Susan Freeman, a partner at Lewis Roca Rothgerber LLP, is among 10 attorneys inducted into the Maricopa County Bar Association Hall of Fame today during the association’s annual meeting.
Freeman, whose practice focuses on business bankruptcy and civil appeals, has represented clients across Arizona and the United States, including before the U.S. Supreme Court. She said she was honored to be included among those who have distinguished themselves at the highest levels of public service.
“Seeing the names of those who previously have been inducted in the Hall of Fame and my co-honorees, it is truly a reflection of the accomplishments and diversity of the Arizona legal community. It is a compliment to be recognized as worthy of inclusion in the company of those who have made such a difference in our profession,” said Freeman.
Freeman is the only lawyer invited to membership (and leadership) in both the American College of Bankruptcy and the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, and is certified by the Arizona State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in bankruptcy law.
“Susan’s accomplishments on behalf of her clients are many, and it is no surprise to see that she is being recognized by her peers,” said Kenneth Van Winkle Jr., managing partner at Lewis Roca Rothgerber. “She embodies the firm’s ‘client first’ philosophy and we are pleased to see her enter the Hall of Fame.”
The Maricopa County Bar Association Hall of Fame is housed in the Maricopa County Justice Museum and Learning Center located in the historic Maricopa County Courthouse. Freeman joins a long list of Lewis Roca Rothgerber alumni in the MCBA Hall of Fame:
- Peter D. Baird
- Scott Bales
- Jose A. Cardenas
- Walter Cheifetz
- John P. Frank
- Orme Lewis
- Joseph E. McGarry
- Hon. Janet Napolitano
- Hon. Patricia Norris
- Paul M. Roca
- Hon. Mary Murphy Schroeder
“The Maricopa County Bar Hall of Fame was created in 2008 in order to bring recognition to outstanding lawyers and judges who have made special contributions to the legal community, the organized bar, and the community at large,” said Allen Kimbrough, MCBA executive director.
Freeman has served in many capacities on local and national bar association boards and committees, and is a frequent speaker on legal topics and contributor to many publications.
Admitted to the Arizona Bar in 1975, Freeman earned her J.D. from the New York University School of Law, received her bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College and also studied at the University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Freeman has an “AV/Preeminent Attorney” rating with Martindale Hubbell, is listed in the 1989-2015 editions of The Best Lawyers in America, and named “Lawyer of the Year” in the 2015 edition of Best Lawyers in America in the area of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law.
She is listed in the 2007-2015 editions of Southwest Super Lawyers in the category of Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights, while being named to the Top 50 in Arizona in each edition, as well as a Top 25 Female Attorney in 2013 and 2015. She also was named a “Local Litigation Star” in Arizona in the 2014 edition of Benchmark Litigation, and recognized with the John P. Frank Advocate for Justice award for her commitment to pro bono service.
