THE MESSERSMITH LAW FIRM, P.A. / ABOUT THE ATTORNEY

Peter Messersmith

Immigration Attorney

For more than two decades, Peter Messersmith has practiced law with a focus on US immigration matters, representing individuals, families, professionals, and employers navigating consequential legal decisions.

The firm’s approach emphasizes identifying the governing legal requirements, understanding the complete factual record, and preparing each matter with care.

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Peter Messersmith, immigration attorney at The Messersmith Law Firm, P.A.

PETER MESSERSMITH IMMIGRATION COUNSEL

THE PRACTICE

A law practice devoted to immigration.

The Messersmith Law Firm concentrates on US immigration law. Its work includes employment and business visas, family immigration, permanent residence, inadmissibility and waivers, citizenship, and immigration matters that require a detailed examination of a client’s history.

Immigration representation requires more than an understanding of individual visa categories. An effective legal assessment considers the applicant’s background, the documentary record, applicable deadlines, relevant government decisions, and the interaction between different immigration requirements.

Explore immigration services

EDUCATION AND ADMISSION

Professional background.

The attorney’s formal education and professional experience provide the foundation for the firm’s immigration practice.

2002

Illinois Bar

Admitted to practice law in Illinois in November 2002.

2002

Juris Doctor

The University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.

Law school

1999

Bachelor’s Degree

The University of Texas at Austin.

University

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Professional recognition and client satisfaction.

Selected recognition from attorney directories and client review platforms, together with a record of earlier distinctions and nominations.

AVVO

Client’s Choice

2026 · 2024 · 2023 · 2022 · 2021 · 2018 · 2017 · 2016 · 2015 · 2014 · 2013 · 2012

Recognition associated with client reviews on Avvo. The attorney’s profile identifies awards across multiple years.

MARTINDALE-HUBBELL

Client Champion

2026 · 2024

Client service recognition reflected in the attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell and Avvo directory profiles.

Additional historical awards, listings and nominations

Earlier recognition and directory listings

2021 Chicago Best Award, City’s Best Awards (2021)
Excellence Award, US Institute of Trade & Commerce (2018)
Top 3 Immigration Lawyers in Chicago, Three Best Rated (2017)
Top 100 Immigration Lawyers in Illinois, American Society of Legal Advocates (2017)
Top Lawyers in Illinois, The Legal Network (2017)
Top Lawyers in Illinois, American Lawyer Media (2013, 2014 and 2015)
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell (2012–2016)
Best of Business Award for Chicago, Small Business Community Association (2013)

Historical nominations

10 Best Immigration Law Firms for Florida nomination, American Institute of Legal Counsel (2026)
Lawyers of Distinction nominations (2018, 2019 and 2021)
Acquisition International Legal Awards nominations (2016 and 2020)
Premier Lawyers of America nomination (2019)
Legal Elite Awards nomination (2017)
10 Best Immigration Attorneys for Illinois nomination, American Institute of Legal Counsel (2016)

PRIOR EXPERIENCE

Experience with the judicial process.

Before establishing his law practice, Peter Messersmith gained experience in the Circuit Court of Cook County in Chicago.

He served as a judicial extern for Judge Dorothy Kirie Kinnaird, then Presiding Judge of the Chancery Division, and as a judicial intern for Judge Timothy C. Evans, who later served as Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

That earlier work informs an approach centered on legal analysis, orderly presentation of evidence, and attention to procedural requirements.

HOW THE FIRM WORKS

Careful preparation. Clear legal strategy.

The particular steps depend on the nature of the case, but each engagement begins with understanding the legal issue and the evidence available to address it.

Assess the legal position

Identify the applicable immigration category, eligibility requirements, relevant history, and potential obstacles.

Develop the evidentiary record

Determine the documents and explanations needed to support the facts and address the legal standard.

Guide the matter forward

Provide advice on preparation, government correspondence, procedural developments, and appropriate next steps.

REPRESENTATION

Immigration matters handled by the firm.

01EB1A Extraordinary Ability 02National Interest Waivers 03Employment and Business Visas 04Green Cards 05Inadmissibility and Waivers 06J1 Waivers

PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT

Associations and published work.

Past professional memberships

American Immigration Lawyers Association (2003–2013), Chicago Bar Association (2010–2011), and American Bar Association (2002–2003).

Legal writing

J1 Waiver Options for Physicians, published through JD Supra in 2010.

THE FIRM’S WORK

Explore the firm’s immigration experience.

Review selected immigration approval records or read about the experiences clients have shared with the firm.

Immigration approvals Client experiences

DISCUSS YOUR MATTER

Start with an informed legal assessment.

Contact The Messersmith Law Firm to discuss the nature of your immigration matter and the available consultation options.

Consultation information Call (305) 515-0613