Susan is "Of Counsel" to the firm.

Highly skilled and efficient attorney with more than 10 years litigation and general practice experience in construction defect litigation, real estate law, business law, mechanic’s liens, premises liability, products liability, professional malpractice and employment law.  Clientele in the construction and business arena have included developers, general contractors, specialty contractors, product manufacturers, design professionals, and property owners.

Tactical decision maker and successful negotiator with a proven ability to analyze complex legal matters quickly and to strategically identify, evaluate and handle legal claims and business needs of clients.  Facilitates cost-effective and amicable resolutions to disputes, while discerning the need for aggressive pursuit or defense of litigated matters when appropriate.

Bar Admissions: Licensed in California and admitted to the Central and Southern U.S. District Courts.

Key Achievements

• Lead attorney on numerous construction defect defense cases, representing a wide variation of trades, including general contractors, roofers, window manufacturers, framers, engineers, architects, graders, masons, electricians, fencing, and decking.  Aggressively defended clients throughout the litigation process, while expediently negotiated satisfactory resolutions.  Advised clients on business matters and risk management.
• Managed and coordinated a massive voluntary repair effort for a large home developer involving claims of water intrusion and mold.  Identified homes for repair, documented damages, directed repair contractors and mold remediation experts, and successfully secured commitments for the client’s defense and indemnification from original subcontractors and insurers.
• Served as a Judicial Extern to Judge William Matthew Byrne, Jr. of the United States District Court, Central Division.  Researched and analyzed legal issues raised by motions before the court.  Wrote bench memoranda.

Areas of Expertise

Legal Education

Pepperdine University School of Law, Malibu, CA  - Juris Doctor,  May 1992.

• Class Rank:  Top 10%
• Law Review, Note and Comment Editor
• American Jurisprudence Awards – Legal Research and Writing I and II

Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX -  B.B.A. Business Management, summa cum laude, 1989.

• Grade Point Average 3.86/4.0
• Vice President of GATA, Women’s Social Club

Contact Information

Email Address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tel: (951) 541-0220, Ext. 103
VCard: Business Card