Born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, Peter has always been committed to social justice. In his immigration practice he is most interested in deportation defense and representing people in ICE detention. Peter now lives in Decatur, GA with his wife and three children.
Peter is a graduate of Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT.
Between college and law school Peter spent a year in Guatemala. He worked for the Human Rights Ombudsman's office in Quetzaltenango (La Procuraduria de los Derechos Humanos) and later La Defensoria Maya in Santa Cruz del Quiche.
While at Georgetown University Law Center Peter successfully represented a Falun Gong practitioner from China in an asylum case. His partner on that case, Ms. Robyn Painter, is now his wife. At the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project Peter worked under the supervision of Ms. Holly Cooper. There he successfully represented an unaccompanied minor held in INS detention in his asylum case. The client was from Honduras and sought asylum as a member of the particular social group street children. Peter also spent a summer in San Jose Costa Rica at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
After law school, Peter spent over three years a criminal public defender defending adults in misdemeanor and felony cases.
Most recently, with MALDEF, Peter was a lobbyist at the state capitol.
Peter is an enthusiast of live theater, a fan of the SF 49ers, SF Giants, Seattle Seahawks, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. Thanks to his wife, he is increasingly a fan of eating and cooking good food.
Practice areas
Legislative Staff Attorney, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund Southeast Regional Office, Atlanta, Georgia (2008-2009) Center for Applied Legal Studies, Georgetown University Law Center (Asylum Law Clinic) 2003 Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, Florence, Arizona (2002)
14 years
Languages spoken
Spanish
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
GA | Active Member in Good Standing | 2008 | 04/17/2022 |
WA | Inactive | 2004 | 05/07/2022 |
Legal answers | 16 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Distinguished Achievement in the Art and Science of Advocacy | International Academy of Trial Lawyers | 2004 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney | Vazquez and Servi, PC | 2009 - Present |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
American Immigration Lawyers Association | Member | 2007 - Present |
AILA GA-AL Chapter | Chair, ICE Liaison Committee | 2015 - 2016 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Georgetown University Law Center | JD - Juris Doctor | 2004 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Know Your Rights | Basics of Immigration Law and Rights | 2009 |
Posted by Lindsay Tome
August 19, 2016
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August 12, 2015
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August 11, 2015
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July 22, 2015
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July 9, 2015
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July 8, 2015
Sarah Katz, Immigration Attorney on Jan 7, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Peter is without question one of the best immigration lawyers I know. He is dedicated to his clients and has a deep knowledge of immigration law. He has handled complex matters before the immigration courts and has a stellar reputation with the judges and his fellow attorneys. He is fluent in Spanish. He is an active community advocate. I would recommend him very highly to all potential clients.
Massiel Silva, Immigration Attorney on Jul 24, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker
Peter Isbister is an exceptional attorney. He is hardworking, knowledgeable and very passionate about his work. Peter owns his clients' immigration problems and does everything possible to help them succeed. I've learned invaluable skills and defense strategies from him and feel fortunate to work with him. Highly recommended!
Sarah Katz, Immigration Attorney on Jan 7, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Peter is without question one of the best immigration lawyers I know. He is dedicated to his clients and has a deep knowledge of immigration law. He has handled complex matters before the immigration courts and has a stellar reputation with the judges and his fellow attorneys. He is fluent in Spanish. He is an active community advocate. I would recommend him very highly to all potential clients.
Massiel Silva, Immigration Attorney on Jul 24, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker
Peter Isbister is an exceptional attorney. He is hardworking, knowledgeable and very passionate about his work. Peter owns his clients' immigration problems and does everything possible to help them succeed. I've learned invaluable skills and defense strategies from him and feel fortunate to work with him. Highly recommended!
Jon Scott, Immigration Attorney on Jun 19, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Thad Servi, Immigration Attorney on Dec 17, 2009
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
Peter is an outstanding and dedicated attorney with excellent analytical skills, writing ability and advocacy skills. I confidence in his work as do our clients.