Susan McDermott Mercer, Esq.

Of Counsel

Sue McDermott Mercer is an experienced civil litigator with an emphasis in business law and labor and employment matters. Sue routinely represents Fortune 500 companies in state and federal courts and arbitrations. Sue defended in jury trial one of the largest managed healthcare companies in the United States against retaliation and unfair business practices claims. She successfully argued as the appellant before the California Court of Appeal to shield a company executive from a $10,000 personal sanctions award. She prepared and argued motions in the landmark California case, Sheppard v. Freeman, involving wrongful termination, interference with contractual relations, and conspiracy claims against Southwest Airlines and individual employees. In addition to her litigation experience, Sue also counsels management on day-to-day human resources matters and prepares a wide array of employment-related policies and agreements.

As former Senior Counsel of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, Sue has extensive experience in a wide range of guild and union matters in the entertainment industry. She has represented over 350 production companies and studios in collective bargaining negotiations, including direct negotiation with all levels of union representation and has advised studios, networks, and production companies on the interpretation of approximately 80 industry-wide collective bargaining agreements.

Sue graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Boston College in 1995. In 1998, Sue received her J.D. from American University: Washington College of Law where she was Note and Comment Editor of the Journal of Gender and the Law. Sue also taught Legal Methods and Writing while in law school.

Sue is admitted to practice before all California state and federal courts, and is a member of the American Bar Association.