After nearly three decades in law, Paul Petruska reached a point where he knew something had to change. Rather than chase a role with added pressure, he decided to pursue a version of success that was more aligned with how he wanted to live.
A position as regional trial counsel had been on the table, and because he had the experience, background, and reputation for it, it seemed like the logical next move. Yet when he spent time observing others already in that role, the tradeoffs became impossible to ignore.
“I once thought I wanted to be a regional trial counsel,” he said. “But after spending time with those already in that role, I realized the cost was too high—poor sleep, rising anxiety, and a diminishing sense of purpose.”
Letting go of the idea of becoming a regional trial counsel marked a turning point in his life. Today, Petruska works in litigation, estate planning, and small business advisory. The focus within his practice may have shifted, but his direction in life has only grown stronger.
A Routine That Leaves Room to Think
For Petruska, each morning starts with a few minutes of reflection. He sets aside ten minutes to reset before the day starts, and when time allows, he adds in a walk with his dog, easing into the morning with intention and space to think.
Each day looks different, organized around the pace and demands of his practice, which he keeps track of with a to-do list. Mornings are set aside for litigation, which often involves time-sensitive decisions, fast-moving updates, and client communication that can’t be delayed. Later in the day, he turns to business advising and estate planning, which tend to require more extended conversations and more focused attention.
By separating his day into blocks, he’s able to match each type of task with the energy it requires, and the variety allows him to avoid getting stuck in the same routine every day.
A Holiday Weekend That Set the Tone
Earlier in his career, Petruska was assigned nine motions and nine writs of mandamus just before Christmas. At that point, he hadn’t written a writ of mandamus before and didn’t know what it involved.
Rather than get stuck in analysis paralysis, he relied on one of his greatest strengths—his ability to learn quickly and adapt under pressure. He spent the holiday weekend leaning into the assignment, teaching himself the material and ultimately finishing everything on time.
“That moment confirmed my ability to teach myself unfamiliar law quickly and effectively,” he said. “It taught me that no matter how intimidating a legal problem may appear, it can be mastered through focus and resourcefulness.”
What might have been a confidence-shaking weekend became a lasting lesson. Now, whenever unfamiliar subjects arise, whether in litigation or estate planning, he begins by taking the time to understand the material and then moving forward through whatever means necessary.
This ability to adapt has served him well throughout his career. When his work in railroad law suddenly became less relevant, he pivoted to asbestos litigation. While the cases weren’t particularly fulfilling, they taught him how to lead a team through a transitional period, all while supporting clients.
“Resilience isn’t just about grit—it’s about evolving with integrity,” he said.
At one point, Petruska’s law license was suspended, forcing him to reevaluate the path he was on. When he returned to practicing law, he did so with a stronger sense of purpose, grounded in curiosity, grit, and humility. Viewing those challenges as lessons helped him come back with greater clarity and focus for the road ahead.
Staying Engaged and Evolving Alongside a Changing Industry
Paul Petruska holds certification as an eDiscovery Specialist (CEDS) and stays involved with legal technology through conferences, webinars, and panel discussions. His speaking topics include AI-assisted document review, discovery reform, and digital contract systems.
“Speaking on these topics also keeps me accountable to learning them,” he said.
For him, legal technology isn’t a replacement for critical thinking. Instead, it’s a way to support consistent, organized, and ethical work. Tools that improve transparency, streamline reviews, or safeguard digital evidence enable attorneys to spend more time focusing on what matters: understanding the client’s fundamental goals and executing them effectively.
“Whether it’s AI-supported document review or court-admissible digital evidence, I believe integrating new tools enhances efficiency without sacrificing integrity,” he said.
Petruska has also taught law at the graduate level, serving as an adjunct professor at Saint Louis University School of Law. He regularly presents at conferences and forums, contributing to both professional and academic conversations.
Leading Through Service and by Example
Community engagement remains one of the most important parts of Petruska’s life. In addition to being a husband and father of two, he actively serves in leadership positions that reflect his long-standing commitment to service. He is President of the Board for USTA St. Louis and Vice President of the Board for Flance Early Childhood Center.
Through these roles, he focuses on expanding access to early education and supporting efforts to revitalize tennis as a sport centered on character, inclusion, and community. Mentorship and volunteer work also play a meaningful part in his life. He advocates for programs that invest in youth development and family well-being, often contributing time and support behind the scenes as well as in formal leadership positions.
Throughout his career, Petruska has contributed to both academic and professional discussions, including his time as an adjunct professor at Saint Louis University School of Law. He continues to speak at conferences and forums, where his topics often include innovation, technology, and communication.
Two people stand out as the most influential in his career, starting with his father. A physician who treated patients with cancer and blood disorders, his father left a deep impression, not only on Petruska, but on the many lives he changed. Even now, decades later, people still come up to share how much his father meant to them.
Seeing the lasting impact his father had on the community inspires him to pursue a similar legacy. That desire to work hard and leave something meaningful behind only grew stronger thanks to mentors like Russ Waters. He entrusted Petruska with significant cases early on, helping him believe in himself at a time when he was still trying to find his footing.
These early influences continue to shape his leadership style today. Whether preparing a keynote, planning a community initiative, or advising a client, his guiding philosophy is rooted in trust, humility, and a commitment to lifelong learning. He firmly believes in second chances and views every decision as part of his legacy—one that he strives to build on integrity, service, and meaningful contribution.
Listening First, Planning Second
Petruska’s approach to each case starts with curiosity. He takes the time to listen closely and carefully, not just to what clients say, but to what they might not have words for yet. The more context he gets upfront, the better the process can fall into place.
“Clients don’t always know what they need,” he said. “Thoroughness often starts with uncovering what isn’t being said.”
Once he has the whole picture, Petruska starts putting a plan into place. He organizes documents, sets clear expectations early, and ensures that any potential pressure points are addressed before they become problems. His approach is consistent and detail-oriented, with sufficient flexibility to adapt when circumstances change. Clients return because they know he’ll listen, follow through, and remain calm, even when things feel urgent or uncertain.
“I value trust and transparency, and I view my role as a legal advisor as one of being a highly-paid problem solver. People come to me because they trust that I care, not just that I know the law,” he said.
Measuring His Career by Meaning
For attorneys still figuring out their path, Paul Petruska offers straightforward advice:
“Don’t chase titles—chase fulfillment,” he said. “Success isn’t being named partner; it’s being proud of your work and still having time and space to enjoy your life.”
That includes knowing when to ask for support, taking care of your mental health, and doing the kind of legal work you can stand behind at the end of the day. When challenges arise, he emphasizes the importance of advocating for yourself and developing self-awareness.
To him, being successful isn’t about billing the most hours or closing the biggest deal. It’s about what he leaves behind.
“Your value isn’t just what you bill—it’s the difference you make in people’s lives,” he said. “Find the area of law that lets you sleep at night—and run toward it.”
Over time, Petruska has redefined success on his own terms. The version of law he practices today is one that is deeply influenced by reflection and grounded in a deeper understanding of what truly matters. Instead of measuring his success by prestige, he focuses on purpose and long-term impact, ensuring he can lead a life he’s proud of.