Susan K. Roberts

Partner, Lafayette

Businesses, financial institutions, accounting firms, and individuals choose attorney Susan K. Roberts to represent their interests in bankruptcy and creditors' rights matters, commercial litigation, and accountants' malpractice claims because they value her extensive experience, thorough understanding of the law, and strong business acumen in today's complex world. Drawing upon her experiences and knowledge gained through over twenty years as a litigator, as well as her former positions as a clerk for the Honorable Paul H. Buchanan, Chief Judge of the Indiana Court of Appeals, and her public accounting experience as an auditor in one of the largest accounting firms in the country, she has earned a solid reputation for delivering quality work and successful results.

Her clients especially benefit from her strong work ethic, tenacity, and confidence—in the courtroom and in negotiating resolutions. "I enjoy working through complex and challenging issues by finding law to support an argument or to refute the opponent's position," says Susan.

Among her accomplishments, Susan has successfully tried a complex foreclosure action resulting in a judgment in excess of $16 million. She has also helped shape Indiana law through her appellate work relative to the Accountancy Act and in creditors' rights matters. Recognizing the importance of persuasion through legal writing, Susan attributes her success to her mentor, Judge Buchanan. "He instilled in me that excellent writing requires clarity, conciseness, and forcefulness—elements I incorporate in all of my writings today."

Susan shares her enthusiasm for the practice of law through her role as President of Indiana High School Mock Trial and as a Board member and Secretary for National High School Mock Trial Championship, Inc. The programs provide high school students with the opportunity to learn about the American judicial system through mock trial competitions. Every year, she writes an original case for the students and conducts regional and state competitions throughout Indiana. Her program won the National High School Mock Trial Championship in 2009. "The work I do with Indiana's high school students through mock trial competitions is extremely gratifying."

She has also taught principles of trial practice at Purdue University, and has coached Purdue's Mock Trial teams in regional competitions. While helping students develop advocacy skills, Susan sharpens her own trial skills.

“I enjoy working through complex and challenging issues by finding law to support an argument or to refute the opponent's position”

Education

  • Indiana University, B.S., cum laude, 1981; J.D., 1986.

Honors

  • Beta Gamma Sigma; Beta Alpha Psi

Bar Admission

  • Indiana, 1986
  • U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, 1986
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, 1989

Professional Associations

  • Tippecanoe County Bar Association
  • Indiana State Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana
  • American Bankruptcy Institute
  • Indiana Bar Foundation, fellow

Civic / Charitable Activities

  • National High School Mock Trial, Board Member, 2007-present (Secretary, 2009-present)
  • Indiana High School Mock Trial Association (President, 1993-present)
  • United Way, Allocations Committee, 1995-1997
  • Community and Family Resource Center, board member, 1991-1994

Publications / Presentations