Sue McDermott Mercer is an experienced civil litigator.  Sue routinely represents Fortune 500 companies in state and federal courts and arbitrations in cases involving all aspects of employment law.  Sue defended in jury trial one of the largest managed healthcare companies in the United States against retaliation and unfair business practices claims.  She successfully argued as the appellant before the California Court of Appeal to shield a company executive from a $10,000 personal sanctions award.  She prepared and argued motions in the landmark California case, Sheppard v. Freeman, involving wrongful termination, interference with contractual relations, and conspiracy claims against Southwest Airlines and individual employees.  In addition to her litigation experience, Sue also counsels management on day-to-day human resources matters and prepares a wide array of employment-related policies and agreements.

As former Senior Counsel of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, Sue has extensive experience in a wide range of guild and union matters in the entertainment industry.  She has represented over 350 production companies and studios in collective bargaining negotiations, including direct negotiation with all levels of union representation and has advised studios, networks, and production companies on the interpretation of approximately 80 industry-wide collective bargaining agreements.

Education 

B.A., Boston College, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, 1995

J.D., American University: Washington College of Law, 1998
 Journal of Gender & the Law, Note and Comment Editor
 Instructor, Legal Methods and Writing

Licensed

California, 1998

Affiliations

California Bar Association
Board of Directors, La Canada Parent Education Program