Susan C. Rodgers

Partner | Akron (Fairlawn)

Employment & Labor Practice Group Leader

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About Susan:

I am an employment and labor attorney. I serve as a resource for business owners, management teams and human resources directors as I guide them through the day-to-day issues that arise with employment and labor law matters.

 

I defend my clients before the National Labor Relations Board, Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and state federal and courts. I aim to be on the front end for my clients so I can help prevent employment and labor lawsuits. However, when the risk of litigation is present, I instill in my clients the confidence to make difficult choices that will protect them, their staff, and their business.

 

The greatest gift I give to clients is my ability to see beyond the law and into the realities of their workplace. I know every decision they make can impact one, or all, employees. That’s why I take the time to understand my clients’ business goals and ensure my work aligns with their needs. I am here to help my clients sit well with the decisions they make so they can run a positive, effective and productive work environment.

 

    • Serves as chair of the Employment & Labor Practice Group, General Counsel and is a member of the firm's Executive Committee
    • Served as general counsel for the firm and was previously a member of the firm’s board of managers
    • Actively involved in advising and educating clients regarding compliance with and handling a variety of employment and labor issues, including Title VII, age discrimination, and disability
    • Has represented employers before state and federal courts as well as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and the National Labor Relations Board
    • Extensive experience in the development, implementation, and review of corporate personnel policies and procedures
    • Has experience performing investigations regarding sexual harassment and sexual misconduct for corporations and higher education institutions (Title IX-related investigations)
    • Makes presentations regarding employment and discrimination issues
    • Prior to joining the Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC, was director at Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A.
    • Served as a member of the University of Cincinnati Law Review

    • The University of Cincinnati College of Law, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.D., 1991)
    • The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (B.A., 1988)
    • University of Oxford – New Oxford College, Oxford, England
  • Admissions
    • Ohio Bar
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio

    • Named Best Lawyers in America® ‘Lawyer of the Year’ (2019-2020, 2023)
    • Listed in Best Lawyers in America® (2011-2023)
    • Recognized by Best Lawyers® "Women in Law" Business Edition for Employment & Labor Law (2016)
    • Selected for inclusion in Ohio’s Super Lawyers® (2011-2012, 2015-2023), as voted by her peers

    • Vice President, Board of Trustees: Stark County District Library
    • Trustee: GentleBrook, Inc. fka Hartville Homes, Inc.
    • Member: 9th Class, Leadership Stark County
  • Associations
    • Member: Ohio State Bar Association
    • Member: Stark County Bar Association

  • Presentations:
    • “The Generation Gap in the Workplace” Sikich & Buckingham Event (February 2020)
    • “HR Nightmares |How to handle employee situations that keep you up at night” Ohio HR Chamber Academy Webinar (May 2019)
    • "The Battle of the Depositions in a Wrongful Discharge Case," "What Would You Do?,"and "Recent Developments that Impact the Management of Your Workforce," Buckingham's Employment Seminar (2015)
    • “Managing Disabilities and Leaves of Absence under the ADA, FMLA and PDA," Buckingham's Employment Seminar (2014)
    • “Employment and Labor Implications of the Affordable Care Act” Stark County Medical Society (2014)
    • “Restrictive Covenants: Paper Agreements in an Electronic Age,” Buckingham's Employment Seminar (2011)
    • “What’s New, Different, & On the Horizon in Labor & Employment Law,” OHCA Seminar (2010)
    • “Understanding the Proposed Employee Free Choice Act and How You Can Be Proactive,” Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC Client Seminar (2009)
    • “Hot Topics in the Law for Personnel Managers,” Starkjobs.com seminar (2008)
    • “Combating Leave Abuse,” Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC Employment & Workers’ Compensation Seminar (2008)
    • “Employee Handbooks and Personnel Policies: Safety is an Important Component,” Akron  Canton Safety Counsel (2008)
    • “The Ohio Healthy Families Act: A Legislative Update,” Akron SHRM seminar (2008)
    • “What is Harassment, and How Should Your Company Respond?,” AkronWorks.com seminar (2008) and Starkjobs.com seminar (2008)
    • “Sexual Harassment – How To Protect Your Business,” Greater Boca Raton Chamber of  Commerce Successful Women in Business (2007)
    • “Employee Handbook Workshop,” Starkjobs.com (2007)
    • “Eight Ways to Protect Your Company from Employment Liability,” Garfield Heights Chamber  of Commerce (2007)
    • “Employment Law Update: New Developments and Legal Trends,” Wayne Area Human Resource Association (2007)
    • “Top Ten Things Employers Can Do to Avoid Employment Law Liability,” Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC Annual Real Estate & Construction Seminar (2007)
    • “Employee Handbook Workshop,” Starkjobs.com Training Seminar (2007)
    • “Minimum Wage, Smoking Ban, and Trends in Employment Litigation,” SHRM Seminar (2007)
    • “Retaliation or Reasonable Management Decision? The Supreme Court Raises the Stakes for Employers,” Canton Akron Safety Council (2006)
    • “Representing a Business in Distress,” Stark County Bar Association Corporate Law Committee (2006)
    • “Trends and Pitfalls- Case Law Update,” Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC Employment & Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Cleveland, OH (2005)
    Publications:      

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