Roger was born in Berwyn, Illinois and was raised in Chicago's western suburbs. He earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana in 1983, passed the CPA exam in May 1983, and earned his law degree (Juris Doctor) at IIT-Chicago Kent College of Law (with high honors) in 1986. He is also a licensed Illinois real estate broker.

Roger's legal career has included stints with large and medium-sized law firms before deciding to start his own practice nearly 12 years ago. His practice is concentrated in income tax, commercial real estate, estate planning, corporate law, and general representation of various business entities and their principals. He also has extensive experience in restructuring distressed and non-performing loans on behalf of lenders as well as representing lenders in real estate foreclosure matters. He is also on the board of several not-for-profit organizations.

Roger and a fellow attorney started the firm Toussaint & Carlson, Ltd. in 1998. The firm is now named Carlson Partners, Ltd..  The firm, located in Lombard, has achieved success in the areas of corporate law, lender representation, commercial and residential real estate, corporate and residential condominium representation and development and estate planning. Recent additions of attorneys and staff, have taken place, to accommodate our growth and achievement.