Seattle Attorney, Susan Rae Fox - Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC

Susan has a busy and varied litigation practice. About half of her practice involves employment law. This work includes counseling companies regarding employment policies and strategy, as well as defending employers against charges of discrimination, wrongful termination, wage issues and other employment-related topics. The rest of Susan’s practice involves commercial cases such as contract breach disputes, real estate foreclosures and construction defect litigation.

Susan has also been representing bank clients in a variety of cases, including actions on guaranty, agreements, foreclosures and receivership actions. She assisted a national bank client in obtaining judgments of over $11 million, and is currently overseeing a receivership that will result in full recovery of the Bank’s loan.

Speaking Engagements

“Stay at Work” Program Offers Financial Incentives for Washington Employers with Injured Workers (2015)
Ryan Swanson’s Annual Employment Law Seminar
“Plugging the Leaky Pipeline: Promoting Women’s Leadership in Our Legal Community,” Washington Women Lawyer’s Town Hall Discussion, Panelist (February, 2013)
“Recent Developments in ADA Law” sponsored by National Business Institute
Defining the “Essential Function”
Employee Assistance Programs: Why Have Them?
Letting Go: Termination and Unemployment Problems
Pre-Employment Inquiries and Background Checks
Investigating Sexual Harassment Complaints

Professional & Community Activities

Board of Directors, Easterseals Washington (present)
Member, Women Business Owners (2013-present)
Co-Chair, Women Business Owners Nellie Cashman Gala (2015, 2016)
Judge, Women Business Owners Nellie Cashman Gala (2014)
Chair, Ryan Swanson’s Professional Recruiting Committee (2010-2015)

Honors & Awards

Martindale Hubbell AV® Preeminent 5.0 out of 5
International Academy of Trial Lawyers Award (1985)
Order of the Barristers (1983)

Additional Experience

In addition to her employment work, Susan regularly represents national investment companies that buy out the long-term income streams Washington State lottery winners receive when they win a substantial prize. Recently, Susan represented a professional female snow boarder in a commission dispute with a manufacturer.

Credentials

Education

Willamette University College of Law
(J.D., with special recognition conferred at graduation, 1985)
The Colorado College
(B.A., 1981)

Admitted to Practice

Hobbies & Interests

Susan (born Colorado Springs, Colorado) has been in practice since 1985 and joined Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland in 1993.

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