Sue is an accomplished trial lawyer who represents companies in complex environmental and mass tort and individual product liability matters nationwide. With more than two decades of experience defending clients in high-stakes litigation, she is trusted by leading companies to manage significant legal and reputational risk.
Sue has litigated cases in federal and state courts across the country and has extensive experience representing chemical, agricultural, automotive, pharmaceutical, medical device, food and tobacco companies. Her practice spans class actions, coordinated and consolidated proceedings, and individual lawsuits involving product liability, public nuisance, consumer fraud, negligence and misrepresentation claims.
Known for her practical judgment, strategic approach and teamwork, Sue plays a central role at every stage of litigation. She develops and executes case strategy, leads fact and expert discovery, prepares company and expert witnesses, conducts and defends depositions and serves as trial counsel. She works closely with corporate witnesses and is particularly skilled at translating complex scientific and technical issues into clear, persuasive arguments.
Sue is also a seasoned leader of large, multi-party matters. She regularly directs litigation teams involving multiple defendants and law firms, coordinating strategy, managing workflow, and synthesizing work product across diverse groups to drive efficient, cohesive pretrial and trial execution.
In addition to her litigation practice, Sue serves in key leadership roles at Shook. As Managing Partner of the Product Liability Litigation and Environmental Toxic Tort Practice Groups, she oversees the recruiting, training, and professional development of more than 200 attorneys and staff across multiple offices. She also serves as Office Managing Partner of the firm’s St. Louis office. A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Sue is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, high-performing environment and advancing the next generation of trial lawyers.
Representative Matters
Represented a chemical company in multiple lawsuits and trials arising from alleged exposure at a school facility.
Defended chemical companies in public nuisance and personal injury actions involving alleged environmental presence of chemicals in the food chain, buildings, waterways, sediments, wastewater and MS4 systems.
Represented automobile manufacturers in mass consolidated personal injury actions and putative economic loss class actions.
Defended an agricultural company in product liability litigation involving pesticide claims.
Represented major cigarette manufacturers in multiple lawsuits and trials nationwide.
Presentations
Trial Advocacy in a World of Fake News and Alternative Facts, Women in Litigation Joint Conference, Philadelphia, November 2017.
LGBTQ Professional Women’s Panel, Washington University, St. Louis, April 2017.