier headshot
Justin Crozier

Unknown lawyer | Feb 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Filipe Pedroso headshot
Filipe Pedroso

Immigration lawyer | Feb 29

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Andrew R. Alex headshot
Andrew Alex

Immigration lawyer | Feb 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Celestial Ilagan Roman headshot
Celestial Roman

Immigration lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matt is an excellent and brilliant attorney. His experience and knowledge in immigration is reflected in his dedicated work ethic and admirable track record. I highly endorse this attorney."

Vianey Kristina Hurtado headshot
Vianey Hurtado

Immigration lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Matt is an outstanding attorney in the legal community. He is extremely knowledgeable in immigration law, which is reflected in his cases. He handles each case with a high level of professionalism and competency. Matt is truly a zealous advocate for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Larry Sandigo headshot
Larry Sandigo

Immigration lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Matt's level of knowledge and expertise in immigration law is reflected in every case. When other attorneys have given up, Matt has been able to find a solution. He ensures that every client receives top notch representation. I endorse this lawyer."

Claudia Patricia Lopez headshot
Claudia Lopez

Immigration lawyer | Nov 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Matt knows the ins and outs of immigration law. He will look for solutions and help his clients solve complex cases."

Alfred Robert French headshot
Alfred French

Immigration lawyer | Jan 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly due to the impeccable reputation he has among other lawyers and the first hand accounts of his clients."

Yasser Fernando Sanchez headshot
Yasser Sanchez

Immigration lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I proudly endorse this lawyer. Matthew is a very good immigration attorney. I have heard nothing but positive things from his clients and former clients about him. Truly an asset to the legal community in AZ."

Simona Dima Roberts headshot
Simona Roberts

Immigration lawyer | Nov 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Cynthia Janeth Perez headshot
Cynthia Perez

Immigration lawyer | Nov 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matt is very knowledgeable in immigration law. I endorse this lawyer."

Natalia Polukhtin headshot
Natalia Polukhtin

Immigration lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I Had an opportunity to observe Thomas in the immigration court settings and I was really impressed by his professionalism."

Delia Salvatierra headshot
Delia Salvatierra

Immigration lawyer | Sep 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Since law school I have known Matt to be committed to immigrant families. More important, Matt is a well respected immigration attorney because he is transparent and hard working on each of his cases. I trust Matt because he safeguards his clients future in the U.S. by working hard and diligently on their cases."

Regina Marie Jefferies headshot
Regina Jefferies

Immigration lawyer | Nov 30

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Justin M Crozier headshot
Justin Crozier

Litigation lawyer

Filipe Pedroso headshot
Filipe Pedroso

Family lawyer

Andrew R. Alex headshot
Andrew Alex

Car accident lawyer

Celestial Ilagan Roman headshot
Celestial Roman

Immigration lawyer

Vianey Kristina Hurtado headshot
Vianey Hurtado

Immigration lawyer

Larry Sandigo headshot
Larry Sandigo

Immigration lawyer

Robert E Coughlon Jr headshot
Robert Coughlon

Immigration lawyer

Alfred Robert French headshot
Alfred French

Immigration lawyer

Yasser Fernando Sanchez headshot
Yasser Sanchez

Immigration lawyer

Simona Dima Roberts headshot
Simona Roberts

Immigration lawyer

Jennifer L S Willmott headshot
Jennifer Willmott

Criminal defense lawyer

Natalia Polukhtin headshot
Natalia Polukhtin

Immigration lawyer

Cynthia Janeth Perez headshot
Cynthia Perez

Immigration lawyer

Anya I McLean headshot
Anya McLean

Immigration lawyer

Delia Salvatierra headshot
Delia Salvatierra

Immigration lawyer

Claudia Patricia Lopez headshot
Claudia Lopez

Immigration lawyer

Elizabeth S Chatham headshot
Elizabeth Chatham

Immigration lawyer

Regina Marie Jefferies headshot
Regina Jefferies

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2013

Best Immigration Lawyer (El Mejor Abogado de Inmigracion), Tv y Mas Magazine

2012

Best Immigration Lawyer (El Mejor Abogado de Inmigracion), TV y Mas magazine

2011

Best Immigration Law Office (El Mejor Abogado de Inmigracion), TV y Mas magazine

Work Experience

2012 - Present

Senior Attorney, Thomas Law Firm, PLC

2007 - 2012

Law Partner, Thomas & Jefferies, PLLC

Associations

2018 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association (Arizona chapter)

Pro Bono Liaison

2009 - Present

State Bar of Arizona, Immigration Law Section

2007 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association (Arizona chapter)

2015 - 2015

American Immigration Lawyers Association (Arizona chapter)

Media Committee Chair

2014 - 2015

American Immigration Lawyers Association (Arizona chapter)

Arizona AILA Chapter Nominations Committee

2011 - 2015

Phoenix Pride Board of Directors

Director and Community Grants Chair

Sample of Legal Cases

I-601a Waiver

Residency Granted

Reason to Believe

Residency Granted

See More Legal Cases

Education

2006

Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

Juris Doctorate

1996

Arizona State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2017

American Immigration Lawyers Association (Arizona chapter) Conference

Advanced issues in AOS and Consular processing

2016

CLE

Emerging Issues and Updates on Waivers

2014

CLE for the American Immigration Lawyers Association (Arizona chapter) I-601 Waivers and Consular Processing

2010

Capitolbeat the Association of Capitol Reporters and Editors, annual conference Panel on SB1070, Arizona's Controversial Immigration Law

2009

35th Annual North American Victim Assistance Conference Immigrant Victims of Crime: Obstacles and Options

Publications

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

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