Attorney Profiles

SUMMARY OF PRACTICE

Susan R.  Reischl was the first attorney in the firm to be elected partner on the strength of extraordinary research and writing capabilities.  Since beginning her law practice in 1980, Susan has specialized in real estate and business litigation, representing hundreds of clients including residential and commercial buyers and sellers, developers, contractors, title companies, and other individuals and entities with real estate needs.  She works closely with her fellow partners, who have utilized her talented research and writing skills in successfully winning hundreds of cases. 

Recently, Susan helped two of her partners obtain an over $2 million judgment against a major insurer for its refusal to pay policy benefits, including a $1.5 million punitive damages award.  She then successfully wrote the winning brief when the losing party appealed, resulting in affirmation of the award on appeal and a published decision.

With partner Ronald Rossi, she successfully defended long-time San Jose landowners sued by a developer seeking to specifically enforce a contract to purchase their $40 million property. 

Susan has won dozens of appeals before the California Court of Appeals and the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, most recently a complex foreclosure litigation appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  On appeal, she succeeded in defending a $1.6 million fraud judgment (which included an award of $750,000 in punitive damages) in a complicated foreclosure transaction.  In another matter on appeal, Susan successfully defended a jury's verdict awarding her client damages for interference with contract as well as punitive damages of $400,000.

Susan regularly contributes articles to local real estate publications, including the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal.  She has been repeatedly recognized by San Jose Magazine as a top real estate attorney and has earned Martindale Hubbell's coveted highest rating (AV), placing her at the highest possible level of professional excellence. 

PERSONAL

Susan is married and has three adult stepchildren and two grandchildren.  She has lived in the Santa Cruz Mountains for the last 30 years.  Her hobbies include running, reading, traveling, and the arts.