Susan Gaertner represents companies, institutions, and individuals facing federal and state court enforcement actions, and she conducts internal investigations when allegations of misconduct are raised. Susan also leverages her vast dispute resolution experience to serve as a Qualified Neutral in alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

Susan’s practice spans a wide range of white-collar matters, including allegations of mail fraud, wire fraud, and visa fraud. She also assists clients with civil and criminal tax matters in state and federal jurisdictions, including foreign bank account disclosure filings and issues relating to unreported income. In addition, her experience includes defending religious and other nonprofit organizations facing internal and external investigations, with a particular focus on allegations of sexual misconduct. Susan is accustomed to working on high-profile matters, and is experienced in dealing with the media in conjunction with and on behalf of her clients. 

An experienced trial attorney, Susan served as Ramsey County (Minnesota) Attorney from 1995 to 2011. The fourth person to hold the office since 1933 and the first woman to hold the office, Susan successfully prosecuted many high-profile and complex cases in civil and criminal court. In addition, she spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving system-wide responses to sexual misconduct allegations, and gained particular experience in child abuse prosecution and prevention. She previously served as an assistant county attorney for 10 years, successfully trying scores of cases to juries. In recognition of Susan’s trial experience, she has been admitted into the American College of Trial Lawyers.

With her experience managing the myriad of civil litigation and advisory practice challenges faced by a major metropolitan county, Susan understands the impact that investigations and litigation have on an organization. Her experience allows her to create solutions to legal problems and ensure they are provided in a cost-effective manner, whether handled in-house or through outside counsel.

Susan has also counseled health care providers on issues related to health care fraud and regulatory enforcement. She has represented health care professionals in district court and licensing board matters, and before the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

Susan previously worked as a criminal defense attorney for the William Mauzy Law Office and served as a law clerk for the Honorable Gerald W. Heaney of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.