Susan N. Eisenberg

Member

Susan N. Eisenberg has more than 25 years of experience representing employers in all aspects of employment matters and is widely recognized as one of the leading employment law attorneys in Florida. Susan has extensive jury and non-jury trial experience involving sex, race, religion, age and disability harassment and discrimination issues. She also litigates non-compete and confidentiality issues as well as accessibility issues under the Americans with Disabilities Act. She regularly handles single plaintiff as well as class-action litigation. Susan is also widely known for her experience with wage and hour issues and is one of the authors of the premiere treatise titled The Fair Labor Standards Act.

Susan also advises clients on employment law compliance, discipline, terminations, reductions in force and wage and hour audits. She has extensive experience in conducting workplace investigations including those involving high level executives. She prepares workplace policies and procedure manuals, employment contracts, non-compete and confidentiality agreements and separation agreements. Susan also conducts informative and entertaining in-house training on employment issues.

Susan is Florida Bar Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law and has been a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers since 2007. Susan was recognized as one of the top 20 women lawyers in South Florida in 2014 and was recognized in 2019 as an Influential Business Woman by the South Florida Business Journal. In 2020 and 2023 she was named a "Lawyer of the Year" for labor & employment litigation by Best Lawyers. She has consistently received Band 1 ranking from Chambers USA and is also recognized by Chambers Global.

Susan has previously served as the office managing partner of Cozen O'Connor's Miami offices and has chaired its Shareholder Nominating Committee, previously sat on its Shareholder Compensation Committee, and its Management Committee. She is currently serving a three year term on Cozen O’Connor’s Board of Directors. She is a frequent lecturer, author and bar association leader. She regularly writes and speaks on employment issues for the American Bar Association, Practicing Law Institute, and American Conference Institute. Susan is the former chair of the American Bar Association’s Federal Labor Standards Legislation Committee, president of the Academy of Florida Management Attorneys, and founding member and president of the Wage and Hour Defense Institute. Susan is a member of the International Women's Forum and the former management co-chair of the American Bar Association Labor and Employment Section Conference Planning Committee.

In addition to her litigation and counseling practice, for more than 18 years Susan has been an Arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association and a Certified Mediator.

Susan earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan and her law degree from the University of Miami where she was a member of Law Review and president of the Moot Court Board. Before practicing law, Susan was licensed and worked as a pharmacist in Michigan and Florida.

Experience

News

Lawdragon Names Six Cozen O’Connor Attorneys To Its Annual List Of Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers

September 27, 2023

Lawdragon has named six members of Cozen O’Connor’s Labor & Employment Department to its annual list of Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers.

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to its Best Lawyers in America 2024 Edition

August 17, 2023

Best Lawyers selected 232 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Super Lawyers Names 12 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys to its 2023 Florida List

June 30, 2023

Selection to Super Lawyers is based on peer nominations and evaluations, combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Only 5% of attorneys are named Super Lawyers; only 2.5% of attorneys are listed as Rising Stars.

Eighty-eight Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 23 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2023 Guide

June 05, 2023

Of the 88 lawyers ranked, 17 lawyers have been recognized nationally, and eighteen were recognized in Band 1. Eight of the firm's practice areas have been recognized nationally, and nine were ranked Band 1.

Six Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized in 2023 Chambers Global Rankings

February 22, 2023

Chambers Global has recognized six Cozen O’Connor attorneys: Susan Eisenberg (Miami – Labor & Employment), Geoffrey Ferrer (New York – Transportation & Trade), Shane Hardy (Toronto – Intellectual Property), Michael Osborne (Toronto – Antitrust & Competition), Joseph Tilson (Chicago – Labor & Employment), and Steven Weisz (Toronto – Bankruptcy & Restructuring) as worldwide leaders in their respective practices.

How I Made Office Managing Partner: 'Empowerment of Others Is Always a Key Ingredient to Running a Successful Initiative,' Says Susan N. Eisenberg of Cozen O’Connor

October 27, 2022

Susan Eisenberg spoke with Law.com in a Q&A to discuss her time in a leadership role at Cozen O'Connor.

Cozen O'Connor Names Four Shareholders to Board of Directors

September 12, 2022

Cozen O’Connor has elected shareholders Susan Eisenberg, Gene Giotto, Ira Gubernick, and Gina Smith to the firm’s board of directors.

Lawdragon Names Six Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Among The Top 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers

August 24, 2022

Lawdragon has named six members of Cozen O’Connor’s Labor & Employment Department to its 2022 list of the Top 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers.

More Than 200 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch

August 22, 2022

210 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Super Lawyers Names 10 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys to its 2022 Florida List

July 11, 2022

Super Lawyers has named 10 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its 2022 Florida Super Lawyers list.

