Tom Petersen
Meet Tom Petersen
Thomas “Tom” Petersen, senior partner of our firm, is an experienced trial lawyer with more than four decades of courtroom practice. Licensed in Oregon, California, and Washington, Tom has tried and litigated cases in both state and federal courts across the West Coast. His career is defined by a deep commitment to standing up for the injured and abused, and by his ability to guide clients through some of the most difficult and emotional experiences of their lives.
For Tom, the practice of law has never been about chasing titles or accolades—it has always been about people. Every case is the story of someone’s life, and he has devoted his professional career to helping clients find strength, dignity, and justice in the legal system.
From Rural Roots to the Courtroom
Tom’s journey to the courtroom began far from the city. Born and raised in rural central California, he grew up working on family farms and learning the value of hard work and perseverance. These early lessons shaped the way he approaches both life and the law—grounded, steady, and persistent.
His first academic passion was the dramatic arts. Tom earned his B.A. in Dramatic Art from the University of California, Berkeley in 1976. The discipline of performance sharpened his skills in communication, presence, and critical thinking—all essential tools that would later become cornerstones of his success in the courtroom.
Following his undergraduate studies, Tom attended Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, where he graduated in 1981. While there, he earned academic awards in Forensic Science and Federal Courts, achievements that reflected not only his intellect but also his growing dedication to trial work.
A Career Spanning Every Corner of the Legal System
Over the past forty years, Tom has worn many hats in the legal field. He began his career as a district attorney, gaining firsthand experience prosecuting cases on behalf of the state. He later served as a public defender, standing beside those facing charges and working to protect their constitutional rights. Eventually, he transitioned into private practice, where he found his greatest calling: representing individuals in civil litigation who had been injured, abused, or mistreated.
This wide-ranging background gives Tom a unique perspective in the courtroom. He has seen the system from all sides, and he knows how to anticipate strategies and arguments, whether they come from prosecutors, defense attorneys, or insurance companies. This breadth of experience allows him to build strong, thorough cases for his clients and to bring calm, confident leadership to emotionally charged situations.
A Trusted Legal Counselor
Tom focuses his practice on cases involving personal injury, sexual abuse, elder abuse, and civil rights. He has also handled wrongful death claims, brain and spinal injuries, product liability cases, trucking and auto accidents, mobile home and SUV fires, and industrial accidents. His practice is 100% devoted to litigation, a fact that sets him apart from many attorneys who divide their time between the office and the courtroom.
Whether he is negotiating with insurance companies or trying cases before a jury, Tom is known for his composed presence and thoughtful advocacy. He takes the time to listen carefully to each client, explain their rights, and prepare them for the legal process ahead. He believes that one of the greatest services he can provide is reassurance—helping clients understand that they have a strong, compassionate counselor by their side.
Recognized for Excellence
Over the course of his long career, Tom has earned the respect of both his peers and his clients. He was honored with the 10 Best Attorneys Award for Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service by the American Institute of Legal Counsel, as well as the 10 Best Attorneys Award in Oregon for Client Satisfaction from the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys.
These awards reflect what clients already know—that Tom brings not only skill and knowledge to his cases, but also empathy and dedication to those he represents.
Community Involvement
For Tom, practicing law is only part of his contribution. He is deeply committed to giving back to the community, both through his time and his resources. He provides free legal services to a local nonprofit agency that advocates for children who have been sexually or otherwise abused. His firm also supports charitable organizations such as:
- Habitat for Humanity
- Southern Oregon Humane Society
- Toys for Tots
- Children’s Advocacy Center
- Northwest Seasonal Workers Association
These partnerships reflect his belief that the role of a lawyer extends beyond the courtroom. Justice is not only about verdicts and settlements; it is also about strengthening the communities in which we live and work.
Outside the Courtroom
When he is not practicing law, Tom enjoys the quieter side of life. He is an avid reader of history and fiction, passions that feed both his curiosity and his perspective on the world. He also enjoys gardening, working in his yard, and exploring the natural beauty of Oregon with his family and pets. These pursuits keep him grounded and remind him of the importance of balance and perspective, even in the midst of a demanding career.
Areas of Practice
Tom’s legal practice focuses on:
- Personal Injury
- Sexual Abuse & Assault
- Elder Abuse
- Civil Rights
- Wrongful Death
- Brain & Spinal Injuries
- Product Liability
- Trucking & Auto Accidents
- Mobile Home & SUV Fires
- Industrial Accidents
His ability to handle such a broad spectrum of cases speaks to his extensive knowledge and decades of experience.
Bar Admissions
Tom Petersen is admitted to practice law in three states along the West Coast, giving him the ability to represent clients across a wide region. He is a proud member of the Oregon State Bar, where he has devoted much of his career to serving injured and abused clients. In addition, he is licensed in California, where his legal journey first began, and in Washington, which has allowed him to extend his courtroom experience to federal and state courts throughout the Northwest. These bar admissions reflect both his breadth of knowledge and his longstanding dedication to advocating for clients in multiple jurisdictions.
Certifications and Memberships
Over the course of his career, Tom has also been actively involved in professional organizations that promote justice and strengthen the practice of law. His participation in organizations highlights his commitment not only to his clients but also to improving the legal profession as a whole.
Education
Tom’s academic path has been as dynamic as his career. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Art from the University of California, Berkeley in 1976, an experience that sharpened his communication skills and gave him confidence in the spotlight—qualities that later translated seamlessly into his courtroom presence. After Berkeley, he attended Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, where he graduated in 1981. During law school, he excelled academically and was recognized with awards in Forensic Science and Federal Courts. This strong foundation prepared him for the challenges of trial practice and set the stage for his more than forty years of dedicated legal advocacy.
An Attorney Clients Trust
For Tom Petersen, the most meaningful part of practicing law has always been the people. He believes every client deserves not just legal representation, but also compassion, respect, and guidance. His ability to combine legal expertise with humanity has earned him the trust of thousands of clients over his career.
Tom continues to represent the injured and abused with the same passion and dedication that has defined his practice from the beginning. He sees every case as an opportunity to restore balance and dignity to the lives of those harmed by negligence or abuse. Whether he is standing before a jury, negotiating with opposing counsel, or simply listening to a client share their story, his commitment remains constant: to provide strong advocacy and compassionate counsel to those who need it most. He knows that trust is earned through honesty, persistence, and results, and that belief guides his work every single day.
To get started with Tom Petersen and his excellent team, give us a call today. We look forward to showing you the Black Chapman Petersen & Stevens difference!