Susan Brown has 17 years of experience in sensitive employment and complex commercial litigation, with a focus on financial services matters including investment fraud, consumer financial services litigation, and class actions. She represents Fortune 500 companies, major academic institutions, nonprofits, and individuals. Susan works closely with in-house counsel and business executives to ensure alignment of business objectives, risk tolerance, and litigation strategy. A 15-year resident of the Bay Area, she particularly enjoys working with startups and entrepreneurs.

Licensed to practice in California and in Canada, Susan specializes in cross-border matters. She advises employees and employers on all aspects of employment law, including Title VII, Title IX, the California FEHA, the ADA, the ADEA, Canadian human rights and employment standards legislation, and other federal, state, and provincial employment laws.

Investigations

An Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder, Susan has conducted over 200 investigations into allegations of workplace embezzlement, fraud, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, abusive conduct, and assault. She has investigated claims against C-suite executives, board members, and startup founders across of range of industries, including technology, financial services, and consumer brands

Susan is regularly lauded for her pragmatic, discreet, and compassionate approach to investigating highly sensitive matters. Clients rely on Susan’s experience conducting high-stakes investigations to prevent threatened litigation and adverse litigation outcomes.

Training

Susan conducts compliance training for employees in sexual harassment and workplace violence prevention. She also trains employers and human resources professionals on workplace investigation techniques and best practices.

Pro Bono

Susan currently takes select pro bono matters on a private basis. She has previously offered pro bono services through the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area Immigrant Justice Program (2016-2020), the Bar Association of San Francisco Justice & Diversity Center Consumer Defense Clinic (2010-2020), and Downtown Legal Services, a Toronto community legal clinic (2006-2009).

EDUCATION
J.D., University of Toronto Faculty of Law

M.A., University of Toronto Faculty of Arts and Science, 2002

B.A. (Hons), University of Alberta Faculty of Arts, 2000
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EXPERIENCE
Senior Policy Advisor, Ontario Attorney General

Robins Kaplan LLP, Silicon Valley office

Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP, Toronto, CA

BAR ADMISSIONS
Law Society of Ontario, 2010

State Bar of California, 2013