Overview
Susan has more than 20 years of experience counseling clients in trademark and copyright matters. She advises consumer and industrial products companies on brand protection strategies and develops and implements enforcement programs to maximize the value of clients’ IP assets.
Before returning to private practice, Susan spent 16 years in-house at Kraft Foods Group, Inc., serving as Chief Trademark Counsel during the final eight years. In this role, Susan handled a wide range of U.S. and global trademark and copyright matters including clearance, prosecution, maintenance, licensing, brand protection, enforcement, litigation, outsourcing, and transactional due diligence. She also developed internal programs for trademark and copyright policing and for social media strategy. This experience informs her business-focused approach and practical real-world advice.
Before going in-house, Susan was an associate in both an IP boutique and a large general practice firm in Chicago. Most recently, she worked in the Chicago office of an international IP firm.
Experience
Solutions in action
Credentials
- University of Chicago Law School, Juris Doctor (J.D.), 1995
- The University of Iowa, Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Marketing, 1986, with high distinction
- Illinois
- Best Lawyers®, Entertainment Law – Music, 2027
- Selected to Intellectual Property Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers®, 2023-2024, 2026
- The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals – World Trademark Review 1000, 2020-Present
Engagement
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, International Trademark Association
- Leadership Development Committee
- Pro Bono Counselor, Erika’s Lighthouse
- Coordinator, Family Promise
Insights

Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2027 List
Michael Best is proud to announce that 150 attorneys have been selected to The Best Lawyers in America 2027 list, with representation across 52 different practice areas across the nation. In addition, the firm is also excited to share that six attorneys have been named to the 2027 edition of the “Lawyer of the Year” list, which is a prestigious designation of a single lawyer in each specific practice area and location. 33 attorneys have also been named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch 2027 list.Read
Aug 20, 2026

Michael Best Recognized in World Trademark Review 2026
Michael Best is proud to announce that our Brand Protection team has once again been recognized in the 2026 edition of the World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000: The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals. Additionally, nine of the firm’s trademark attorneys are individually ranked by World Trademark Review.Read
Feb 2, 2026

Michael Best Advises Domain Outdoor in Successful Sale
Michael Best advised Domain Outdoor, a rapidly growing developer and distributor of wildlife food plot seed, feed, attractants, and nutritional supplements, in its recent sale to Allen Company, a leading manufacturer of outdoor products and accessories.Read
Jan 14, 2026
