Susan Slager
Sacramento
Summary
Professional legal expert with strong foundation in litigation, regulatory compliance, and policy development. Proven ability to lead teams and collaborate effectively to achieve results. Known for strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and adaptability in dynamic environments. Adept at managing complex legal cases and driving successful outcomes.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Supervising Deputy Attorney General, Civil Rights Enforcement Section
Department of Justice
Sacramento, CA
04.2018 - 03.2022
- Supervised attorneys and paralegals in complex investigations, including conducting witness interviews, issuing subpoenas, reviewing document productions, participating in site inspections, and preparing relevant pleadings. Supervised and personally handled all aspects of federal and state litigation involving constitutional claims, employment discrimination claims, Administrative Procedures Act claims, and consumer law claims. Supervised and personally handled appellate matters and amicus briefs. Engaged with stakeholders about civil rights issues. Hired, evaluated, and trained attorneys. Created policies and procedures for Civil Rights Section.
Director Human Resources
Los Rios Community College District
Sacramento, CA
09.2017 - 04.2018
- Supervised Equity Officers and Title IX Officers, who conducted investigations of harassment, discrimination, and sexual assault allegations. Supervised the Faculty Diversity Internship Training Program and the District's Interest Based Facilitation/Mediation program. Served as the District's Reasonable Accommodation Officer, including providing relevant training to staff, investigating complaints, reviewing District policies and procedures for legal compliance and evaluating and advising about requests for accommodation. Served as District's EEO Representative, including preparing annual report for Chancellor of Community Colleges, representing the District as a member of the Statewide Equal Employment and Diversity Advisory Committee, preparing formal responses to inquiries from the Department of Fair Employment and Housing and the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, and reviewing District policies and procedures for legal compliance. Investigated discrimination complaints, including conducting witness interviews, reviewing documents and preparing investigation reports. Served as Human Resources representative in hiring committees. Attended Human Resource Manager trainings presented by SHRM. Presented trainings on compliance with state and federal discrimination laws. Participated in collective bargaining.
Deputy Attorney General; Supervising Deputy Attorney General
Department of Justice
Sacramento, CA
11.2001 - 08.2017
- Employment & Administrative Mandate Section (11/01-3/07; 8/09-8/17); Supervising Deputy Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General: Supervised attorneys and paralegals, including hiring and evaluating staff; preparing, reviewing and editing pleadings; preparing performance appraisals; and creating and implementing DOJ policies and procedures. Conducted complex discrimination complaint investigations. Represented state agencies in complex employment discrimination litigation in state and federal court, including researching and preparing motions, taking depositions, preparing and responding to written discovery; representing clients in civil trials and administrative hearings; preparing appellate briefs; arguing before appellate courts; preparing responses to requests for information about employee discrimination complaints filed with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing and the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission; and advising clients regarding all aspects of employment law. Provided advice to the DOJ’s Equal Employment Rights and Resolution Office and Office of Risk Management about discrimination complaints, requests for reasonable accommodation, bullying complaints, and internal workplace investigations. Represented clients at hearings before the State Personnel Board and the Office of Administrative Hearings.
- Health, Education & Welfare Section (3/07-8/09), Supervising Deputy Attorney General: Supervised attorneys and paralegals in civil litigation matters, including reviewing and editing appellate briefs, motions, and written discovery in state court, federal court and administrative proceedings. Drafted written discovery, motions, appellate briefs and writs. Advised and represented clients, including the Department of Social Services, the Department of Health Care Services, the Department of Public Health, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and the Department of Education.
Attorney
Johnson, Schachter & Collins
Sacramento, CA
03.1999 - 11.2001
- Represented employers in civil litigation and administrative proceedings, including taking and defending depositions, preparing and responding to discovery, and drafting motions. Advised employers regarding personnel policies and procedures. Provided training to employers and school districts about all aspects of employment law. Represented school districts in special education matters. Conducted labor negotiations on behalf of school districts.
Attorney
Thomas M. Griffin Law Office
Sacramento, CA
01.1996 - 08.1999
- Represented school districts in administrative and civil litigation. Represented school districts during labor negotiations. Advised school districts about all aspects of education law, including personnel matters, construction defect litigation, special education, student discipline, and contracts.
Attorney
Sacramento Child Advocates
Sacramento, CA
01.1992 - 08.1995
- Represented minors in dependency matters before the Juvenile Court, including interviewing witnesses, appearing daily in hearings, and preparing for and handling bench trials.
Education
Juris Doctor - law
Santa Clara University School of Law
Santa Clara, CABachelor of Arts - psychology
University of California, Davis
Davis, CASkills
- Legal analysis
- Courtroom presence
- Legal research
- Legal writing
Timeline
Supervising Deputy Attorney General, Civil Rights Enforcement Section
Department of Justice
04.2018 - 03.2022
Director Human Resources
Los Rios Community College District
09.2017 - 04.2018
Deputy Attorney General; Supervising Deputy Attorney General
Department of Justice
11.2001 - 08.2017
Attorney
Johnson, Schachter & Collins
03.1999 - 11.2001
Attorney
Thomas M. Griffin Law Office
01.1996 - 08.1999
Attorney
Sacramento Child Advocates
01.1992 - 08.1995
Bachelor of Arts - psychology
University of California, Davis
Juris Doctor - law
Santa Clara University School of Law