Frederick J. Petersen is a commercial lawyer with a practice focused in commercial bankruptcy, commercial transactions, business restructures, commercial litigation and real estate transactions.
Fred joined Mesch Clark Rothschild in 1998 as a law clerk while attending the University of Arizona College of Law. He became an associate in 1999 and a shareholder in 2005. Fred was the firm’s managing shareholder from 2011 to 2017 and returned to that role from 2019 to present. Fred received a Bachelor of Arts degree, Magna Cum Laude, in history and political science from Gonzaga University in Spokane Washington.
Since graduating from law school, Fred has provided business and financial legal counsel to a variety of businesses including farmers, dairies, agricultural businesses, hospitals, restaurants, golf courses, retail stores, grocery chains, real estate ventures, construction companies, and religious organizations, as well as serving as counsel to bankruptcy debtors, creditors, Chapter 11 Trustees, creditor committees, and state court receivers.
He takes pride in his drive to find creative solutions to problems. His “results oriented” approach often leads to quicker and less expensive solutions than a litigation first preference. Fred understands, however, that sometimes litigation is required to reach a solution.
Fred is the chair of the Arizona State Bar Bankruptcy Section, an Executive Vice-President for Scouting America Catalina Council, a member of the Arizona State Bar Bankruptcy Advisory Commission, a Master in the Arizona Bankruptcy American Inn of Court, and a member of the Breakfast Club of Tucson. He is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute and the American Bar Association, Law Practice Management Section. Fred is AV Rated by Martindale and listed in Best Lawyers and as a Southwest Super Lawyer.
Fred grew up in Blackfoot, Idaho, a small town in eastern Idaho. When not working or serving his community, he enjoys watching football, is a welder and blacksmith, is a Boy Scout leader, and loves going hiking, camping, backpacking, and scuba diving.
