Laura S. Petelle

3445 N. University · Peoria, IL 61604 · (309) 369-1141 · laura@petelle.com

EDUCATION

Duke University School of Law and Duke University Divinity School · Durham, NC
Juris Doctor and Master of Theological Studies, May 2004

Honors:	Mordecai Scholar--Duke Law’s most prestigious scholarship; one of four full-tuition scholarships awarded for academic excellence and demonstrated leadership University Scholar--Duke University’s interdisciplinary program, with one member from each professional school, and graduate and undergraduate students
Activities:	Community Economic Development Clinic and Poverty Law Clinic Innocence Project researcher and case manager Duke Law Drama Society--secretary/treasurer, director, writer, & actor Divinity School choir
Independent Study Project: Guide to the Law for Pastors
Thesis:	The Forgotten Nine Months: Recognizing Pregnancy in Liturgy

University of Notre Dame · Notre Dame, IN
B.A., magna cum laude, Government & International Studies and Theology, May 2000

Honors:	Gertrude Austin Marti Award in Theology, to a graduating senior who has given evidence of personal character and academic achievement in theological studies Columnist of the Year, 2000--Indiana Collegiate Press Awards Pi Sigma Alpha--political science honors society
Activities:	Arts and Letters Student Advisory Council--president, 2000 Notre Dame Jazz Ensemble, bass
Thesis:	After the Fall: A Critical Analysis of the History, Current Political Position, and Future of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany

LEGAL
EXPERIENCE

Attorney-at-Law · Peoria, IL
General Practice Attorney, January 2005-present
Solo attorney in general practice in Peoria

Illinois Central College · East Peoria, IL
Adjunct Professor of Philosophy, January 2007-present
Teaches classes including Introduction to Philosophy, Ethics, Business Ethics, and Medical Ethics.

St. Thomas More Consulting · Peoria, IL
Consultant and owner, January 2005-present
Offers seminars and classes on the law for ministers, pastors, and religious organizations, aimed at helping individuals in the religious community understand their legal responsibilities and liabilities.

Student Press Law Center · Arlington, VA
Legal Intern, summer 2002
Researched press law issues, relating to student media from elementary schools through colleges and universities. Provided counseling to clients, wrote letters of advisement, assisted in update of Law of the Student Press, and researched and wrote a major article for the SPLC Report.
Publication: "Advisers in limbo: Caught between a rock and a hard place, advisers have few rights but some remedies," SPLC Report, Fall 2002

INTERESTS

Junior League of Peoria – Publications Chair 2006-2007; Peoria PlayHouse PR Chair 2007-2008 Chair
University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener
Craft class teacher through Peoria Park District
Freelance writer for a variety of publications

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