A Day in the Life at Elise Buie Family Law: Meet Attorney Peter Schoening

When I first joined Elise Buie Family Law, my job was to help wherever the team needed me. The firm had recently undergone rapid growth, so there was an immediate need for someone to manage casework. Starting my first day, I was entrusted to conduct legal research, formulate legal arguments, meet with clients, and draft documents. Over time, my role evolved further, and now I manage my own cases, strategize with clients, and guide them through their legal matters.

I’ve also gained broad exposure to a multitude of legal issues by collaborating with other attorneys in different family law pods, gaining insight from their experience and strategic thinking. When I initially joined the firm, I lived about two hours away from Seattle, so the remote setup of EBFLG was a huge plus. A month into my employment, I moved about 20 minutes away from the city, so although I’m still remote, now I’m available for in-person hearings and meetings when needed. Recently, I had the opportunity to handle an in-person hearing in Snohomish County, which was a great learning experience.?

Before law school, I worked as a paralegal at a downtown Seattle intellectual property law firm, assisting attorneys on patent, trademark, and copyright matters. I also worked at Microsoft as a paralegal in the licensing department. During law school, I interned at AT&T and Quest Software. I took a wide variety of classes to see where my interests and skills aligned.

In my first attorney role at a civil law firm, I practiced broad areas of law, including family law. While I’m still passionate about protecting ideas and innovations, I discovered that I have a knack for the human side of the law. Growing up with a father who was a psychologist and mother who was a marriage and family therapist, I developed an early understanding of emotional intelligence and its role in decision-making. I use this foundation to help clients make informed choices that balance legal outcomes with personal well-being.

I’m grateful to leverage my strengths more fully in family law, and I’m still able to use my intellectual property knowledge when advising clients on the division of assets. From an early age, I was drawn to the idea of advocating for others and finding solutions to complex challenges. I took a leap of faith as the first in my family to pursue a legal career. The law provides a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact in people’s lives, whether guiding them through difficult transitions, protecting their rights, or helping them find resolutions that bring peace of mind. I’m proud to be part of a profession that allows me to combine critical thinking with compassion, ensuring my clients feel heard, supported, and empowered every step of the way.

One of the things I love most about working at EBFLG is the work-life balance and the flexibility the firm offers. It has been amazing to have the freedom to step away for a quick hike or a workout in the middle of the day, especially in the winter when there isn’t much daylight. The remote format allows me to spend more quality time with my partner, which is something I deeply value. Being able to have lunch together every day is a small but meaningful part of our routine, and it’s a reminder of how a supportive work environment can positively impact both professional and personal life. Having flexibility allows me to recharge and makes me more effective at my job.

We also have an incredible team-based approach at the firm, which I truly value. We have a Slack channel where we ask “the hive” for guidance on best practices and legal strategies, which operates as a collective resource for support and learning. Even though we work independently in our own homes, we know we can always rely on the team for advice and ideas. This mindset creates a collaborative, supportive environment that helps all of us grow and give our best to clients.

Another thing that stands out is the culture of gift-giving here and its importance to the team. For example, I’m an avid plant collector with over 150 plants in my home. I consider my plants my pets — each unique and needing individual care and attention to flourish. Since joining the firm, I’ve received three plants from my colleagues to add to my collection. These small gestures make the workplace feel warm and thoughtful, and I appreciate the support and care from everyone on the team.

In many ways, my plants mirror my experience with my teammates. Just as I’ve nurtured my plants to grow and blossom, my team has supported my growth. From day one, I’ve had the opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge, take on new challenges, and become more confident and capable in my practice. Just as I’ve learned which plants need more (or less) sunlight or water, my teammates have provided the guidance I’ve needed to excel in my career. My plants and I are both in the right environment to thrive.

If you're interested in learning more about Elise Buie Family Law Group and the possibility of joining our team, please check out our current job openings.

Elise Buie is a Seattle divorce and family lawyer and founder of Elise Buie Family Law Group, a law firm devoted to divorce and family law and estate planning. A champion for maintaining civility throughout the divorce process, Elise advocates for her clients and the best interests of their children, helping them move forward with dignity and from a position of strength.