Born on February 23, 1958, Peter Palivos was raised in Uptown Chicago, by his greek immigrant parents, Angelo and Bessie Palivos. Peter Palivos began working in his father’s shoe repair store at the early age 7. Growing up, watching his father’s ambition, Peter quickly understood the value in American work ethic.

Upon graduating high school, Palivos attended The University of Illinois at Chicago, where he studied Political Science and History. In 1980, Peter received his Bachelor’s Degree in History from Trinity College in Deerfield. It was at Trinity College that he was recognized for both his academic and athletic excellence in soccer, first being selected for the All-Illinois team by the National Soccer Coaches Association, and the All-Midwest teams of both the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes and the National Christian College Athletic Association. He was also selected for the All-American team of the NCCAA.

While a sports career was within reach, Palivos opted instead to attend law school, graduating from the Illinois Institute of Technology-Chicago Kent College of Law with a Juris Doctorate Degree in 1983. While in law school, he was awarded with the school’s Bar & Gavel Award for his school spirit and assistance to his fellow students.

Peter Palivos began his legal career as an associate at the firm of Rittenberg, Krichiver, and Buffen, Ltd. in Chicago. In 1985, he became the youngest associate in the law firm’s history to be offered full partnership. That same year, he formed the law firm of Peter A. Palivos & Associates, later known as the Northwest Suburban Law Offices. He has served on several business boards, including the board of directors of the Broadway Bank of Chicago and the Peoples’ Bank of Arlington Heights, Illinois.