Susan serves as managing partner of the Charlotte office and focuses her practice on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and unfair competition, as well as client counseling, licensing, and opinion work. She places particular emphasis on patent and trademark preparation and prosecution. Susan has a chemical engineering background and has experience in chemical and materials-related inventions. She also has experience in patent preparation and prosecution for mechanical and computer software-related inventions.

Why did you select your practice area?

I get to learn something new every day. As an intellectual property attorney, I have the opportunity to work with creative people and assist them in protecting their ideas and creative works.

At this point in your career, what would you say has been your biggest accomplishment?

My biggest accomplishment is being named North Carolina Lawyers Weekly 2023 "Lawyer of The Year.”

What are the biggest foreseeable challenges in your field?

It will be interesting to see how the U.S. Patent Office and the courts address artificial intelligence and the role it will play in the creation and protection of intellectual property.

What’s one piece of advice that greatly impacted you and your career trajectory?

Make your own opportunities. Do not sit around waiting for something to happen to you or for someone to do something for you.

What is a quote that you live by?

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” —Maya Angelou