Hadfield, Gordon M.

Susan was born in Boston and grew up in Connecticut and Ohio. Earning a bachelor's degree in history, she graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Duke University. While in Chicago, she taught school, was Executive Director of the Evanston Council of Churches, and completed a masters degree in American history at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Moving to Montana, she was an instructor in history at Montana State University and was a researcher for the Montana Legislature. She earned a Juris Doctor degree with high honors at the University of Montana School of Law and participated on moot court and appellate advocacy teams. She accepted a federal clerkship with the Hon. Judge Russell Smith.

Susan has been in private practice for 24 years, joining Garlington, Lohn & Robinson in 1985. She also has been a visiting professor at the University of Montana School of Law. Her practice emphasizes insurance coverage, general and product liability litigation. Additionally, her appellate practice has entailed many appearances before the Montana Supreme court and the Court of Appeals of the Ninth Circuit.

Susan's continuing involvement with the Missoula Youth Homes included terms on the Board and as President. She is currently a board member of the Montana Natural History Center. Her recreational interests include hiking, cycling, and backpacking with her husband and two sons.