“The legal system can be a confusing and intimidating process,” explains attorney Peter Karlsson. Karlsson understands that it can be overwhelming and emotional for many, but it doesn’t have to be. “It is my goal to make this process more understandable.”
Helping people is important to Karlsson, and that desire led him to enter the world of law, making a difference for others when they need it the most. “Sometimes there are several choices and sometimes there is only one choice,” he states. The opportunity to help others to make that choice and to solve their legal problems is very gratifying to him.
Karlsson explains, “a lawyer is simply a representative for people, an officer of the legal system, and a public citizen having special responsibility for the quality of justice.” As a representative, a lawyer performs various functions such as an advocate, negotiator, intermediary, and an evaluator to examine the client’s legal affairs.
After four years as an associate lawyer, he opened his own office in 1995, working as a public defender with the State of Minnesota. Today’s focus is on succession planning, guardianships, adoptions, family law, and a limited practice in criminal defense.
Raised on the family farm near Roseau, MN, Karlsson learned the importance of responsibility and dedication by milking Brown Swiss cows, raising hay and small grain crops. He remembers with fondness that the family didn’t have running water or an indoor bathroom, let alone a TV until he was at least 10 years old.
His parents, Enar and Frances, met during WWII in Chicago when his dad was in the army and his mom was attending the American Academy of Art. They returned to the Roseau area and raised their family of five girls and one son. Parental influence has had a strong effect on Karlsson. His dad received his GED at age 50 and began an insurance career with Lutheran Brotherhood. His mom had a radio show for a time and was an accomplished artist in both commercial and fine art. They both encouraged Karlsson to do his best regardless of the situation.
Karlsson and his wife Kathy, who is employed as a graphic designer at AgCountry, raised their daughter Callie Dominique. Callie works in the study abroad program at NDSU. He gives Kathy credit for providing the emotional support when he decided to enter UND’s Law School. At that time, Karlsson was working as a realtor in Grand Forks. He had reached a plateau in the industry coupled with the 1980’s recession, so a new course was needed. With additional support from a lawyer friend, who Karlsson had worked with in the real estate market, Karlsson applied and was accepted to law school in 1987 and graduated in 1990. He also attained a master’s degree in Natural Resources Management from NDSU in 2007.
The legal world can be daunting. As all his services begin with a free meeting to discuss the circumstances and an initial plan with cost estimates. Karlsson strongly suggests that people give him a call sooner rather than later to discuss their legal questions and concerns.
Peter E. Karlsson
Attorney at Law
810 4th Avenue South
Moorhead, MN 556560
pete@karlssonlawoffice.com
218 233-4049
