Susan valentine
Shareholder
300 E. RANDOLPH, SUITE 3400 | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601
(312) 238-9062 | svalentine@vablawfirm.com
Experience
For more than 30 years, Susan has handled disputes, and when necessary, actively litigated a wide range of matters. Susan advises clients – from government agencies to Fortune 100 companies – on a variety of sensitive business issues, and her clients appreciate her practical, timely, and cost-effective approach to their issues. She is a Fellow of Litigation Counsel of America, an invitation-only honorary society comprising less than one-half percent of lawyers in the United States. Having taught Professional Responsibility and Legal Research and Writing as a member of the full-time faculty of IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, Susan carefully steers her clients well north of the ethical line, while honoring the bedrock duties to represent her clients zealously and competently. She is a trusted resource for clients and colleagues on legal ethics matters.
Susan has extensive experience investigating and litigating matters involving professional liability, fidelity bonds, insurance, and reinsurance. She also litigates disputes involving business entities in commercial matters, ranging from breach-of-contract issues to internal investigations that involve fraud and other misconduct. Given the economic and other risks of litigation, Susan understands that trial is not always the best path to resolution for her clients. She has consistently obtained excellent results in mediations and settlement conferences. When resolution is not possible by motion or settlement, Susan brings decades of experience with trials, arbitrations, and contested hearings to her cases. She is a member of the Trial Bar for the Northern District of Illinois and of the Trials Practice Area Committee of the National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms.
Throughout her career, Susan has dedicated significant time to pro bono work, including impact litigation relating to fair housing matters, women’s rights, and criminal justice issues. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for BEDS Plus Care, where she advocates for those struggling with homelessness.
Representative Engagements
Prevailed on behalf of a financial services creditor at trial of bankruptcy adversary proceeding, resulting in a finding of non-dischargeability.
Lead counsel for receiver of insolvent financial institution in accounting malpractice case, resulting in a $11.25 million settlement.
Investigated claims of misconduct for Fortune 100 company, including conducting interviews of members of senior management and board.
Lead counsel for receiver of insolvent financial institution in officer liability case, resulting in $15 million settlement reached within a year of retention after targeted discovery of defendants.
Served as special counsel to audit committee of not-for-profit professional organization that led to termination of employment of membership director.
Represented receiver of insolvent insurance company in distribution of estate funds, including negotiations with guaranty funds.
Served as special litigation counsel to debtor-in-possession in four adversary proceedings, including through trial.
Bar Admissions
State Bar of Illinois
United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Trial Bar)
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
Awards & Boards
Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America
Member of Board of Directors, The Chicago Bar Foundation (2020 to present)
Member of Board of Directors, BEDS Plus Care (2015 to present) (Currently serving as Vice President)
National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms, Co-Chair Programming Committee of Trials Practice Area Committee (2018 to present)
Member of Trial Bar of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (1990 to present)
IIT Chicago - Kent Moot Court Honor Society, Nudelman Award for Faculty Service (1999)
Recognized as a "Leading Lawyer" in the areas of “Banking & Financial Institutions Law” and “Bankruptcy & Workout Law: Commercial” (2023)
Named "Illinois Super Lawyer” for “Business Litigation" (2021 to present)
HOPE Fair Housing, HOPE for People Award (1993)
Employment
Robinson Curley & Clayton, P.C. - Shareholder (2005-2016); Partner (1995-1997 and 2000-2005); Associate (1989-1995)
Chicago-Kent College of Law - Full-Time Faculty, Visiting Assistant Professor (1997-2000)
Course taught: Professional Responsibility, and Legal Research and Writing
Faculty advisor to Moot Court Honor Society
Jed Stone and Associates, Ltd. - Associate (1987-1989); Law Clerk (1986-1987)
Education
Chicago-Kent College of Law
Chicago, Illinois - Juris Doctor, 1987
Graduated with high honors
Order of the Coif
Albion College
Albion, Michigan - Bachelor of Arts, 1984
Graduated magna cum laude
