Co-Founding Partner | Board-Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer
Susan Lawson is a co-founding partner of Lawson and Simmons, PLLC and a Board-Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer. Board certification is the highest level of evaluation recognized by The Florida Bar and is held by only a small percentage of criminal defense attorneys statewide—particularly few women. Susan earned this distinction through demonstrated excellence in trial advocacy, professionalism, ethics, and credibility.
Susan has devoted nearly 18 years exclusively to criminal defense, representing clients in serious state and federal criminal matters. She has served as lead counsel in more than 100 jury trials and has handled cases ranging from misdemeanors to complex felony prosecutions carrying substantial liberty and life consequences. While the majority of her career has been based in South Florida, Susan has also practiced in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Before founding Lawson and Simmons, Susan spent over four years as a partner at a prominent South Florida criminal defense firm. Prior to that, she dedicated more than a decade to the Public Defender’s Office, where she handled complex major-crime cases. She has represented both juvenile and adult clients across nearly every category of criminal charge. Susan co-founded Lawson and Simmons to build a firm grounded in thoughtful advocacy, meticulous preparation, and direct attorney involvement in every case.
Defense Philosophy
Susan believes effective criminal defense begins with recognizing that no two clients—and no two cases—are the same. A resolution that one client views as successful may carry unacceptable consequences for another. Some clients prioritize certainty and stability; others are prepared to assume greater risk in pursuit of complete vindication.
Susan’s role is to guide clients through the full range of options, clearly explain risks and long-term consequences, and advocate relentlessly for the outcome that best aligns with the client’s goals, values, and circumstances. She approaches every case as a protector of her client’s rights, reputation, and freedom.
Trial Experience and Courtroom Advocacy
Susan is a seasoned trial attorney known for her command of the courtroom, thorough preparation, and ability to present complex and difficult facts clearly and persuasively to juries. She is respected by prosecutors and judges as an attorney who is prepared, professional, and genuinely willing to take cases to trial when it is in her client’s best interest.
While many cases resolve without trial, Susan believes that trial readiness is essential to effective negotiation and meaningful defense advocacy.
Strategic Motion Practice
In addition to her trial work, Susan places significant emphasis on strategic pretrial litigation. She understands that early legal analysis and targeted motion practice can fundamentally alter—or resolve—a case before trial becomes necessary.
Susan has litigated numerous pretrial motions involving constitutional violations, evidentiary challenges, and procedural defects, using the law strategically to protect her clients’ rights and leverage favorable outcomes.
Client-Focused Representation
Susan believes trust, transparency, and communication are foundational to effective representation. Clients of Lawson and Simmons work directly with a founding partner from the outset of their case through resolution. Susan remains actively involved in strategy, preparation, and decision-making, ensuring clients understand what is happening, why it matters, and what comes next.
She is known for providing clear, direct advice and for treating clients with respect during one of the most stressful periods of their lives.
Education and Licensure
Susan earned her Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law, where she was actively involved in International Moot Court and the Intercultural Human Rights Law Review. She received her bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida.
She is licensed to practice law in Florida, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
Awards and Recognition
- Board-Certified in Criminal Trial Law — Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization
- Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys — National Trial Lawyers
- Super Lawyers – Rising Stars Elite Lawyer (Since 2022) — Super Lawyers
- Criminal Lawyer of the Year (2025) — Ms. Esquire
Professional Leadership and Involvement
- Board-Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer, The Florida Bar
- Board Member, Broward County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Continuing Legal Education (Selected)
- Fundamentals of Sex Crimes (2022)
- Navigating Florida’s Firearm Laws — Federal Bar Association (2024)
- Trial Preparation Strategies for Success — Florida Bar CLE (2025)
Media Features
- WTAP – 2025
- Miami Herald – 2025
- Florida Bar News – 2022
- Beyond the Courtroom
Susan was born and raised in South Florida. Outside of her legal practice, she enjoys spending time with her husband, their two sons, and their English and French Bulldogs. A devoted sports family, they can often be found on the baseball fields or cheering on the Atlanta Braves.
Schedule an Appointment
Evaluated for Professionalism and Tested for Expertise
