Diedre Peters, 40

Member, Blanton, Nickell, Collins, Douglas & Hanschen, Sikeston

Practice Areas: Civil litigation

Law School: University of Illinois

In her early 30s, Diedre Peters found herself in a career that she had fallen into rather than chosen. She wanted challenge, variety and opportunities to progress. That’s why she chose the law as her new career. Now, her work includes medical malpractice defense, commercial litigation, personal injury and employment disputes.

Known for her hard work and commitment to favorably resolving cases, Peters admits that winning dispositive motions is a great feeling. “One of my mentors told me that you can be the world’s smartest person,” she says, “and that won’t mean a thing if you don’t work hard. I often advise young attorneys to surround themselves with people who want to see them get to the next level.”

While in law school, Peters received the CALI Excellence Award for Legal Writing and was an associate editor of the University of Illinois Law Review. She is a member of the Sikeston Lion’s Club and serves on the board of directors of the House of Refuge.

What is something about you that would surprise people?

I have nine pets, including two chinchillas that I taught to do tricks. They can give high fives with their tiny hands and spin around.

If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what profession would you have chosen?

I would love to run a wildlife refuge.