Crawford’s expertise spans multiple disciplines

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When a conservative organization in 2009 mounted a legal challenge to Wisconsin’s domestic partnership law, the attorney general declined to defend it, so then-Gov. Jim Doyle hired Lester Pines and his firm to do it.

Doyle’s chief legal counsel at the time, Susan Crawford, supervised Pines and his colleagues.

Once Doyle’s administration ended, Pines Bach recruited her. The firm was impressed with her talents and abilities.

“We didn’t want her working anywhere else,” Pines said. “We wanted her working here.”

The transition was a big one, with her going from working for one government in one administration to mounting legal challenges to the policies of a new administration.

Her first case involved challenging Act 10 — that required her to be sneaked into the state Capitol so state Rep. Peter Barca could sign an affidavit. Crawford has since litigated numerous public interest cases and cases involving constitutional issues, including challenging Wisconsin’s abortion admitting privileges and voter ID laws.

“As a colleague, Susan is really wonderful to work with,” said Pines. “She is so perceptive that she can quickly analyze problems and have insights on cases. Even if she disagrees with you, she doesn’t hesitate to cogently explain her opinion.”

Like any lawyer, Crawford enjoys winning cases and gaining relief for her clients and the public, but she also enjoys the inner workings of the legal system.

“I enjoy reading and studying and teasing out an argument in a complex case. And I enjoy the people. I enjoy getting to know my clients, who are often very passionate about the areas in which they advocate. It’s really gratifying.”

But Crawford didn’t take the traditional path to private practice.

She started her legal career working for the Iowa Attorney General and worked for the state Department of Justice as an assistant attorney general, focusing on criminal appellate work. And before her chief legal counsel role, Crawford spent time at the Departments of Natural Resources, Corrections and Employment Relations.

“I’ve had several different stages in my career, and I would not have wanted to have given up any of them at this time,” she said.

Pines said Crawford is also unusual because she has accomplished what trial lawyers as well as trial and appellate advocates often struggle to do, whether they are men or women.

“It’s very hard to be in private practice and to maintain a strong family life and strong relationship with your children,” said Pines. “She’s done it and it’s very impressive.”