Sue is a nationally recognized pro bono pioneer with a passion for helping underserved populations and exceptional litigation skills. As chair of Mintz’s Pro Bono Committee, she leads groundbreaking cases and manages pro bono matters for the firm. She has helped to defeat President Trump’s first immigration travel ban in early 2017, engineer the passage of a Massachusetts restraining order law for sexual assault survivors, and create several innovative statewide model pro bono programs in Massachusetts.
Sue is a Member in the Litigation Section and is Chair of the Pro Bono Committee. Appointed the firm’s first Pro Bono Partner in 2007, Sue serves as lead counsel on numerous high profile pro bono litigation matters. She also manages the firm’s pro bono efforts, consisting of over 300 varied cases annually throughout all of the firm’s offices, and advises firm clients on developing and sustaining pro bono programs within their in-house legal departments.
Sue has been a tireless and innovative advocate for low-income people in Massachusetts and beyond. Through her former leadership on the Access to Justice Commission, she spearheaded creative funding mechanisms to support legal aid organizations and developed the statewide civil appellate pro bono program for self-represented litigants. Eleven years ago, she co-founded the Access to Justice Fellows program, in which over 200 retired and retiring lawyers have devoted over 200,000 pro bono hours at legal services organizations, nonprofits, and the courts.
Sue is also an experienced nonprofit board member, currently serving on the Board of Trustees of Dartmouth College. For the past two years, she has served as one of the Board’s Vice Chairs and as the Chair of the Audit and Oversight Committee.
From 2004 to 2007, Sue was legal director of the Victim Rights Law Center, overseeing free statewide civil legal services to sexual assault survivors and providing training to legal aid attorneys nationally. While previously at Mintz, from 1993 to 2004, as an associate and then a partner, Sue handled complex commercial, white collar, defamation, land use, and insurance defense matters in both state and federal trial and appellate courts. She also performed extensive pro bono work, including oversight of the firm’s Domestic Violence Project.
Following law school, Sue served as a law clerk for the Honorable Andrew A. Caffrey at the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and for the Honorable Francis P. O’Connor at the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
Sue is a nationally recognized pro bono pioneer with a passion for helping underserved populations and exceptional litigation skills. As chair of Mintz’s Pro Bono Committee, she leads groundbreaking cases and manages pro bono matters for the firm. She has helped to defeat President Trump’s first immigration travel ban in early 2017, engineer the passage of a Massachusetts restraining order law for sexual assault survivors, and create several innovative statewide model pro bono programs in Massachusetts.
Experience
- Served as lead counsel on several high impact immigration litigation matters with the ACLU of Massachusetts:
- Achieved a groundbreaking victory for detained immigrants in a class action case, Pereira Brito v. Barr, that held that the government’s bond hearings were unconstitutional. Previously, the detainee was required to bear the burden of proof in order to be released from detention. After Brito, the government bears the burden to prove that the detainee was a flight risk or a danger to the community. This ruling had an immediate impact in Boston Immigration Court, and many class members were released from detention.
- Challenged President Trump’s first immigration executive order “travel ban."
- Achieved a groundbreaking victory for detained immigrants in a class action case, Pereira Brito v. Barr, that held that the government’s bond hearings were unconstitutional. Previously, the detainee was required to bear the burden of proof in order to be released from detention. After Brito, the government bears the burden to prove that the detainee was a flight risk or a danger to the community. This ruling had an immediate impact in Boston Immigration Court, and many class members were released from detention.
- Co-counsel for the Boston branch of the NAACP and other advocacy organizations in support of a COVID-era Boston Public School Exam School Admissions policy that resulted in increased socioeconomic, geographic, and racial diversity at Boston’s three highly selective schools. The policy was challenged in federal court by a group that alleged that it was unconstitutional. After a three-year court battle, the First Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the policy did not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
- Managed a team of Mintz Levin attorneys who advocated for the eventual passage of a new criminally enforceable restraining order law for sexual assault survivors in Massachusetts (G.L. c. 258E), filing a gap in the existing statute. For these efforts, the American Bar Association awarded the firm its Pro Bono Publico Award.
- Oversaw several compelling political asylum cases, including one that is the subject of a Steven Spielberg documentary, Finding Oscar.
- Successfully argued for a civil right to counsel for indigent parents in certain guardianship matters, favorably impacting hundreds of low income parents each year; Argued alongside L.B. v. Chief Justice of the Prob. & Family Ct. Dep’t, 49 N.E.3d 230 (Mass. 2016).Oversaw several compelling political asylum cases, including one that is the subject of a Steven Spielberg documentary, Finding Oscar.
- Managed a team of Mintz Levin attorneys who advocated for the eventual passage of a new criminally enforceable restraining order law for sexual assault survivors in Massachusetts, filing a gap in the existing statute. For these efforts, the American Bar Association awarded the firm its Pro Bono Publico Award.
