Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Additional Education
Timeline
Generic

Susan Herrera

Houston,TX

Summary

As a civil litigation attorney licensed in Texas for over three decades, I possess comprehensive experience in managing complex civil litigation cases. My expertise encompasses consumer protection, product and premises liability, construction defects, business disputes, medical malpractice, personal injury, and wrongful death cases. Additionally, I have significant experience in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts and agreements.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Solo Practitioner

Houston
06.2022 - Current
  • Experienced in civil litigation and transactional work, including contract-based services provided to other law firms.
  • Represent individuals and small businesses in civil litigation cases with a focus on complex commercial litigation and consumer protection matters including breach of contract disputes, warranty claims, construction defects issues, DTPA violations as well as non-compete agreement breaches. Conducting in-depth client consultations to understand their legal needs and offer customized advice. Conducting extensive legal research to support cases and providing thorough analysis. Engage in written discovery as well as taking and defending depositions. Representing clients in court appearances and trials. Proficient in drafting various legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, and motions. Negotiating settlements with opposing parties to reach mutually beneficial agreements
  • Drafting, reviewing and red-lining diverse commercial contracts and legal documents including business agreements (consulting, non-disclosure, non-compete), independent contractor agreements, vendor agreements, construction contracts, private equity NDA's, commercial lease agreements, and warranty deeds.

Chief Legal Officer

Harris County Appraisal District
01.2009 - 01.2022
  • Advanced from a litigation role to become the chief legal officer at HCAD, one of the largest appraisal districts in the U.S. responsible for ad valorem tax appraisals on real and personal property.
  • Managed in-house legal department with eight lawyers and six support staff, handling 6,800 active lawsuits valued at $12.9 billion.
  • Provided general legal counsel by actively partnering with executives, management, outside counsel, and cross-functional teams to address legal issues and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Drafted, negotiated, reviewed, revised, and provided final approval on all commercial contracts with the district, including software licensing, vendor agreements, professional service agreements, purchase agreements, construction contracts, and interlocal agreements.
  • Provided legal advice and opinions on complex legal issues pertaining to Property Tax Code, Government Code, Public Information Act, Open Meetings Act, and civil litigation matters.
  • Provided legal representation in various court settings including Harris County District Courts, administrative hearings (such as the Appraisal Review Board and State Office of Administrative Hearings), and at monthly Board of Director meetings.
  • Assisted board of directors in organizing and facilitating monthly meetings, managing agenda items, overseeing elections, and drafting formal resolutions and policies.
  • Analyzed legislation and ensured compliance with new laws, providing legal expertise during the legislative session.

Assistant Attorney General

Texas Attorney General
Houston
01.2007 - 01.2009
  • Investigated and filed civil lawsuits and injunctions under Deceptive Trade Practices Act as well as other consumer protection and public health statutes to enforce laws against false, misleading, or deceptive advertising and marketing practices.
  • Facilitated collaboration with state enforcement authorities to investigate cases, analyze evidence, and achieve resolutions either through litigation or negotiation.
  • Brought legal action against various long-term care providers, such as nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, assisted living facilities, and home health services.
  • Managed all aspects of civil litigation, overseeing discovery, motion practice, and trial proceedings.

Staff Attorney

Orgain, Bell, Tucker, LLP
Houston
01.2002 - 01.2006
  • Managed defense of medical malpractice cases for various healthcare providers. Defended cases involving wrongful death and catastrophic injuries.
  • Demonstrated expertise in drafting and reviewing discovery documents, while also conducting depositions of both fact and expert witnesses including doctors and other healthcare professionals.
  • Conducted extensive research on legal and medical matters.
  • Achieved successful outcomes through obtaining multiple dismissals and summary judgments in complex cases.
  • Secured multiple favorable jury verdicts in defense cases that entailed complex legal and medical issues.

Associate Attorney

Houston
01.1991 - 01.2002
  • Provided defense of medical malpractice, personal injury and wrongful death, products and premises liability, construction defects, and auto accident lawsuits at law firms including Hirsch, Sheiness & Garcia; Livingston, Markle, Miller, Ramos & Zito; and Livingston & Miller.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) -

South Texas College of Law

BBA - Finance

Texas A&M University
College Station, TX

Skills

  • General civil litigation
  • Legal research and writing
  • Skilled in utilizing Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Fastcase for legal research
  • Negotiating and editing commercial contracts
  • Written discovery, pleadings and motion practice
  • Depositions
  • Court appearances
  • Trials
  • Negotiating settlements
  • Strong analytical & problem solving skills
  • Strong written & communication skills
  • Microsoft Office

Affiliations

  • State Bar of Texas
  • Greater Houston Partnership
  • Houston Bar Association
  • Women Professionals in Government
  • Executive Women in Texas Government

Accomplishments

  • Dean’s Honor List
  • Garland Walker Inns of Court

Additional Education

Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Timeline

Solo Practitioner

06.2022 - Current

Chief Legal Officer

Harris County Appraisal District
01.2009 - 01.2022

Assistant Attorney General

Texas Attorney General
01.2007 - 01.2009

Staff Attorney

Orgain, Bell, Tucker, LLP
01.2002 - 01.2006

Associate Attorney

01.1991 - 01.2002

Juris Doctor (JD) -

South Texas College of Law

BBA - Finance

Texas A&M University

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