Susan has a background in employment law and general civil litigation, and continues to represent clients in these areas.

Originally from Kettle Falls, Washington, Susan graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in History, with a Minor in Mandarin Chinese. During college, Susan spent a year abroad studying Mandarin Chinese in Tai Zhong, Tai Wan and Bei Jing, China.

Susan attended law school at Case Western Reserve School of Law in Cleveland, Ohio, where she earned a concentration in Patent, Software, Copyright and Technology law. During law school Susan clerked for Judge K.J. Montgomery in Cleveland, Ohio for two years.  Susan is admitted to practice in the State and Federal courts of Washington and the State courts of Oregon.