From the very beginning, I had a clear vision of what I wanted the business to be. Having a clear “why” has not only guided decision-making but also helped inspire employees and built trust with
clients.
Carrie Peterson, the Founder and Principal Solicitor of Peterson Haines, had long envisioned a career that balanced legal excellence with a personal, principle-driven approach.
“I always knew I wanted to be in business,” she shared, recalling how the idea of either entering a partnership or launching her own firm was never far from her mind. For Peterson, the motivation ran deeper than entrepreneurship, it was about reshaping the legal experience itself. She noticed a critical shortfall in how traditional law firms engaged with their clients. Rather than working alongside them as true partners, many firms were stuck in rigid structures that failed to meet clients’ evolving needs. “I saw a huge gap in the way firms were partnering (or not) with their clients,” she explained.
This disconnect, coupled with a desire to offer streamlined and results-oriented advocacy, pushed her to take the leap when the moment was right. “So when the opportunity arose, I jumped at the opportunity to start my own practice and thrive in a positive environment.” Her firm was born from a belief that legal service should be personal, purposeful, and proactive.
Peterson emphasized, “I believe that every client deserves a legal partner who is as invested in their success as they are.” With her own practice, she delivers on that promise, offering bespoke solutions and staying fiercely committed to her clients’ interests, especially in high-stakes disputes. For her, owning a firm isn’t just about business, it’s about making a genuine impact and building something that matters.
Strategic choices for long-term success
When reflecting on the growth of her firm, Carrie Peterson, Founder and Principal Solicitor of Peterson Haines, points to deliberate choices and strategies that laid the foundation for long-term success. At the core was a strong sense of direction. “From the very beginning, I had a clear vision of what I wanted the business to be,” she explains. This clarity guided daily decisions, inspired her team, and instilled confidence in clients.
A major pillar of growth has been a client-centric approach. Peterson believes strong relationships start with genuine listening. Prioritising feedback, delivering seamless experiences, and ensuring every interaction reflects dedication has driven loyalty and organic growth. “A client-centric approach has been at the heart of everything we do,” she says. This mindset has fueled referrals and a strong reputation. Adaptability has also been key.
Peterson and her team embrace change, viewing digital evolution as an opportunity. “Staying ahead of trends and pivoting when necessary… has allowed us to remain competitive,” she notes. This flexibility tailors services to each client’s needs, reinforcing personalised support. Over 26 years, Peterson built a robust network of industry leaders.
“Fostering these relationships for the past 26 years has really cemented our reputation and trust amongst the industry and referral colleagues,” she says. Discipline and the right team sustain this growth. Strategic financial management and smart scaling keep the firm stable, while her passionate team drives success. “I can’t do this alone, success is only possible with a passionate team that genuinely cares about our clients and understands their strategic goals.” From vision to execution, each choice reflects thoughtful planning and a commitment to people-focused outcomes.
Understanding client needs at the core
For businesses that require ongoing advice, we provide
subscription-based legal services, ensuring they have continuous access to us.
What sets Peterson Haines apart in a crowded legal market is its deep understanding of clients’ needs, timely, strategic, and forward-thinking support. Carrie Peterson, the firm’s Founder and Principal Solicitor, believes the difference lies in engagement, not just services. “We understand urgency,” she says plainly, adding that their approach starts with understanding each client’s goals. The firm designs strategies early, revisiting them to ensure alignment. This proactive mindset embeds them into clients’ businesses. As Peterson puts it, “We really work with our clients to become an integral part of their businesses and lives.”
The goal is not just resolving issues but preventing recurrence, with cost-effectiveness and sustainability in focus. Innovation is a cornerstone. Staying ahead involves tracking legal trends and business shifts. “We stay ahead by keeping up with the latest technologies, what is going on in the courts, including the latest judgments, and by understanding the evolution of businesses and relationships,” Peterson explains. This insight guides clients through complex challenges. Technology, like automation, cuts costs, and rethinking the billable hour, with alternative fee structures and subscriptions, ensures accessible advice. Unlike reactive competitors, Peterson Haines offers tailored business health checks and risk management, helping clients anticipate challenges. This blend of responsiveness, innovation, and partnership keeps them ahead.
While Carrie Peterson, Founder and Principal Solicitor of Peterson Haines, describes her journey as relatively smooth, the abrupt shift to virtual court hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic stood out. “At the time, the courts were not set up for virtual proceedings,” she recalls. The immediate transition demanded long hours. “Those 18-hour days during the pandemic were definitely challenging,” she says. Yet, this period taught valuable lessons, especially self-awareness and balance. “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is knowing when to take a break,” Peterson shares. In a high-stakes profession, finding balance feels impossible, but she learned overwhelming moments are temporary. Resilience, she found, is about mindset. “Experience has taught me that I can do it, and get through it. The only limitations are those you place on yourself,” she says. Her steady optimism and perspective guide her through tough times.
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Carrie Peterson, Founder and Principal Solicitor of Peterson Haines, offers clear advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Go for it!” But she stresses preparation and self-awareness. Starting a business adds new responsibilities. “The moment you start your own business, you are adding another ‘job’ to your everyday life,” she explains. “You are no longer just a lawyer day to day, you are a business owner also.”
Waiting for the perfect time is futile, the key is informed intent. Create a solid budget, consult experienced entrepreneurs, and understand what’s involved. “Understand precisely what is required,” she advises. Guidance is critical. “Find a mentor. Learn from your mistakes,” she suggests. Legal and financial foundations are essential, expert advice early saves future trouble. Peterson offers her support warmly: “If you ever want to chat about it, give me a call,” she says. “I would happily grab a coffee and talk it through with you.” Her openness mirrors her practice’s values: thoughtful support, clear direction, and genuine connection.
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