Jenna Peterson, Attorney

After a decade of service with Redwood County, Jenna took a leap of faith and joined Smith & Johnson. Her current practice focuses on contracting with municipalities to provide criminal prosecution services. As part of the Minnesota County Attorney’s Association, she watched as attorney shortages increasingly affected rural offices tasked with prosecuting crimes. This issue is quickly becoming a public safety concern of serious magnitude and Jenna saw an opportunity to use her experience to support county and city attorney colleagues in times of need. She joins Smith & Johnson to continue building upon the important work that Travis and Kayla have already begun, and—most importantly—continuing her commitment to serving the justice system as public servant, which has always been her true professional calling.

Jenna brings an exceptional depth of experience in public service, legal advocacy, and community leadership. Jenna has dedicated her career to public safety and justice—most notably as the elected County Attorney for Redwood County from 2017 to 2025. During her tenure, she led initiatives to protect vulnerable populations, prosecute serious offenses, and foster interagency collaboration across law enforcement, social services, and the courts.

Her career spans over a decade of public prosecution, courtroom litigation, and policy advising. She has managed complex legal teams, handled hundreds of adult and juvenile criminal cases, as well as child and adult protection matters, successfully litigated over 50 court and jury trials, advised county boards, led training for law enforcement and educators, and served on multiple boards that address legal education, child protection, and public safety including the Zero Abuse Project’s Investigation and Prosecution Advisory Board, The Infinity Project, and the Minnesota County Attorney Association Educational Foundation.

Jenna is an accomplished attorney, passionate advocate for justice, and a dedicated leader and educator who has presented widely on topics including domestic violence, sexual assault, and truancy intervention. She brings both vision and practical experience to the firm.