Chambers Ranks 86 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 22 Practice Areas in Chambers USA 2022 Guide

June 02, 2022

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 86 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2022 edition.

President Signs Bill Banning Mandatory Arbitration for Certain Claims

March 03, 2022

Susan Eisenberg spoke with SHRM about President Biden signing a bill into law that bans enforcement of pre-dispute arbitration pacts for sexual harassment and sexual assault claims.

Four Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized in 2022 Chambers Global Rankings

February 17, 2022

Chambers Global has recognized four Cozen O’Connor attorneys: Susan Eisenberg (Miami – Labor & Employment), Geoffrey Ferrer (New York – Transportation & Trade), Shane Hardy (Toronto – Intellectual Property), and Joseph Tilson (Chicago – Labor & Employment), as worldwide leaders in their respective practices.

Leading the Way: Cozen O'Connor's Susan Eisenberg on Leading a Northern Firm's Florida Expansion

December 15, 2021

Susan Eisenberg did a Q&A with the Daily Business Review discussing challenges and other decisions that will shape the direction of the Miami office and the firm at large for years to come.

Lawdragon Names six Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Among the Top 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers

November 19, 2021

Lawdragon has named six members of Cozen O’Connor’s Labor & Employment Department to its 2021 list of the Top 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers.

Better on Zoom: Attorneys Are Creating Strategies to Aid Videoconferencing in Mediation

November 18, 2021

Susan Eisenberg was quoted in the Daily Business Review discussing using zoom for mediation.

More Than 205 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch By The Best Lawyers In America

August 19, 2021

Best Lawyers selected 210 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 23 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

'Everyone is Emotionally Exhausted': Law Firms on Back Foot Amid Delta Variant Surge in South Florida

August 11, 2021

Susan Eisenberg spoke with the Daily Business Review about the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and the impact it has on returning to the office.

South Florida Firms Respond to Morgan Stanley CLO: 'Most of Our GCs Aren't Focusing on How the Sausage Gets Made'

July 28, 2021

Susan Eisenberg spoke with the Daily Business Review about clients' perspectives on where the work is being done.

Super Lawyers Names Five Cozen O’Connor Attorneys to its 2021 Florida List

June 24, 2021

Super Lawyers has named five Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its 2021 Florida Super Lawyers list.

South Florida Attorneys Support Zoom Court for Simple Hearings

June 18, 2021

Susan Eisenberg was quoted in the Daily Business Review discussing how remote work has been a benefit for attorneys.

82 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 19 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2021 Guide

May 26, 2021

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 82 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2021 edition; of those, 15 lawyers have been recognized nationally.

Cozen O'Connor Partner Jennifer Taylor Thrives on Mentorship

April 05, 2021

Jennifer Taylor was highlighted in the Daily Business Review about how she has devoted her career to building the confidence of young lawyers and young people in South Florida.

Susan Eisenberg and Jennifer Taylor Selected as Honorees for the DBR’s Florida Legal Awards

April 01, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Susan Eisenberg and Jennifer Taylor, members of the firm’s Labor & Employment Department, have been selected as honorees for the Daily Business Review’s Florida Legal Awards.

Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Eisenberg, Ferrer, Giotto and Tilson Recognized in 2021 Chambers Global Rankings

February 18, 2021

Chambers Global has recognized four Cozen O’ Connor attorneys, Susan Eisenberg (Miami – Labor & Employment), Geoffrey Ferrer (New York – Transportation & Trade), Thomas Giotto (Pittsburgh – Labor and Employment) and Joseph Tilson (Chicago – Labor & Employment), as worldwide leaders in their respective practices. All four attorneys are also ranked in the Chambers USA Guide.

Cozen O’Connor Announces Changes to Firm Management

February 16, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce the following changes in firm leadership positions for the 2021 year.

Six Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized by the South Florida Legal Guide

February 02, 2021

Six Cozen O'Connor attorneys have been honored by the South Florida Legal Guide for their work in South Florida over the last year.

Lawdragon names six Cozen O’Connor Attorneys among the Top 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers

December 14, 2020

Lawdragon has named six members of Cozen O’Connor’s Labor & Employment Department to its 2020 list of the Top 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers.

200 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch By The Best Lawyers In America

August 20, 2020

Best Lawyers selected 200 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 23 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America© (Copyright 2020 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).

Super Lawyers Names Seven Florida Cozen O’Connor Attorneys to its 2020 List

June 11, 2020

Super Lawyers has named seven Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2020 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

63 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 16 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2020 Guide

May 14, 2020

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 63 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2020 edition.

