Who We Are

cpeterson@gplawva.com  •  (703) 225-3627

As an associate attorney, Carissa Peterson focuses her practice on trust and estate litigation, beneficiary designation disputes, business litigation and disputes, and contested guardianships and conservatorships.

Carissa has an extensive background in trust and estate matters, including estate and income tax planning, administration, and elder law. Prior to joining the firm, she was vice president and wealth strategist for a large bank’s private wealth management group, where she advised clients on complex estate, tax, and wealth planning issues. Carissa has also practiced law at a boutique trust and estate firm in northern Virginia and clerked for the Commissioner of Accounts for Fairfax County.

As a native Californian, Carissa received her undergraduate degree in Philosophy from San Francisco State University. Years later, she found herself in the DC metro area and graduated from George Mason University School of Law. While in law school, Carissa served in the AmeriCorps JD program providing direct legal services to older adults who had been victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

In her spare time, Carissa enjoys spending time with family and being active outdoors. Lately, you’ll find her training for her next endurance cycling adventure.