R. William Petersen — Attorney in Chariton, Iowa
Over 50 years of legal practice · 4.1/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
AttorneyatShelton Law Firm
Chariton, IA
Practicing law in Chariton since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 4.1 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you R. William Petersen?
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Quick answer
R. William Petersen is an attorney based in Chariton, IA. R. has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shelton Law Firm. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Chariton, IA
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- legal services
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About R. William Petersen: R. William Petersen is an attorney based in Chariton, IA. R. has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shelton Law Firm. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Biography
Meet R. William Petersen — legal lawyer in Chariton
R. William Petersen is an attorney based in Chariton, IA. R. has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shelton Law Firm. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
R. William Petersen is a lawyer. R. received a B.S. degree from University of Iowa in 1973, and has been licensed for 50 years. R. practices at Shelton Law Firm in Chariton, IA.
Clients R. works with
R. reviews new inquiries case-by-case across a general legal practice in Chariton and the surrounding Iowa area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Creighton University School of Law
J.D. · 1976
University of Iowa
B.S. · 1973
Jurisdictions
R.'s state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1980 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1978 · ACTIVE
Iowa
1976 · ACTIVE
R. studied at J.D. in Creighton University School of Law and B.S. in University of Iowa.
Law school and academic background
R. completed J.D. in Creighton University School of Law and B.S. in University of Iowa. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice R. runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
R. has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
R.'s professional memberships and bar associations
Iowa State Bar Association
membership
Locations
R. William Petersen's office in Chariton
R.'s primary office is at 1920 Court Avenue, Suite 1, Chariton, IA, 50049. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of R. William Petersen — 4.1/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of R.. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing legal attorneys in Chariton.
4.1
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once R. William Petersen claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire R. William Petersen — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new legal attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with R. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
R. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain R.'s office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; R. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a legal attorney in Chariton, Iowa
A short list to run through before you commit: How many legal matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for R.
R. discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in legal practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every legal matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. R. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
R.'s office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many legal practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about R. William Petersen
How much does it cost to hire R. for a legal case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. R. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does R. offer a free consultation?
R. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain R.'s office. Some legal attorneys offer free consults — check R.'s current terms during booking.
How long do legal cases in Iowa typically take?
Simple legal matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. R. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can R. take my case if I'm outside Chariton?
R. is licensed in Iowa. Matters governed by Iowa law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — R. will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with R.?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. R. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is R. accepting new legal clients right now?
R.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Attorneys serving Chariton, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids in Iowa
Every city below is a direct link into the search page for verified attorneys serving Iowa.
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