Immigration Consequences
of Criminal Activity
Deportation and
Removal Defense
Visa Applications and
Adjustment of Status
Worksite Enforcement
Appeals and Federal Litigation
Naturalization and
Citizenship
About Theodore J. Murphy
Ted Murphy launched his career in immigration law in 1993. After serving more than a decade with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the former INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service), he re-entered private practice in November 2007.
As one of the government's most experienced attorneys, Mr. Murphy represented the Agency in all matters before the Immigration Courts and Board of Immigration Appeals. He handled many types of criminal and national security cases as well as fraud and employer sanction cases. Having filed hundreds of appeals for the ICE Agency, he enjoys a success rate of over 95% in these appeals.
In 2003, Mr. Murphy was appointed as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney. He assisted in the investigation and criminal prosecution of a large-scale, multi-state immigration fraud ring from January 2003 until August 2004.
In academia, Mr. Murphy has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Temple University's Beasley School of Law, where he taught both basic and advanced Immigration Law as well as International Organizations.
Prior to his career in law, he served in the U.S. Army with various units including the 82nd Airborne Division. Early on, he worked for three years as a construction and land surveyor with a civil engineering firm in Chester County, PA.
Mr. Murphy received his undergraduate degree at Georgetown University (B.A., 1983) and his Law Degree (J.D., 1994) and Master of Laws (International Law) (LL.M., 1997) from Temple University.
As a senior U.S. Government immigration attorney, Mr Murphy:
- Trained numerous attorneys and officers of federal, state, and local government agencies on criminal-related immigration matters and other special interest matters;
- Provided technical advice on immigration matters to Pennsylvania state courts;
- Participated in panel discussions regarding immigration consequences of criminal activity;
- Was recognized by his peers, opposing counsel, and judges for fairness, thorough preparation and effective vigorous cross-examination;
- Was considered an expert in trial strategies where his advice was highly sought after by private and government attorneys;
- Provided advice to immigration inspectors at the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Airports;
- Advised the ICE Deportation Staff and coordinated matters with prison staff in the eight adult and juvenile detention facilities housing the District's detention population.Prior to entering employment with the U.S. Government, Mr. Murphy was a private immigration law practitioner and: * His law practice was featured in the Legal Intelligencer (Philadelphia, September 1996);
- Successfully challenged the government on custody issues for special immigrant juveniles that resulted in changes to federal regulations;
- Worked on committees with the Philadelphia Court System for implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and reform of the payment process for court-appointed attorneys.
EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Georgetown University
Bachelor of Arts Degree, 1983 (dual major: history and government)
Temple University School of Law
Juris Doctorate Degree, 1994
Temple University School of Law
Master of Laws Degree, 1997 (International Law)
HONORS AND AWARDS
Sustained Superior Accomplishment Award—U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), June 2003; U.S. Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), December 2002, September 2001 and September 2000.
Superior Accomplishment Award—U.S. Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), March 1999.
The Captain Robert Miller Knox Award—Temple University School of Law, Spring 1995. Chosen by the faculty for most outstanding contribution to the Law School Community.
The Barrister Award—Temple University School of Law, Spring 1994. Received award for most distinguished performance in trial advocacy.
Military Awards—Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal (2nd Oak Leak Cluster); Good Conduct Medal; Expert Infantry Badge, and Parachutist Badge.
Distinguished Graduate—U.S. Army Infantry School, 1984.
Distinguished Graduate—U.S. Army Soldier Support Institute, 1986.
Distinguished Graduate—XVIII Airborne Corps, Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defense School, 1987.
PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC ACTIVITIES
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Chester County Bar Association (CCBA)
Chairman of CCBA Immigration Section
Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA)
BAR ADMISSIONS
Pennsylvania Supreme Court
United States Supreme Court
United States Third Circuit Court of Appeals
United States District Court – Eastern District of Pennsylvania
United States District Court – Middle District of Pennsylvania