- Successfully argued for a civil right to counsel for indigent parents in certain guardianship matters, favorably impacting hundreds of low income parents each year; Argued alongside L.B. v. Chief Justice of the Prob. & Family Ct. Dep’t, 49 N.E.3d 230 (Mass. 2016).
Specialize in representing of victims of crime and the nonprofits that serve them.
- Represent several families impacted by crime, including high profile domestic violence homicides and Boston Marathon bombing survivors.
- Represent hundreds of individual domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.
- Advise domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers on a variety of legal matters.
viewpoints
Fighting for Access to Lifesaving HIV Medicine
November 16, 2023 | Article
Removing Barriers to Second Chances
January 24, 2022 | Article
Nurturing a Community-Based Approach to Food Access
January 18, 2022 | Article
Collaborating to Expand Access to Boston's Exam Schools
January 3, 2022 | Article
In-house Counsel and Pro Bono Work
June 14, 2021 | Video | By Susan Finegan
Firm Partners with ACLU of MA in Lawsuit Against the President’s Travel Ban
February 7, 2017 | | By Susan Finegan, Susan Cohen, Elizabeth Burnett, Michael Gardener, Peter Biagetti
News & Press
‘A Pro Bono Pioneer’
October 11, 2024
Pro Bono Committee Chair Susan Finegan was profiled by BC Law Magazine ahead of receiving the BBA Thurgood Marshall Award at the Annual BBA meeting in November. The magazine discusses Sue’s long and dedicated history of pro bono service.
Mintz Pro Bono Committee Chair Susan Finegan to Receive Boston Bar Association’s Thurgood Marshall Award
October 03, 2024
Mintz Pro Bono Committee Chair and litigation member Susan Finegan will receive the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) Thurgood Marshall Award at its annual meeting on November 14. The award “honors Boston attorneys in the private bar whose extraordinary work has enhanced the human dignity of others.”
The Best Lawyers in America 2025 Recognizes 184 Mintz Attorneys across 56 Practice Areas
August 15, 2024
187 Mintz attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers® in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. Notably, three Mintz attorneys received 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” awards, and 64 firm attorneys were included in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
Mintz Honored with NLADA Beacon of Justice Award
April 22, 2024
Mintz recently filed an amicus brief urging the US Supreme Court to protect access to emergency care for pregnant women under the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) in the consolidated cases Idaho v. United States and Moyle v. United States that the Court will hear on April 24th.
Mintz is pleased to announce Pro Bono Committee Chair Susan Finegan has been selected as a member on Law360’s 2024 Editorial Advisory Board “Access to Justice.” The editorial advisory boards provide feedback on Law360’s coverage and expert insight on how best to shape future coverage.
Mintz is pleased to announce that 120 firm attorneys have been recognized as leaders by Best Lawyers® in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©.
BOSTON – Mintz is pleased to announce that Member and Chair of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee Susan M. Finegan has been selected as a member of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s inaugural “Hall of Fame” class.
Alyssa Scruggs Receives 2023 Richard Mintz Pro Bono Award For Her Work With Human Trafficking Survivors
August 04, 2023
BOSTON – Mintz is pleased to announce that Alyssa Scruggs is the recipient of the 2023 Richard Mintz Pro Bono Award for her work with survivors of human trafficking. This esteemed accolade, presented each year by the firm’s Pro Bono Committee, recognizes one attorney who exhibits exceptional dedication to pro bono work.
In Tribute To A Man Of Generous Spirit
July 7, 2023
BC Law Magazine described Chairman, R. Robert Popeo as a "legendary lawyer", "a creative strategist", and a "tenacious force" in an article remembering his career and legacy. The article quoted firm Members and fellow BC Law alumni on the lasting impact Mr. Popeo had.
BOSTON – Mintz is pleased to announce that Susan Finegan, Chair of the firm's Pro Bono Committee, and Member Martha Koster have been honored with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court for their leadership in co-founding and supporting the Access to Justice Fellows Program (Fellows Program).
Mintz has once again been named a recipient of the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA)’s Beacon of Justice Award. This year, the award was given to law firms that demonstrated their “efforts to address issues related to LGBTQ+ rights and/or gender-based equity issues that intersect with racial equity.”
21 Law Firms Touted By Legal Aid Group For DEI Efforts
April 14, 2023
Mintz's inclusion in the National Legal Aid & Defender Association's 2023 Beacon of Justice award was featured by Law360 Pulse. The article highlighted recent pro bono initiatives that the firm's attorneys are undertaking.
The Benefits Of Pro Bono In Law Firms
April 5, 2023
Chair of Mintz's Pro Bono Committee Susan Finegan was quoted in the March/April issue of San Diego Lawyer Journal about the benefits that pro bono work has on firm culture, recruitment, and retention.
