Atty. Rafe Petersen

Atty. Rafe Petersen

Mr. Rafe Petersen is a lawyer practicing environmental, environmental litigation, family and 2 other areas of law.

Washington Washington 29 yrs experience 29 year
Call (771) 328-7561 Book Appointment

Environmental & More Attorney · Serving Washington, DC · 29+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About Rafe Petersen at a Glance

Rafe Petersen is a Partner based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Holland And Knight Llp. They have 29+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1997. Their practice focuses on family law, litigation, and environmental. Admitted to practice in Virginia (1997), Maryland (1998), and District of Columbia (1999). Educated at George Washington University Law School J.D. (—). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Active member of Virginia State Bar Maryland State Bar Association The District of Columbia Bar. Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Rafe Petersen

  • Mr. Rafe Petersen is a lawyer practicing environmental, environmental litigation, family and 2 other areas of law
  • Rafe has been licensed for 29 years
  • Rafe practices at Holland & Knight LLP in Washington, DC

Practice Areas Explained

Rafe Petersen's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Rafe Petersen handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Washington.

Family Law in Washington

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Rafe Petersen is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in District of Columbia →

Civil Litigation in Washington

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Rafe Petersen is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in District of Columbia →

Environmental Law in Washington

Environmental attorneys for regulatory compliance, contamination, land use, and natural resource law.

Rafe Petersen is one of 55,977 environmental attorneys indexed nationally. Browse environmental attorneys in District of Columbia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Washington

Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Washington Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Washington-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Rafe Petersen

Where is Rafe Petersen's law office located?
Rafe Petersen's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Holland And Knight Llp. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Rafe Petersen handle?
Rafe Petersen focuses on family law, litigation, environmental. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in District of Columbia.
How long has Rafe Petersen practiced law?
Rafe Petersen has 29+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1997.
Where did Rafe Petersen go to law school?
Rafe Petersen earned their education at (—).
How can I contact Rafe Petersen for a consultation?
You can contact Rafe Petersen directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Rafe Petersen received?
Rafe Petersen's notable recognition includes: Peer Reviewed.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Washington Choose Rafe Petersen

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Rafe Petersen's practice in the field of family law, litigation, and environmental.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

Rafe Petersen brings 29+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and District of Columbia, Rafe Petersen can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering family law, litigation, and environmental, Rafe Petersen can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Washington

A Washington-based practice means Rafe Petersen attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues Rafe Petersen Handles in Washington

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Rafe Petersen has experience with under District of Columbia law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Divorce and property division
Family Law
Child custody and support
Family Law
Spousal support (alimony)
Family Law
Prenuptial agreements
Family Law

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Rafe Petersen directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Rafe Petersen Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Washington commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Rafe Petersen.

Rafe Petersen attorney Rafe Petersen lawyer Rafe Petersen Washington Rafe Petersen District of Columbia Rafe Petersen reviews Rafe Petersen contact Holland And Knight Llp law firm family law attorney in Washington family law lawyer Washington best family law attorney Washington top rated family law lawyer near me family law attorney District of Columbia find a lawyer near me how to hire an attorney

If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Rafe Petersen directly.

Education & Law School Background

—
George Washington University Law School J.D.
- In Progress

Awards & Professional Honors

Peer Reviewed

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

Virginia
Admitted: 1997
Maryland
Admitted: 1998
District of Columbia
Admitted: 1999

Client Reviews & Ratings — Rafe Petersen

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