Susan Best is an accomplished trial lawyer with extensive experience representing public and private entities in complex litigation. She regularly handles matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, constitutional claims, breach of contract, and the enforcement of non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, as well as a broad range of commercial disputes.
Trial Results
- Complete Defense Verdict in Federal Jury Trial for Chicago Public Schools, December 2022
- Complete Defense Verdict in Federal Jury Trial for Chicago Public Schools, August 2019
- Author, Navigating the maze: A practical guide for employers dealing with employment administrative agencies, HR Dive, December 2025
- Author, Amendments to Illinois Human Rights Act to Regulate Use of AI in Employment Decisions, GRSM Client Update, December 2025
- Author, Workplace Transparency Act Amendments to Impact Employment, Severance, and Settlement Agreements, GRSM Client Update, November 2025
- Author, Illinois Expands Paid Military Leave for Funeral Honors Detail, GRSM Client Update, August 2025
- Author, New Paystub Obligations for Illinois Employers, GRSM Client Update, December 2024
- Author, Illinois Human Rights Act Amendments Extend Limitations Period and Introduce Two New Protected Classes, GRSM Client Update, August 2024
- Author, Illinois Employment Law Update 2024, GRSM Client Update, November 2023
- Author, Title IX Regulations Checklist, JD Supra, August 17, 2020
- Presenter, Navigating FMLA: Legal Insights and Practical Guidance for School Leaders Risk Management, American Association of School Personnel Administrators Virtual Legal Summit, November 2025
- Presenter, Legal Updates for School Administrators: Staying Ahead of the Curve, Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators HR Essentials, September 2025
- Presenter, Investigations 101, American Association of School Personnel Administrators Virtual Legal Summit, November 2024
- Presenter, Personnel Record Retention, Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators HR Essentials, September 2024
- Presenter, Title IX: Implementing New Regulations, Illinois Association of School Administrators Spring Legal Workshop, April 2024
- Presenter, Title IX Grievance Procedures, Illinois Association of School Administrators Title IX Training and Resources, August 2024
- Presenter, Title IX Regulations re: Sexual Misconduct/Harassment, Webinar, July 16, 2020
Admissions
- Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Northern, Central and Southern District of Illinois
- Trial Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District Court of Illinois
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
Memberships
- Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA)
- Chicago Bar Association
Education
- J.D., magna cum laude, Northern Illinois University College of Law, 2010
- Awarded Full Tuition Waiver for Academic Achievement
- NIU Law Review, Symposium Editor
- Public Interest Law Society, President
- Moot Court Team, Member
- B.A., Pre-law and Women Studies with Honors, University of Iowa, 2007
Honors
- 2025 Top Women in Law Honoree, Law Bulletin Media
- “40 Under Forty” Illinois Attorneys to Watch – Class of 2024 (Chicago Daily Law Bulletin & Chicago Lawyer)
- Illinois Emerging Lawyer in Employment: Management Law, Law Bulletin Leading Lawyers (2015, 2016)