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Susan Kurien
Managing Director, Legal at The Forum Group
Professional Background
Susan Kurien is a distinguished professional in the legal staffing and consulting sector, currently serving as the Managing Director of the Legal Division at The Forum Group. With over 15 years of comprehensive litigation experience, Susan has played a pivotal role in the success of Forum, a full-service staffing and consulting firm renowned for its dedication to connecting top-tier legal professionals with various entities, including law firms, corporations, startups, and non-profits. Under her leadership, the Forum Legal division excels in helping organizations assess their legal staffing requirements and recruit the right talent to drive productivity and strengthen operational efficiency.
Susan's legal career is marked by a variety of esteemed roles that reflect her passion and expertise within the judicial system. Her experience includes serving as a judicial clerk for two judges, where she gained invaluable insights into the legal process and honed her analytical skills. In her role as a litigation associate at a prominent law firm, she provided essential legal support and representation in various cases, further solidifying her reputation as a skilled attorney. Additionally, her tenure as the Executive Director of a civil rights non-profit organization allowed her to advocate for justice and equity, making a significant impact on the community and demonstrating her commitment to public service.
Education and Achievements
Susan's educational background laid a strong foundation for her impressive career. She earned her Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Wisconsin Law School, equipping her with the legal knowledge and critical thinking skills required for success in the competitive legal arena. Prior to attending law school, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with dual concentrations in Theater and Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This unique combination of studies reflects her diverse interests and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, a skill that is essential in her current role in legal staffing and consulting.
An early significant stepping stone in Susan's career was her tenure as a litigation paralegal. This role allowed her to manage large commercial cases, demonstrating her organizational capabilities and leadership potential. She effectively oversaw support staff working on intricate matters, including trials, which provided her with a comprehensive understanding of legal proceedings and client needs.
Career Trajectory
Throughout her career, Susan has held numerous prominent positions which have contributed to her extensive professional growth. Before her current role at The Forum Group, she brought her expertise to Update Legal as a Client Development Manager, where she was responsible for enhancing client relationships and driving business growth through legal staffing solutions. Additionally, her time as an attorney at Gingras, Cates & Luebke, S.C. allowed her to deepen her litigation skills and expand her practice areas.
Susan's distinguished experience extended to her roles as a staff attorney at the Dane County Circuit Court and as a student attorney at the Consumer Law Litigation Clinic, where she provided essential legal counsel and representation to underserved communities. Furthermore, she has contributed her talents as a summer associate at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, where she gained valuable experience working alongside seasoned attorneys.
Overall, Susan Kurien's career is a testament to her dedication, professionalism, and expertise in the legal sector. As Managing Director of The Forum Group's Legal Division, she continues to spearhead efforts to connect clients with qualified legal talent while shaping the future of legal staffing through innovative approaches and unparalleled service.
