Susan specializes in the defense of public entities focusing on civil rights actions and government tort claims. She earned her J.D. at McGeorge School of law in 2004 with a concentration on advocacy. While in law school, Susan served as a certified law student at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California. Upon graduation, Susan clerked for United States Magistrate Judge Craig Kellison assisting with cases brought under 42 U.S.C. 1983. Before joining Rivera Hewitt Paul LLP, Susan managed dangerous condition of public property and civil rights cases for a California joint powers association of municipalities for close to seven years.

Susan also worked for Angelo, Kilday and Kilduff from 2005 to 2010 and Murphy, Campell, Alliston & Quinn from 2013 to 2019 representing cities, counties, and the State of California, in government tort claims, civil rights actions, and employment law cases. She provided general consultation and defense to both private and public employers.

She has served California municipalities across the state as a trainer providing presentations on inverse condemnation, harassment prevention, and legal updates. Susan has presented at CAJPA, PARMA, and CSMFO conferences on California’s Government Claims Act requirements.

Susan DeNardo is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District, Central District, Northern District, Southern District and in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. She has represented clients in state, federal, and administrative proceedings. She also earned her CLMP litigation management certificate in 2020.