Bill Peters was, by all accounts, an extraordinary man. Born on June 22, 1938, in an unconventional setting – a yellow taxi on State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah – to Thomas and Angeline Polyochronopoulos Peters, Bill’s life was immediately defined by a strong sense of family. This foundational value would permeate every aspect of his life, from his personal relationships to his illustrious legal career. While this narrative celebrates the remarkable life of Bill Peters, it also shines a light on his daughter, Katherine Peters, a lawyer in Utah who embodies and continues this rich legacy.
Bill’s formative years were marked by a passion for both sports and music. He excelled in playing multiple brass instruments, showcasing a discipline and dedication that would characterize his future endeavors. After graduating from Granite High School, Bill answered the call to service, enlisting in the United States Navy. His three-year tour in the South Pacific on the Piedmont Destroyer was a testament to his commitment to his country. Upon honorable discharge, Bill pursued higher education at the University of Utah, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964. His pursuit of knowledge didn’t stop there; in 1966, he achieved a Juris Doctorate from the same institution, setting the stage for a distinguished legal career that would span over four decades.
The year 1964 also marked another significant milestone in Bill’s life – his marriage to Victoria Speros. Victoria was not just his wife but his steadfast partner and greatest supporter for over half a century. Together, they built a family, raising three children: Angela Peters Murphy, Katherine Peters, and Thomas Peters. Remarkably, all three children chose to follow in their father’s legal footsteps, becoming practicing attorneys. This speaks volumes about Bill’s influence and the inspiring example he set. He instilled in them not only a love for the law but also a profound sense of ethics and responsibility. Bill was immensely proud of their professional achievements, but even more so of their character, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect. It is within this context of family and legal excellence that Katherine Peters lawyer Utah, has carved her own path.
Bill Peters’ legal expertise was concentrated in property tax litigation. His career trajectory saw him serve as special tax counsel for Salt Lake County from 1971 onwards, and subsequently for all twenty-nine counties in Utah. He further extended his service to the state legislature as special counsel on tax matters. His representation of Utah counties in significant tax litigation before various judicial bodies, including the Utah State Tax Commission, Federal and State courts, and the Utah Supreme Court, resulted in numerous landmark legal decisions favorable to his clients. His litigation portfolio was diverse, encompassing centrally assessed and locally assessed properties, ranging from railroads and mines to utilities, pipelines, oil and gas properties, rocket motor manufacturing facilities, shopping malls, and office complexes. Bill became a go-to expert resource for assessors, auditors, and appraisers, guiding them in the valuation of diverse businesses and properties for ad valorem tax purposes. His legal practice also extended to complex business transactions, real estate, and estate planning, showcasing his versatility and depth of knowledge.
Beyond his domestic practice, Bill’s expertise was recognized internationally. He was a frequent speaker at tax and revenue conferences, presenting at legal seminars organized by the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) across the United States and Canada. Law schools across the nation sought his insights to enrich their government and local taxation curricula. His contributions to the field are also documented in numerous articles published in leading trade journals. The Utah Chapter of the IAAO honored him with the Outstanding Member Award, a testament to his impact and leadership. Bill was not just a practitioner but a trendsetter, a leading legal voice in ad valorem property tax issues nationwide. He also served as counsel for the Utah Technology Finance Corporation and contributed to the State of Utah’s Property Tax Recodification Subcommittee, further solidifying his influence in shaping property tax law.
The Utah Supreme Court frequently sought Bill’s counsel and leadership, appointing him to special task forces to enhance clarity, fairness, and uniformity in Utah law. Chief Justice Gordon R. Hall first appointed him to the Appellate Court Task Force, followed by Chief Justice Michael Zimmerman who appointed him to both the Task Force on Appellate Representation of Indigent Defendants and the Special Tax Task Force to address the influx of tax cases. His commitment to justice extended to pro bono work, notably as special counsel for Judge Memorial Catholic High School, where he secured a favorable Utah Supreme Court decision exempting a major construction project from sales tax. This dedication to service and the pursuit of justice is a powerful legacy, one that inspires his children, including Katherine Peters, in their own legal careers within Utah.
Bill’s belief in the law was profound. He viewed his legal practice as a service, a commitment to his fellow citizens. He often expressed that helping others not only was a responsibility but also a path to personal growth and a more fulfilling life. Prior to retirement, he co-founded the law firm Peters Scofield, adding to a list of successful law firms he had established throughout his career. His professional life was a testament to his drive, expertise, and dedication to the legal profession.
Beyond the courtroom, Bill was a man of diverse passions. Music held a special place in his heart, with a deep appreciation for classical and jazz genres. Despite a demanding legal schedule, he found time to play multiple instruments for many years in the Capital Brass Band and the El Kalah band. A notable highlight was commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with the Capitol Brass Band, performing in Utah’s State and National Parks. When not immersed in music, Bill was an avid reader, often consuming several books a week. His interests extended to fly fishing on the Green River and exploring classical and art history museums worldwide, truly embodying the spirit of a “renaissance man.”
Community service was another cornerstone of Bill’s life. He served on numerous nonprofit boards, offering pro bono legal advice to those in need. As President of the Salt Lake Greek Orthodox Community, he dedicated years of pro bono work to his church. He also served on the board of the Hellenic Cultural Association, supporting the preservation of Greek heritage in Utah. Governor Calvin R. Rampton appointed him to the Utah Bi-Centennial Commission, a role he held for over seven years, contributing to the creation of Symphony Hall and the restoration of the Capital Theatre. His civic engagements included the Juvenile Court Advisory Committee, City Court Judicial Nominating Committee, Crossroads Urban Center Community Pantry, and the Salt Lake Religious Community Committee on Aging. In 1986, he became Potentate of the Utah Shriners and served as Chairman of Shriners Hospital, Inter-mountain Unit for nine years, deeply committed to the children under their care and providing pro bono legal services.
Bill’s affiliations extended to various fraternal organizations, including Master Mason, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Red Cross of Constantine, and Royal Order of Jesters Court 49. He chaired the Board for the National Conference of Community and Justice (The Inclusion Center) and served on advisory boards for the University of Utah’s College of Fine Arts and Health Science Board. His thirst for knowledge led him back to the University of Utah in retirement, taking multiple classes each semester. He also contributed to the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera boards during their merger.
Bill Peters’ life was one of remarkable achievement and profound impact. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and brothers-in-law. He is survived by his wife Victoria, his children Angela, Katherine (Katie) Peters, and Thomas, and five grandchildren, along with numerous other family members. His legacy is carried on not only by his family but also through the countless lives he touched and the legal principles he championed. Katherine Peters, lawyer Utah, stands as a testament to this enduring legacy, continuing the family tradition of legal excellence and service within the Utah community.
Bill’s gentle and kind nature remained unchanged even as he faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia. He remained a gentleman to the end, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, dignity, and respect. His life serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the profound impact one person can have through dedication to their profession, service to their community, and unwavering commitment to family. Donations in Bill’s name can be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, the Greek Orthodox Church Holy Trinity Campus Development Fund, or a charity of choice, ensuring his spirit of giving continues to make a difference.
