Kathleen Flynn Peterson

Kathleen Flynn Peterson is devoted to providing advocacy for people dealing with pain, suffering and loss. As a former registered nurse, Kathleen understands that providing the best possible care requires speaking up for patients’ needs and speaking out against institutional problems in the medical system. Kathleen advocates against health care injustices by focusing on representing individuals and families who experience injury or death as a result of medical negligence. Her medical/legal background, along with a commitment to courtroom excellence and a deep dedication to her clients and their families, allows Kathleen to make an important difference in the lives of the clients she represents. Kathleen’s exceptional advocacy is in all areas of medical negligence with a particular emphasis on babies born with birth injuries, birth trauma, cerebral palsy, and other medical injuries.

As a result of her outstanding advocacy, Kathleen was selected for membership in many prestigious, invitation-only trial lawyer organizations and serves as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Trial Attorneys, the International Society of Barristers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the American Bar Foundation. She also is certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the Civil Litigation Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association and is a frequent, sought-after speaker and lecturer on trial litigation strategies.

Kathleen has been an active member of the Minnesota Association for Justice, serving as their past president, and the American Association for Justice, formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the nation’s largest plaintiffs trial bar. In 2007, Kathleen served as the national president of this organization. In 1999, she was honored with the association’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Her leadership skills in navigating birth, labor, and delivery cases has led to numerous recognitions and awards for her contributions to the legal profession. Kathleen has been consistently recognized by Minnesota Super Lawyers since 2003, and was named a Top 10 Minnesota Super Lawyer (2017-2018) and a Top 50 Women Minnesota Super Lawyer (2010-2018). She has also been named one of 500 Leading Lawyers in America by Lawdragon (2005-2018) and one of the Top 250 Women in Litigation by Benchmark Litigation (2013-2014, 2018). Kathleen was also named to Minnesota Lawyer’s 2015 “Circle of Excellence,” honoring the multiple years the publication has named her an “Attorney of the Year.”

Proud of the work she has done standing by the side of those who need her help to receive justice, Kathleen takes great pride in her family. Married to her husband Steve for 40 years, Kathleen is a mother to two grown sons and grandmother of two grandchildren. She considers her roles as a daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother among her greatest achievements. Kathleen has also devoted countless hours to the broader community through her work as a legal educator and leader and as a board member of Minneapolis’ Children’s Theatre Company.