Susan N. Eisenberg has over 25 years of experience representing employers in all aspects of employment matters. She is a mediator and arbitrator as well. Susan is the office managing partner of Cozen O’Connor’s Miami office, and regularly writes and speaks on employment issues for various organizations. Susan earned a B.S. degree from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from the University of Miami.
Fun fact: Before practicing law, I worked as a pharmacist in Michigan and Florida and still hold an active pharmacy license in Florida.
What is your favorite South Florida dining destination? Charly’s Vegan Tacos in Wynwood. My husband is vegan and this is one of our favorite places to go to together.
What do you like to do on weekends? Biking, hiking or walking. Anything to get outdoors and get in some exercise.
How do you unwind from a long day at work? Most people would probably say a glass of wine but what truly helps me unwind at the end of the day is exercising. I love taking a spin class on my Peloton, doing on line classes that my son Zachary teaches for 305 Fitness or lifting weights.
What is your favorite quote? “And this too shall pass.” My mother regularly said this to me, her mother would say it to her and now I say it to my kids. I like this quote because during challenging times it reminds us that the struggle will not last forever and we will make it through to the other side, but it is also relevant in good times. Every moment is fleeting and we should savor every accomplishment, every ounce of quality time with family and every laugh with friends.
From whom, or what, do you draw inspiration? I admire powerful women who have climbed the ladder and made attempts at breaking the glass ceiling. I have read books by Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama and stories about Ruth Bader Ginsburg. These women, and so many others, have faced numerous adversities but have always come out stronger and more inspiring because of it.
What has been the biggest accomplishment of your career? This would have to be when I was made the managing partner of the Miami office of Cozen O’Connor. I am one of only a handful of female managing partners at law firms in South Florida and I do not take that fact lightly. I work very hard to do my job well.
What has been the most challenging moment in your career and how did you overcome it?Being a lawyer in and of itself is one long challenging moment and balancing that with a personal life is difficult at times. I have had to learn how to set priorities between an active career and personal obligations and understand that I cannot do it all, all of the time. One of the biggest challenges is determining what is important at that moment and letting go of all the rest—learning to compartmentalize is the key.
What advice would you give an up and coming professional? The advice I would give would be to find yourself a really good mentor. Everyone can benefit from someone who will teach you and allow you to shadow them. Do not overlook the importance of learning from someone who is further along in their career and has institutional knowledge they can share with you. Be a sponge and absorb all advice; whether or not you ultimately follow that advice.