Getting to Work in a Pandemic: The Next Challenge

May 07, 2020

Susan Eisenberg was quoted in SHRM discussing the challenges employers face when returning to business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How to Handle More Work-from-Home Requests

May 05, 2020

Susan Eisenberg was quoted in SHRM discussing the challenges employers face with employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Risk Management Best Practices For Your COVID-19 Return To Work Plans

April 28, 2020

Susan Eisenberg and Jennifer Taylor Williams appeared on the Prevention Podcast to discuss the risks involved in returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Eisenberg, Ferrer, Giotto and Tilson Recognized in 2020 Chambers Global Rankings

February 17, 2020

Chambers Global has recognized four Cozen O’ Connor attorneys, Susan Eisenberg (Miami – Labor & Employment), Geoffrey Ferrer (New York – Transportation & Trade), Thomas Giotto (Pittsburgh – Labor and Employment), and Joseph Tilson (Chicago – Labor & Employment), as worldwide leaders in their respective practices. All four attorneys are also ranked in the Chambers USA Guide.

Seven Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Recognized by the South Florida Legal Guide

December 17, 2019

Seven Cozen O'Connor attorney have been honored by the South Florida Legal Guide for their work in South Florida for the last year.

As Legal Business Moves Faster, Lawyers Aim to Manage Client Expectations

September 17, 2019

Susan Eisenberg discussed with Law.com about the expectations that clients have with attorneys in their response time.

Six Cozen O’Connor Lawyers Named 2020 “Lawyers of the Year” By Best Lawyers in America

August 28, 2019

Cozen O’Connor is proud to announce that six of the firm’s lawyers have been recognized as “Lawyers of the Year” in their respective practices by Best Lawyers in America.

138 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named to the Best Lawyers in America

August 28, 2019

Best Lawyers selected 138 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 21 of the firm’s national offices for inclusion in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Nine Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named 2019 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

June 26, 2019

Super Lawyers has named Nine Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2019 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Publications

Job descriptions can be an employer’s best document [South Florida Business & Wealth]

June 28, 2020

Susan Eisenberg and Jennifer Taylor Williams wrote an article discussing how a job description can affect litigation.

Work After COVID-19: What Is the New Normal For Leave, Accommodation Requests? [Law.com]

May 27, 2020

Susan Eisenberg and Jennifer Taylor Williams wrote an article discussing how the EEOC intends that ADA accommodation requests will be alive and well post-coronavirus and employers will be required to engaged in the interactive process with each individual.

Labor and Employment Attorneys Answer Three COVID-19 Questions [Lodging Magazine]

March 23, 2020

Susan Eisenberg and Jennifer Williams wrote about the challenges that the hospitality and lodging industry are facing with COVID-19.

It’s Holiday Time—Can the Holiday Party Mean Exposure? [Law.com]

December 16, 2019

Susan Eisenberg wrote about the dos and don'ts for employers to keep employees safe during holiday parties.

The Roller Coaster Ride of the Tip Credit

April 30, 2018

Susan Eisenberg, a member of Cozen O'Connor's Labor & Employment department, wrote in the Daily Business Review about the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the hospitality industry.

Industry Sectors

Education

  • University of Miami School of Law, J.D., 1986
  • University of Michigan, B.S., 1979

Awards & Honors

Board Certified in Labor & Employment Law, The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education

Fellow, The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers

Founding Member, Wage and Hour Defense Institute (WHDI)

The Best Lawyers in America 2020 and 2024, Listed as "Lawyer of the Year" for Litigation - Labor and Employment in Miami

The Best Lawyers in America 2016, Listed as "Lawyer of the Year" for Employment Law - Management in Miami

The Best Lawyers in America, 2006-2024

South Florida Legal Guide Top Lawyers 2012-2015, 2019

Named a 2019 Influential Business Woman by South Florida Business Journal

Chambers USA 2004-2023

Chambers USA 2012, Women in Law Awards, Short List for Employment Lawyer of the Year

Chambers Global 2018-2023

Lawdragon Top Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2020-2024

Super Lawyers Magazine 2012-2023

Super Lawyers Magazine "Top 50 Women Lawyers" Florida, 2008, 2010-2011, 2013-2015 

Super Lawyers Magazine 2013, Listed in Florida as one of the "Top 100 Lawyers"

Super Lawyers Magazine 2013, Listed in Florida as one of the "Top 100 Miami Lawyers"

Daily Business Review 2014, Recognized as a Top 20 Women in Law Honoree in South Florida

Daily Business Review Florida Legal Awards 2021 - Distinguished Leader

Florida Trend's Legal Elite 2005, 2007, 2010, 2012-2013, 2017

The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers, 2012

Certified Mediator, Florida Supreme Court

American Arbitration Association, Arbitrator

Benchmark Labor & Employment Star for the South

Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rated 

  • Florida

American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section

International Women's Forum