Quinn, Johnston, Henderson, Pretorius & Cerulo: Laura Petersen

Laura Petersen

Laura Petersen grew up in Libertyville, a suburb of Chicago. Her mom is a retired nurse and her dad is a forensic engineer. Laura has one sister, Beth, who is 3 years younger, and one brother, Bob, who is 5 years younger. She says that her siblings truly are her best friends. Laura and her husband, Tyler, have been married 10 years. Law is a common discussion in their household since Tyler is also an attorney! They have a son, Brady, who is 3 1/2 years old and a 10 year old yellow Labrador retriever named Casey.

Laura started at QJHPC in 1998. It was her first job after graduating from law school, and she has always planned for it to be her only job. Laura told us that it's unusual for people to retire from the first firm from which they work, but she has never doubted that will be the case for her. Laura chose QJHPC because of the people who work here. "Not only do our attorneys and staff have an excellent reputation, but they are good people. The fact that we get together for happy hour in the kitchen every Friday says a lot about us -- we like to be around each other even when we're not working. You can't say that about some firms."

Some things you may not know about Laura:

She loves reading. One of her all time favorite books is Dress your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris. She says that every time she reads it, she laughs out loud. The last two really good books Laura read were Blindness by Jose Saramago, and Middlesex by Jeffry Eugenides. Laura has the benefit of having a high school English teacher as a sister who recommends great books.
She loves to travel. Her favorite destinations involve warmth and sunshine where she can lounge by a pool.
She claims to bleed Orange & Blue. Laura loves to attend University of Illinois sporting events. She has season tickets to football and basketball games!
If Laura had to choose a different career, she said that she always wanted to be an actress on a sitcom or soap opera. However, she said she is far too practical to choose that career! Instead, she would probably choose medicine because she likes interacting with people.

Laura’s mentor at the firm is Murvel Pretorius, not only because he is a brilliant and gifted attorney, but he has also been patient and kind. The most important thing he taught Laura was "Always remain classy and calm, even when your opponent isn't. Opposing counsel may even personally attack you, but if you don't stoop down to their level, you will always come out ahead." Her two favorite things about her job are working with clients and arguing in the courtroom. Laura’s least favorite thing about the practice of law is what she thinks most attorneys would say -- billable hours. However, Laura enjoys the relationships she develops with clients, and knowing that she is helping them. "As much as people stereotype attorneys, we really do make a difference in people's lives. That's what keeps you going when you're putting in long hours."