Susan is a highly regarded civil litigator with over 20 years’ experience in dispute resolution, known for delivering strategic, results-driven outcomes. Clients value her ability to combine sharp legal insight with clear, commercially focused advice, ensuring matters are handled efficiently and effectively.

She is an accomplished advocate with extensive experience appearing before the Courts, in arbitration, and in specialist tribunals, including the Weathertight Homes Tribunal and Building Disputes Tribunal. Susan is equally skilled in achieving early, cost-effective resolutions through alternative dispute resolution, particularly mediation.

Susan’s practice spans insurance law, insolvency, and complex commercial disputes, including high-value litigation for nationally recognised clients. She is also a recognised expert in construction law, advising and representing contractors, developers, design professionals, and building owners — including advice on contracts, construction disputes, and leaky building claims.

In 2023, Susan was named a winner of NZ Lawyer’s Elite Women award, highlighting female leaders in the profession making lasting positive impacts on the field and within their respective communities.

Susan co-leads the dispute resolution team at Cavell Leitch and is on the Cavell Leitch Board of Directors. She is a member of RITANZ and the New Zealand Society of Construction Law, an associate member of AMINZ and on the board of Habitat for Humanity Te Waipounamu Limited.