I was fortunate to work with Doris when I was a young attorney. Doris was truly a special lady. She was an important part of the fabric of our group. In her very capable, kind and encouraging way she taught me to be a better writer and lawyer.  She instilled in us that every legal brief and letter reflected on our Firm and needed to meet our high standards of quality. We were all very proud of this standard and worked hard to try to meet it. I learned so much from Doris about how to navigate my way in a large firm with many different supervising attorneys, each of whom had different work styles.  Her friendship was the greatest gift! We had lots of fun even when faced with the pressure of deadlines or when the hour was late. As a young female attorney in a then male-dominated world of trial lawyers it was wonderful to learn from someone who could be at the same time strong but sweet, commanding but demure, demanding but encouraging, and respected by all for her wisdom, judgment and grace.  It is not surprising that Doris continued to give of herself in her later years. Well done, Doris, there is nothing more beautiful than a life fully lived, and you touched so many hearts! My sympathy to her family and friends.

When I was in my mid-20s and had worked at Baker for only five years, I moved out of state.  Within a year, the opportunity arose for me to come back, and I very much wanted to do so.  My father, however, was against the idea – thought it wouldn't be worth the effort and cost.  When he came to Chicago shortly thereafter, he arranged to meet with Doris Peterson to have a "don't trifle with my daughter" kind of discussion.  He called me after the meeting and said, "I just had the most wonderful conversation with Doris Peterson.  I really think you should go back."  Which I did 35 years ago this April.  Neither Doris nor my dad ever told me the details of their discussion, but my mom once told me that Doris had considered things my father had not, which says a lot about the kind of person she was.  I will always appreciate what she did for me personally and for the guidance and support she showed to all of us, both staff and attorneys. in the Baker McKenzie Litigation group.   With my sincere condolences, Susan Bloom

I was fortunate to work with Doris at the beginning of my career.  She was excellent at her craft.  She was a teacher, a kind person and a gentle soul.  May she rest in peace.   My condolences to her family.  Thank you for sharing Doris with us.

I had the pleasure of working with and learning from Doris in the formative years of my career as a lawyer at Baker & McKenzie. She taught and enforced — always lovingly and with a smile — standards of excellence in how we wrote, how we comported ourselves, and how we treated others. In short, she showed a couple of generations of Firm lawyers and staff, by word and by example, how to be professional. Thank you, Doris. Rest in peace.

My very first "real" job was at Baker & McKenzie and I truly feel blessed that I passed the Doris Peterson test and was hired.  She truly set the bar high and had a way of doing it so you truly wanted to meet her standards and not disappoint her.  You don't find many like Doris in today's workplace.  She was definitely a person that touched so many lives!   May the great memories of Doris, provide the family peace and comfort in the days ahead.

I worked with Doris when I was a young lawyer in the 1980s at Baker & McKenzie in Chicago. She was a great combination of competent and kind.  Many people learned from her example. My condolences to all of her family and friends. RIP.

Nicest person I ever knew. She is certainly in heaven.

Doris was above all a decent, kind, well-mannered and loving woman who treated everyone with respect. She taught primarily by setting an example for others to follow.  She epitomized loyalty to the family she had fostered in her workplace and she was more of a tutor to more young Baker & McKenzie lawyers than any law professor.  She had the difficult task of proofreading draft briefs and diplomatically sharing her suggested corrections with young lawyers who had come to their jobs filled with youthful arrogance.  She politely, quietly, and deftly strengthened us as lawyers, but she also softened us as persons, teaching by example the virtues of patience, self-discipline, kindness, diplomacy, and respect.  She had an absolutely charming and self-effacing manner, smiling and laughing in an understated way that reflected her joy in being part of the team, even if she never got her name on a brief.   She was tireless and worked best behind the scenes, but her touch was always evident to those of us who were fortunate enough to have had her smile shine upon us.  She loved Vic and openly shared her admiration for him and his work.  May she rest always in well-deserved peace, and may her family know how many other families she positively touched in our formative years.

Doris was the definition of grace, compassion and strong work ethic. I was given the privilege of working with her at Baker. She taught me to use my inside voice. What a fantastic guide she was for me so many years ago.  She was one of the most sincerest, nicest person I have ever met. RIP Doris.

Doris was a genuine, caring, compassionate, professional, and dedicated woman, lovely in every way. She was a joy to work with, and a joy to know. She always seemed much younger than her actual age, although she had the competence and maturity of a seasoned veteran professional. Our world is a little less bright without her.

Vic and Doris were long time active members of Rockbrook United Methodist Church in Omaha. Appreciated all the things they did for RUMC.

The Beck family offers their condolences. Mike tell your dad sorry to hear about his sister. Prayers and thoughts coming your way.

OBITUARY

Doris Boruff Peterson

October 22, 1929 – January 5, 2024

Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home & Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park

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