John T. Peterson - Buffalo, MN

Overview

John T. Peterson has been, with the exception of the first three years of his life, a lifelong resident of Wright County. The Peterson family itself has deep roots in Wright County, with John M. Peterson and Erick Kelstrum (John's great-grandfather's on both his father's and mother's sides) having homesteaded family farms north of Waverly, in Marysville Township, in the 1870's. John co-owns the Peterson farm today with his younger brother, Wallace H. Peterson, Jr.

The Peterson family has a steeped history of public service in Wright County, with John's great-uncle, Oscar J. Peterson serving as Wright County Treasurer from 1926-1936; and John's great-uncle Earnest J. Anderson serving as Wright County Auditor from 1918 to 1940. John also has two siblings, a sister-in-law and other relatives employed by Wright County at the Wright County Government Center and serving in various capacities.

John joined the firm in 1992. He graduated from St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota in 1985, and William Mitchell College of Law in 1988, being admitted to the Minnesota State and Federal Bars in that same year. Upon receiving his juris doctorate, he entered active duty as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving on active duty until June 1992. Upon completion of active service, John continued his service in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve where he presently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During the summer of 2008, John was recalled to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and served with 3rd Marine Air Wing in Al Asad, Iraq, where he was deployed until February of 2009.

John's areas of practice are concentrated in real estate, estate planning, elder law, business/corporate/partnership law and civil litigation, with an emphasis on real estate related causes of action. He has represented numerous clients in resolving all types of issues from rectifying title issues, to successfully negotiating purchase agreements for the sale/purchase of properties ranging from the tens of thousands to millions of dollars in value. His probate practice has involved representation of clients from the smallest estates to estates in excess of ten million dollars. John's insightful, no nonsense approach to identifying the issues and reaching a timely, well balanced resolution, have impressed both clients and the courts.

He is also a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association and is Certified as a Specialist in Real Property Law. He has received Martindale-Hubbell's highest peer review rating for the last ten plus years based upon his high level of legal ability and ethical standards. His personal affiliations include membership in the Waverly Knights of Columbus, Waverly American Legion and Parish Council, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Waverly, MN.

For hobbies, John enjoys hunting, running, hiking, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and raising poultry on his farm in Marysville Township north of Waverly, and engaging in numerous other outdoor activities with his wife, Tammy, children and grandchildren.

• Member, Knights of Columbus Council #1556
• U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
• Member, St. Mary's Catholic Church, various committees
• Waverly American Legion Post 305
• Montrose-Waverly Chamber of Commerce
• Buffalo Chamber of Commerce
• Support Waverly, Inc.
• Wright County Community Action-Legal Counsel
• Board Member-Buffalo Gal Productions