Susan C. Odess

Susan C. Odess leads the firm’s insurance and construction litigation practice. Susie’s team exclusively focuses on high-stakes insurance coverage disputes and claims, representing homeowners, commercial property owners, community associations, and businesses against large insurance and construction companies.

Some of Susie’s significant settlements and jury verdicts for her clients include:

• $72 million for a condo association as a result of robotic garage failure
• $13 million for a condo association impacted by hurricane damage
• $4.2 million for a condo association impacted by hurricane damage
• $4 million for an apartment complex impacted by hurricane damage
• $2.5 million for a hotel impacted by hurricane damage
• $1.3 million for homeowners impacted by a pipe break
• $3.6 million jury verdict following a six-day trial for a condo association impacted by hurricane damage
• Obtained a jury verdict in favor of homeowners and against their property insurer following a three-day trial
• Obtained a jury verdict in favor of a homeowner against its property insurer following a three-day trial
• Obtained a jury verdict in favor of a homeowner against its property insurer following a two-day trial

Susie received her bachelor’s degree from Catholic University of America, and then went on to receive her juris doctor from the University of Miami School of Law, where she graduated cum laude.  While in law school, Susie served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Adalberto Jordan, a respected United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

Since entering private practice, Susie has established herself as a go-to resource for clients dealing with a wide range of property damage claims. Whether it’s water damage, wind damage, fire damage, concrete overspray, hurricane damage, or any other form of property damage, Susie is a leader in her field and is known to take on big cases.

Susie began her career in the insurance industry and has over 15 years of experience handling first-party property insurance claims stemming from water losses, flooding, fires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Susie represents her clients in Florida’s state and federal courts, and has significant experience in trial, appraisals and arbitration proceedings.  In addition to handling legal claims, Susie provides invaluable guidance to clients during the coverage-analysis and decision-making process. From negotiating coverage disputes to navigating complex litigation, appraisals and arbitrations, she is committed to ensuring that her clients receive the maximum insurance coverage to which they are entitled.

Susie is well respected as a go-to source in the insurance industry. She is routinely published on matters regarding insurance coverage disputes, and she is an annual contributor to Florida Construction Law, a comprehensive textbook used to teach construction law at the University of Miami School of Law. Susie was recognized in the 2023-2024 Best Lawyers in America listing under the insurance law and insurance litigation practice areas. She was also recognized in the 2022-2023 Florida Super Lawyers listing.

Susie is active in her community, serving as a mentor with Women of Tomorrow. Susie has also received a judicial appointment as an Attorney Ad Litem and volunteers her time advocating for juvenile and animal rights. Previously, Susie served on the Board of Directors of Margaux’s Miracle Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to publishing the results of research seeking to test and improve upon treatment for cancer patients.