
Laurette Nitz Petersen, Bankruptcy Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Energy
PartneratSheppard Mullin
Chicago, IL
Practicing bankruptcy in Chicago since 1996.
- 30+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
Laurette Nitz Petersen is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Energy. Laurette has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sheppard Mullin.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 30 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Energy
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Energy matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Laurette Nitz Petersen: Laurette Nitz Petersen is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Energy. Laurette has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sheppard Mullin.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Laurette takes on
Laurette concentrates on bankruptcy, business, energy, general, and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Laurette handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Energy
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General
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M&A
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Real Estate
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Zoning
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Bankruptcy cases in Chicago, Illinois
Laurette takes bankruptcy matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Laurette agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
Laurette takes business matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Laurette agrees to represent you.
Energy cases in Chicago, Illinois
Laurette takes energy matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Laurette agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
Laurette takes general matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Laurette agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Chicago, Illinois
Laurette takes m&a matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Laurette agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Laurette Nitz Petersen — bankruptcy lawyer in Chicago
Laurette Nitz Petersen is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Energy. Laurette has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sheppard Mullin.
Laurette Nitz Petersen is a lawyer practicing real estate, energy, land use & environmental, commercial leasing, real estate acquisitions and dispositions and 5 other areas of law. Laurette received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1984, and has been licensed for 30 years. Laurette practices at Sheppard Mullin in Chicago, IL.
How Laurette handles bankruptcy matters
Laurette Nitz Petersen is a lawyer practicing real estate, energy, land use & environmental, commercial leasing, real estate acquisitions and dispositions and 5 other areas of law. Laurette received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1984, and has been licensed for 30 years. Laurette practices at Sheppard Mullin in Chicago, IL.
The kind of cases Laurette takes
Laurette reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and energy matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Chicago
J.D. · 1996
Michigan State University
B.A. · 1984
Jurisdictions
Laurette's state bar admissions
Illinois
1996 · ACTIVE
Laurette studied at J.D. in University of Chicago and B.A. in Michigan State University.
Law school and academic background
Laurette completed J.D. in University of Chicago and B.A. in Michigan State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Laurette runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Laurette Nitz Petersen's office in Chicago
Laurette's primary office is at 321 North Clark Street 321 North Clark Street, 32nd Floor, Chicago, IL, 60602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Sheppard Mullin
321 North Clark Street 321 North Clark Street, 32nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Laurette Nitz Petersen — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Laurette usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Laurette charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Laurette's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Laurette will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Laurette
Laurette discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Laurette confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Laurette's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Laurette Nitz Petersen
How much does it cost to hire Laurette for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Laurette walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Laurette offer a free consultation?
Laurette charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Laurette's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Laurette's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Laurette gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Laurette take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Laurette is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Laurette will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Laurette?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Laurette will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Laurette accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Laurette's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Laurette handles bankruptcy matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
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If Laurette's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





