About Peter
Peter Willsey built a legal foundation that began in the classroom and moved quickly into private practice. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1988 with a B.A. in economics. Five years later he earned his J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law in 1993.
Those academic years shaped how he approaches problems. Economics gave him a quantitative lens. Law school added the tools to apply that lens to business and regulatory questions. He entered practice at a time when the legal landscape was shifting, and he has worked through several cycles of change since.
Willsey's career includes a long tenure at Cooley Godward Kronish LLP, where he became a partner. The partnership role involved both client counseling and managing matters inside the firm. He took part in team-based work and supervised junior lawyers. The record shows a steady professional progression from associate to partner over many years.
He is licensed to practice in Virginia and in the District of Columbia. Those admissions allow him to represent clients in two adjacent jurisdictions with distinct court systems and regulatory environments. Willsey's background in economics and his legal training give him a practical perspective on issues that touch on both business and public policy.
Colleagues describe him as methodical and plainspoken in meetings and in written work. He has worked on matters that require coordination across offices and disciplines. He has also handled matters that benefit from careful analysis of factual and legal details. He balances client priorities with the procedural demands of litigation and transactional work.
Outside of case files and transactions, his profile reflects steady involvement in firm life. He has supervised associates and contributed to internal practice development. He remains active in maintaining his bar memberships and stays current with legal developments in both jurisdictions.
He currently practices at Cooley Godward Kronish LLP and handles matters arising under the laws of Virginia and the District of Columbia.
