Susan K. O’Connor

Susan O'Connor is a partner and leader of the firm's Employment and Municipal Litigation departments. She is also a member of the Executive Management Committee. Susan represents employers and municipalities, as well as individual officers, directors and elected officials before state and federal trial/appellate courts and agencies. In addition to representing municipalities and employers in matters involving Title VII claims, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act and whistle blower claims, Susan also provides training designed to assist clients in conforming their workplace practices to federal and state laws, drafts or modifies existing personnel policies, and performs comprehensive investigations of employee misconduct claims. She also successfully litigates claims made against municipal entities and employees for Constitutional violations, including excessive use of force, false arrest, failure to provide medical attention, inadequate police protection, and failure to hire or promote based upon political affiliation. She has also defended potential class action litigations. She regularly consults with municipal clients and their insurers on municipal liability. 

Susan is a Charter Senior Fellow with the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA), a prestigious designation held by fewer than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. By invitation only, membership in LCA is highly selective, with candidates required to meet rigorous criteria, including a "superior ethical reputation" and a proven record of "effectiveness and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels." This rare honor reflects Susan's exceptional legal skill and commitment to the highest standards of professionalism.

Susan has been consistently recognized for her exceptional legal achievements. She has been selected by peer review for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America and has earned a place on the Irish Legal 100, an exclusive list of distinguished lawyers of Irish descent in the U.S. She was honored with this recognition during a special reception with the Irish Ambassador to the United States. Susan has also received several notable accolades for her leadership and community contributions. She was named Democratic Woman of the Year by the Hunterdon County Democratic Committee in recognition of her dedicated service to the party. Additionally, she was acknowledged as one of New Jersey’s Best 50 Women in Business by NJBIZ, a prestigious award that celebrates women who have made significant impacts in their fields through business growth, personal and professional accomplishments, and advocacy for women.

Affiliations

• Litigation Counsel of America, Charter Senior Fellow
• Federal Bar Association
• Defense Research Institute
• Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM)
• New Jersey State Bar Association
• Middlesex County Bar Association
• Hunterdon County Bar Association
• New Brunswick Bar Association (President,1997-1998)
• New Jersey Women Lawyers Association, Co-Chief Diversity Officer (2020-2021), Co-General Counsel (2011-2020), Trustee-at-Large (2008-2011)
• New Jersey Democratic State Committee Representing Hunterdon County, Former Delegate
• Voorhees High School Mock Trial Team, Attorney Coach (2015-2020)
• Supreme Court of New Jersey, District VIII Ethics Committee, Former Member and Chair (for an unprecedented two terms, 1999-2000; 2000-2001)
• Hampton, NJ, Former Councilwoman and Council President
• North Hunterdon Municipal Court Committee, Former Member
• Former State mediator, Complementary Dispute Resolution Matters
• HBCEF, Former Trustee

Awards

• The Best Lawyers in America (2023-2025); "Lawyer of the Year" in Labor and Employment Litigation (2025 edition)
• New Jersey Super Lawyers (2005-2013; 2015-Present)
• Irish Legal 100 (2011-2016)
• Hunterdon County Democratic Woman of the Year (2011)
• NJBIZ, "Best 50 Women in Business" list (2008)
• Rated AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell

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