Based in Buffalo, New York, Philip Montante has served as a United States immigration court judge since 1990. In 1971, Philip Montante began his legal career as an assistant state’s attorney in Fort Lauderdale, followed by positions such as special assistant Florida attorney general and chief municipal court judge in Margate, Florida.

Between 2001 and 2008 and from 2019 to 2021, Philip Montante balanced his responsibilities first as a US immigration judge, then as an Assistant United States Chief Immigration judge , then as a U.S. Appellate Immigration Judge up to 2021 with his work as a member of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. He was also a member of the regional panel's for the President's Commission in Atlanta, Miami and Washington, D.C. in 1980 and in the 90's. He also served as the chairman of the federal executive board in western New York in 2001.

Philip Montante holds a M.Ed. (master of education) from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida and a Doctor of Jurisprudence (law degree) from Samford University College of Law in Birmingham. During law school, he received the American Jurisprudence Book Award Evidence.

Judge Montante has developed relationships with numerous professional organizations, including the American Bar Association, National District Attorney’s Association and the American Judicature Society.