Tom Petersen

Personal Injury | Sexual Abuse

Experienced Trial Lawyer Representing the Injured and Abused in Oregon, California, and Washington

Thomas (Tom) Petersen is an experienced personal injury and sexual abuse attorney based in Oregon, with over 40 years of courtroom experience. He is licensed to practice law in Oregon, California, and Washington, and has tried and litigated cases in both state and federal courts throughout the West Coast.

Born and raised in rural central California, Tom grew up working on family farms and enjoying the outdoors. He earned his B.A. in Dramatic Art from the University of California, Berkeley, where he honed his skills in communication and critical thinking. He later graduated with honors from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, earning academic awards in Forensic Science and Federal Courts.

A Trusted Legal Advocate

Tom has served as a district attorney, public defender, and private trial lawyer, giving him a unique understanding of the legal system from all sides. He focuses on helping clients in complex cases.

Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing clients in court, Tom brings a calm, confident presence to highly emotional and challenging cases. He listens carefully, educates his clients on their rights, and helps them pursue the justice they deserve.

“When clients come to me, they’re often in pain or distress. They need more than a lawyer—they need a strong and compassionate counselor who can guide them through the legal process.”

Community-Focused

Tom is deeply committed to supporting his community. He provides free legal services to a local nonprofit that advocates for abused children, and his firm supports organizations like:

• Habitat for Humanity
• Southern Oregon Humane Society
• Toys for Tots
• Children’s Advocacy Center
• Northwest Seasonal Workers Association

Outside the Courtroom

When not working, Tom enjoys reading history and fiction, gardening, and exploring Oregon’s natural beauty with his family and pets.

Areas of Practice

• Elder Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Civil Rights
• Personal Injury

100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

One of Tom’s favorite aspects of his job is hearing his clients’ stories and educating clients on how to make the legal system, including insurance disputes, work to their benefit either through  informal resolution methods or by trying the case in court. Tom realizes that when he is consulted many clients or witnesses are under quite a bit of stress and need reassurance that they will have a strong and counselor. Tom engages clients by sharing his knowledge, experience, and basic humanity to bond with clients and thereby earn their trust.

Tom gives back to the community by providing free legal services to a local non- profit agency that protects and advocates for children who have been sexually or otherwise abused. Tom and the firm also provide financial support to our community partners such as Habitat for Humanity, Southern Oregon Humane Society, Toys for Tots, Northwest Seasonal Workers, and Children’s Advocacy Center.

Tom is a voracious reader of history and fiction. He lives in Ashland, Oregon and enjoys working in his yard, spending time with his family and pets, and experiencing Oregon’s beauty.

Practice Areas

Education

U.C. BERKELEY – 1976

Tom graduated from U.C. Berkeley in 1976 with a B.A. in Dramatic Art and worked as an actor before attending and graduating from law school.

SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY – 1981

Tom attended and graduated from law school in 1981 at Southwestern University where he was an honor student and received awards in Forensic Science and Federal Courts.

Awards

Tom Petersen received the 10 Best Attorneys Award Oregon For Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service from the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys

Congratulations to Partner Tom Petersen for being a great litigator.

Tom Petersen in the News