Kathryn E. Pettersen
AssocIate Attorney

Kathryn E. Pettersen joined Hart Cantrell & Thompson as an Associate Attorney in 2025, following her licensure with the Illinois State Bar in November 2025. Her practice focuses on Immigration Law and General Civil Practice, grounded in her deep commitment to client advocacy.

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A distinguished graduate, Kathryn earned her Juris Doctor cum laude from Southern Illinois University School of Law (Simmons Law School) in May 2025. Prior to law school, she graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from Marian University in Wisconsin in May 2022. This unique social work background provides her with exceptional skills in client communication, critical thinking, and understanding the complex human elements of legal disputes.

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While at SIU Law, Kathryn immersed herself in experiential learning, working with both the Juvenile Justice Clinic and The Immigration Project. Her passion for international law was clear: she was awarded the prestigious CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Asylum and Refugee Law and represented SIU in a trial competition during a legal globalization course in Kenya. She is dedicated to continuing her focused work in Immigration Law in her practice.

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Kathryn is an active member of the legal community, holding current memberships in the Illinois State Bar Association, the Franklin County Bar Association, Southern Illinois Inns of Court, and the Southern Illinois Immigration Rights Project.

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Originally from Wisconsin, Kathryn relocated to Southern Illinois for law school in 2022. She quickly developed an appreciation for the region, leading her to make the choice to stay and dedicate her professional career to serving the people of Southern Illinois.