"I listen to people, talk with people one on one, identify with their needs, and, therefore, I am able to work with them most successfully. I am a very people-oriented person. I try very hard to identify and work effectively with opposing counsel, judges, etc, in an effort to get the best result that I can. It is also much less stressful and advantageous to work effectively with others than it is to simply apply the cold law.”
- Angela Peters
Angela Peters has been an attorney since 1985. An experienced litigator, Angela’s law practice focuses primarily on the fields of Family Law (Divorce, Adoption, Paternity, Child Support, Post Decree, Custody, Adoption, International); Criminal Law (Criminal Misdemeanor/Felony); Real Estate Law (Real Estate Closings), other General Practice cases including Traffic/DUI; Probate/Wills/Guardianship and Animal Law. Her broad base of experience in diverse cases has provided her with a strong advantage when resolving and litigating other areas of the law.
Angela was born in Schenectady, New York in 1951. Throughout her childhood and teen years, she was inspired by parents that, through their own example of hard work and endurance through all circumstances, set high standards for achievement and work ethics. At the precocious age of five years old, Angela set her sights on a law career. After graduating from the University of Illinois, Chicago in 1973 earning her B.A. in Philosophy, other interests and passions briefly redirected Angela to the business world where she became a partner as well as a sole proprietor in 5 antique stores for nine years. Her specialty was redesigning vintage clothes.
One day at the store, she was confronted by a visitor who pointed a gun at her. She fought with him and survived. Angela reminisces about the life-altering experience, “It is interesting… I thought that if I had limited days on earth, I wanted to experience being an attorney before I left. I liked being a dress designer because I liked to help people feel good about themselves. I realized that I could affect more people and in greater ways, if I was their attorney instead. I remember very clearly thinking that, if I was too rebellious to do that for myself, that I could do it for my dad, who always wanted that. I went to law school at 30 years old. My professors always told me that I had a leg up on my peers, because I had business and practical experience.” In 1985, Angela earned her J.D. from IIT-Chicago Kent College of Law. That same year, Angela was admitted to the bar.
Angela began her legal career at Stephen M. Komie & Associates as an Associate through March of l985. She then went on to work in the satellite office of Buffalo Grove Law Offices, Ltd. until 1988. From 1988 to the present, Angela has been the principal attorney of Buffalo Grove Law Offices.
"Regardless of whether one chooses to be a seamstress, school teacher, travel agent, engineer, dad, mom (which the most important people in my life were each of these), it is a tribute to yourself that you make others feel proud to be in your company and to be involved with you."
- Angela Peters
Angela has published a legal column entitled, “On the Tip of Your Tongue”, in the North Suburban Bar Association newsletter, since about l990. Previously, Angela wrote an article entitled, “Breath Alcohol Machines: Evidence Foundation Requirements in Illinois,” with two other authors, which was published in the John Marshall Law School Law Review, Vol 22, Number 1, Fall, 1988. Additionally, she wrote an article entitled “Sperm Donor Can Keep It In His Pocket” which appeared in the Illinois Family Law Report, AP, 1995. Always keeping herself on the forefront of the industry, Angela has organized or spoken at approximately twenty-five seminars.
Angela was the President of the North Suburban Bar Association in l992 and is currently the Treasurer of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association. She is on the Assembly of the Illinois State Bar Association, and has been newsletter editor of a number of the section newsletters, as well as the Chair of Numerous Committees including; Minorities, Women, Immigration and International Law, Traffic Committee.
Angela is a member of; Illinois State Bar Association (Assembly, 3 terms; Minority and Women Standing Committee, 1992 Chair; General Practice Section Council, 8 years, Newsletter editor 7 years; Traffic Laws and Courts Section Council, 8 years, currently Chair; International & Immigration Section Council, Chair, 2001; Illinois Bar Foundation Fellow), North Suburban Bar Association, President 1993, present member, and member 17 years; Northwest Suburban Bar Association, present member and member 17 years, Treasurer, Board of Governors, 1988-1992, and 1999 – 2001, Parliamentarian (1997-1998), Dinner Meeting Chairperson (1998 To present); Buffalo Grove Chamber of Commerce, 17 year and present member; Animal Legal Defense Fund, 15 year member.
Angela has been a member of the Animal Legal Defense Fund for over fifteen years. She is a member of the Chicago Bar Association Animal Law Committee, a group established in 2002, in an effort to assist animal-related issues, and often works Pro Bono for these causes. “Sometimes people ask me why I help animals as much as I do. I believe that the way that people learn to treat animals directly affects the way that regard other people also as they grow up.”
Angela has been married for over twelve years. Her mother, seven brothers and sisters, and the 14 grandchildren in the family all live nearby and remain a very close-knit family. Angela’s hobbies include sewing, gourmet cooking with her husband, sailing, painting, swimming, working out and yoga.
"I like to help people with their problems. I enjoy being able to take their cases to court, if need be, and to get the result they are entitled to. I enjoy working with attorneys, clients, and others to work out practical, negotiated, mediated solutions. Most importantly, I like to help people feel good about themselves and their situations.”
- Angela Peters