Partner and Executive Committee Member (Chair – Strategic Planning Committee), Reed Smith LLP

Kurt Peterson has practiced exclusively in civil litigation with an emphasis on legal malpractice, health care, entertainment, class actions, business disputes and complex insurance issues. Literally a “lawyer’s lawyer,” Kurt is a nationally recognized authority on professional liability, ethics and risk management issues. He has consulted and testified in trial as an expert on standard of care and ethical issues. He has represented over 250 law firms ranging from sole practitioners to some of the largest and best known firms in California and throughout the United States. Kurt is listed in Chambers and The Best Lawyers in America, as well as Southern California Super Lawyers, and is a frequent speaker on issues relating to law firm management. Kurt was the Managing Partner of the California firm Crosby, Heafey prior to its combination with Reed Smith in 2003 and has served on Reed Smith’s Executive Committee since that time. He currently serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Music Center of Los Angeles County, which includes Disney Hall and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Kurt received a B.A. from Stanford University and a J.D. from University of California, Hastings College of the Law (which honored him as “Alumnus of the Year” in 2001). He is a resident of Santa Monica, California.