Cynthia L. Petersen opened Petersen Law and QDROs LLC amidst the COVID pandemic, leaving behind a previous position to pursue a more specialized practice. Having been employed at a small law firm situated in Joliet, Illinois, she held the role of trial and litigation attorney for family law and divorce cases, often of a highly contentious nature. Accumulating almost 24 years of experience in this field, Cynthia began to gain recognition for her proficiency in drafting Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) and her expertise in the intricate realm of retirement plan divisions during divorces. However, these aspects were not the central focus of the firm.

Amidst the pandemic’s disruptions and the closure of courts due to COVID restrictions, new clients were scarce, leading to a dearth of incoming payments. For Cynthia, the situation spurred a desire for change, and an unusual financial solution emerged: It became mutually beneficial for the firm and the attorney to part ways and for her to build her own client base.

With a handful of clients transitioning to her care, Cynthia officially established her own business on April 20, 2020. Her focus on developing a flourishing practice centered on retirement plan division in divorce, in addition to offering a range of general legal services, yielded success. Enchanted by the Galena, Illinois, area, Cynthia relocated her practice and family in October 2021, moving a distance of 2 ½ hours from their previous location in Joliet to Stockton, IL. In this new setting, Cynthia assumed the role of the sole full-time attorney in town.

Cynthia L. Petersen forged her practice when online communication emerged as the prevailing mode of interaction. She continued to embrace digital platforms for various functions, including electronic intake processes, digitally signed Engagement Letters, and diverse forms of online payments. Even amid the pandemic, Cynthia remained steadfast in her commitment to advancing her clients’ matters as efficiently as possible.

Enchanted by the Galena, Illinois, area, Cynthia relocated her practice and family in October 2021, spanning a distance of 2 ½ hours from their previous location in the Joliet area to Stockton, IL. In this new setting, Cynthia assumed the role of the sole full-time attorney in town.  Even after moving the practice from her home to an office in December 2021, she continued to embrace digital platforms for various functions, including electronic intake processes, digitally signed Engagement Letters, and diverse forms of online payments.

What Sets Petersen Law and QDROs LLC Apart From Competition?

With a background rooted in customer service, Cynthia’s journey prior to becoming an attorney instilled a strong belief in the concept of legal practice as the epitome of exceptional customer service. This perspective entails delving into the genuine requirements and struggles of clients and subsequently aiding in their resolution with a compassionate and principled approach. Within her legal practice, this mission takes center stage. 

Amid a landscape where many legal practitioners tend to swiftly identify client objectives and devise solutions without fostering a genuine connection, Cynthia takes a distinct approach. Her philosophy underscores the importance of comprehending clients at a deeper level, acknowledging their authentic needs, and collaboratively addressing the intricacies of their challenges rather than solely offering advice. This philosophy positions her against the notion of mere consultation and advocates for a holistic understanding of clients’ circumstances before embarking on a shared journey to navigate the hurdles they face.

Cynthia’s L. Petersen Duties and Responsibilities

Cynthia holds a comprehensive range of responsibilities, spanning from the management of client cases to the oversight of business finances. While she enlists the aid of external vendors for tasks such as website maintenance, IT support, and accounting, the majority of operational aspects fall under her purview.

Cynthia’s leadership approach is centered on forging a partnership with her clients within their unique circumstances. She places paramount importance on ensuring her clients are well-informed and grant her the necessary authority before proceeding. This commitment to transparency extends to an immediate and personal connection with each client—Cynthia is readily available, even handling her own phone calls. 

Furthermore, her approach is grounded in realism. She does not shy away from conveying potential limitations, such as when court outcomes might not align with a client’s desires. Rather, she candidly outlines worst-case scenarios and then diligently works to secure the best possible outcome. A cornerstone of her methodology is attentive listening, where she actively engages with her clients, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their narratives. Collaboratively, Cynthia guides her clients through the legal process, empowering them with insights and keeping them engaged at every step. This approach fosters a sense of control for clients while offering them exceptional guidance throughout their journey.

Harmonizing Innovation, Risk, and Success: Cynthia’s Strategy

Cynthia acknowledges that reaching out to individuals on their terms can be a bold step. Nonetheless, she places great value on establishing such connections as they facilitate the identification of optimal courses of action. While understanding her own limitations and boundaries remains crucial, she’s aware of the potential risks that can come with clients seeking services without a corresponding financial commitment. This often leads to heightened demands and expectations beyond the norm, in contrast to cases where clients are financially vested in the process. She addresses this matter candidly, devoid of judgment, ensuring that clients grasp the value and significance of making an investment.

Efficiency and convenience are paramount to clients, especially after the normalization of online communication during the COVID era. In her practice, Cynthia adeptly employs online intake procedures, digitally signed Engagement letters, along with a blend of email, text, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings to engage with her clients. Leveraging software tools, she ensures precise time tracking and maintains focus on her tasks. When approaching client issues, Cynthia’s perspective extends beyond conventional solutions. Instead, she endeavors to think creatively, aiming to tailor approaches that best suit the distinctive intricacies of each individual situation.

Nurturing Talent: Cynthia’s Approach and Mentorship’s Role

Cynthia’s approach to cultivating talent within her firm is anchored in fostering innovation and proactive engagement among her staff. Rather than waiting for directions, she seeks out individuals who display care and confidence, with a quick learning curve, particularly in areas where she herself may have weaknesses. Mentorship holds a pivotal role in this dynamic. Cynthia recognizes the significance of mentorship in guiding and nurturing the growth of her team members, ensuring their holistic development as professionals.

Cynthia’s Journey: Highlights and Defining Challenges

Cynthia’s academic foundation includes degrees in English, History, and an array of creative disciplines. Her vibrant and energetic personality, coupled with a fervent desire to improve the lives of those around her, characterizes her approach. A committed perfectionist, she consistently brings authenticity and transparency to her work. Creating a harmonious balance between her multiple businesses and family life has been her most substantial challenge. This includes her law firm, the “Artful Exchange” gallery, Airbnb ventures, and her newest project—an escape room. Her involvement in the Unblinded movement further underscores her commitment to integrous service and continuous growth.

Unveiling Cynthia’s New Venture and Future Visions

Cynthia’s newest venture, “Let Us Out! Escape Room,” launched on September 1, 2023. This endeavor offers an enjoyable, family-oriented experience, with the goal of attracting tourists to the town, particularly those exploring nearby resort areas in Northwest Illinois. The escape room concept is designed to evolve over time, with scenario rotations occurring approximately every three months. Cynthia envisions expanding the offering to include a variety of scenarios, accommodating diverse preferences. Beginning with a strong foundation, the venture aims to establish a solid foothold before embarking on further growth endeavors.

In essence, Cynthia L. Petersen and Petersen Law and QDROs LLC stand out as legal partners who prioritize their clients’ well-being, embrace innovation, and are dedicated to making a positive impact in their community. Cynthia’s vision and commitment to integral service continues to drive her toward new horizons of success and growth.