Interview with Justin Peterson

Justin Peterson is the founder of Peterson Law Office, a private practice personal injury firm in Lexington, Kentucky, and has obtained millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts on behalf of his clients. With prior experience representing insurance companies, he knows what the insurance companies look for in evaluating settlements and what drives increased settlements and successful results. Justin also serves as General Counsel for the Lexington Legends and coaches the tournament of champions trial teams at the University of Kentucky College of Law.

Lawyer Minds: What types of cases do you handle?

Justin Peterson: At Peterson Law Office we handle all types of personal injury cases, including motor and commercial vehicle accidents, nursing home, medical malpractice, product liability and general negligence cases.

Lawyer Minds: What’s a typical day in your law firm like?

Justin Peterson: Each day we try to move all of our clients’ cases forward to either settlement or to a jury trial so there is a resolution to their cases. We intake cases in a daily basis, file motions with the Court, and attend depositions and mediations.

Lawyer Minds: Would you rather take on a case that stands a good chance of going to trial or one that will likely settle early?

Justin Peterson: Depends. We make sure all cases have an appropriate outcome for the client. If that means trying the case, we will try the case. If it means early settlement and the offer is fair, we advise our clients to settle.

Lawyer Minds: What advice would you give to a person who is seeking legal representation for the first time?

Justin Peterson: Do your research. So many people hire the best attorney advertisers and not the best attorney. Make sure your attorney has jury verdicts and handles cases in the jurisdiction where your case is located.

So many people hire the best attorney advertisers and not the best attorney. Make sure your attorney has jury verdicts and handles cases in the jurisdiction where your case is located.

Lawyer Minds: What was it like when you got your first win for a client?

Justin Peterson: My first multi-million-dollar result was early in my career. I still speak to my client and we touch base form time to time to see how our lives have developed.

Lawyer Minds: Do you often feel like David fighting Goliath? If so, why?

Justin Peterson: Of course. The insurance companies have unlimited resources to fight. We are constantly the underdog and trying to fight against Goliath, which makes winning for clients so much more enjoyable.

Lawyer Minds: What do you wish you would have known about your career before becoming a lawyer?

Justin Peterson: I’m glad I didn’t know how hard this work really is. I’m glad I didn’t know the types of stress which come with the practice of Plaintiff’s personal injury law. So, I guess, I don’t wish to know anything different!

Lawyer Minds: Do you ever need to be a source of emotional support for our clients’ families? What is that like?

Justin Peterson: Of course. We are not just advocates, we are counselors for our clients. We are there during their darkest times. Being there as emotional support for our clients provides great purpose to our calling as lawyers.

We are there during their darkest times. Being there as emotional support for our clients provides great purpose to our calling as lawyers.

Lawyer Minds: Do you have a legal role model? If so, who?

Justin Peterson: Allison Connelly. She was a professor and now inducted into the University of Kentucky Hall of Fame. She taught me how to try cases. More importantly, she taught me how to be compassionate to my clients and always seek justice.

Lawyer Minds: What’s one thing you want the readers to know about you that we didn’t ask?

Justin Peterson: At Peterson Law Office we have obtained record jury verdicts in Kentucky. The majority of our business involves referrals from other attorneys who prefer to refer the case or co-counsel. We provide fee sharing consistent with the ethical rules of conduct.

Lawyer Minds would like to thank Justin Peterson for sharing his insights with our readers.