Clarisse Petersen > Jackson Lewis P.C. > Orange County, United States > Lawyer Profile

Clarisse Petersen

949-885-1360 Clarisse.Petersen@jacksonlewis.com

Career

Clarisse C. Petersen is a principal in the Orange County, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She counsels and defends employers in all aspects of employment law, including wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, defamation, disability-related claims, breach of contract, and wage-and-hour violations.

A fierce advocate for employers, Clarisse strives to connect with her clients in order to understand their story, their people, and their vision—which, in turn, allows Clarisse to craft thoughtful solutions tailored to the client’s goals. Whenever possible, Clarisse reinforces the same core values and cohesive, team-based culture that Jackson Lewis thrives on to this day.

Clarisse has been an avid litigator her entire career and has taken several cases to trial or arbitration. In her last trial, Clarisse obtained a unanimous defense verdict following a three-week jury trial in Ventura County Superior Court. She has also achieved summary adjudication on behalf of clients and frequently negotiates settlements for less than the client’s authority or potential exposure.

Aside from litigating, Clarisse is deeply committed to mentoring the firm’s next generation of leaders. She dedicates hundreds of hours each year as a trusted and valued resource for associates, and she oversees the onboarding and training process for incoming attorneys. Clarisse also contributed to the significant growth of the Orange County office, having recruited and mentored dozens of top-notch associates during her first three years with the firm.

Prior to joining Jackson Lewis, Clarisse worked at a national law firm where she defended insurance companies in complex coverage disputes and bad-faith litigation. She also spent years litigating as a plaintiff’s attorney, representing individual and corporate clients in a variety of civil matters, including labor and employment. With her dual perspective on civil litigation and trials, Clarisse offers valuable insight into the many challenges that come with navigating employment lawsuits in California.

Education