Chair of Mintz's Pro Bono Committee Susan Finegan was interviewed by Donald Frederico on his Higher Callings podcast. In addition to elaborating on the pro bono work carried out by Mintz lawyers, Sue discussed a number of other topics about pro bono legal services.
Mintz Helps to Launch Abortion Hotline Offering Free Legal Advice
January 31, 2023
BOSTON – Mintz today announced the launch of a new abortion hotline offering legal guidance and resources to callers, moving to further defend abortion access in light of the Dobbs decision and passage of the new Massachusetts provider protection law.
Mintz Attorney Handed 2022 Shining Star Award By Victim Rights Law Center
September 22, 2022
Best Lawyers® recognized 108 firm attorneys in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. Notably, two Mintz attorneys – Poonam Patidar and Scott M. Stanton – received 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” awards, and 28 firm attorneys were included in the inaugural edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
Mintz Receives 2022 Beacon of Justice Award from the National Legal Aid & Defender Association
April 12, 2022
Mintz has been named a recipient of the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA)’s 2022 Beacon of Justice Award for its efforts to address systemic racial disparities in 2022.
Law360's 2021 Access To Justice Editorial Advisory Board
March 19, 2021
Legal Industry Forms Fund to Honor Late Chief Justice Ralph Gants
December 3, 2020
Mintz Salutes Veterans Through Pro Bono and Community Service
November 11, 2020
Beacon of Justice 2020 Awardees
November 11, 2020
Mintz’s Bob Bodian Honored with Outstanding Ally Award from Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: North America 2020
September 25, 2020
How Some Attys Are Ditching BigLaw For Public Interest Work
September 14, 2020
A Civil Justice Crisis is Coming
September 11, 2020
Mintz Joins New Law Firm Antiracism Alliance
June 26, 2020
Landmark Supreme Court Ruling on LGBTQ Rights
June 16, 2020
Mintz Practice Groups and Attorneys Garner Top Rankings in 2020 Edition of The Legal 500 United States
June 12, 2020
Mintz Honored with PAIR’s 2020 Pro Bono Mentor Award
May 22, 2020
Counsel Who Care: How Attys Are Helping During A Crisis
April 23, 2020
Law360's 2020 Access To Justice Editorial Advisory Board
March 17, 2020
The first-of-its-kind class action lawsuit, Pereira Brito v. Barr, was filed in June on behalf of immigrants who were jailed due to flawed detention hearings in which the detainee was required to bear the burden of proof as to not being a flight risk or a danger to the community. The latest ruling holds that the class of immigrants are entitled to bond hearings at which the government bears the burden of justifying an immigrant’s detention, and at which the immigration court must consider someone’s ability to pay when setting a bond amount.
The Mintz pro bono team representing the plaintiffs in this case includes Members Susan Finegan and Susan Cohen, Special Counsel Andrew Nathanson, and Associates Mathilda McGee-Tubb, Jennifer Mather McCarthy, and Ryan Dougherty.
Women, Influence & Power in Law 2019: Susan M. Finegan
December 2, 2019
Ms. Finegan was recognized as a law firm honoree in the Collaborative Leadership Category for her outstanding work leading Mintz’s pro bono program and for her partnership efforts with advocacy organizations in the legal community.
In the Q&A, Ms. Finegan discussed her career path, shared leadership advice, and addressed her drive to find legal solutions for her most vulnerable clients.
Federal Judge Rules Detained Immigrants Are Entitled to Fair Hearings
November 27, 2019
The Supreme Court’s Upcoming Decision in the DACA Cases Could Place LGBTQ Recipients at Serious Risk
November 11, 2019
Gov't Often Has 'Nothing' To Hold Immigrants, Judge Says
November 6, 2019
Immigration Courts Are 'Ignoring The Law,' Mass. Judge Says
August 6, 2019
Mintz, ACLU Lead Charge to End Unlawful ICE Detentions
June 19, 2019
In Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, Member and Chair of Mintz’s Pro Bono Committee Susan Finegan and Member and Founding Chair of Mintz’s Immigration Practice Susan Cohen discuss the purpose of the lawsuit and the legal challenges facing detained immigrants in Massachusetts and beyond.
To view the full press release on this lawsuit, please click here.
BigLaw Directs Pro Bono Efforts At Trump Admin Policies
November 6, 2017
Mintz’s Susan Finegan Receives Yvette C. Mendez Award from the Volunteer Lawyers Project
September 05, 2017
Mintz Attorney Susan M. Finegan Receives 2017 Woman of the Year Award from Women’s Law Center at Boston College Law School
April 24, 2017
BC Law Voices on Trump Ban
February 21, 2017
ACLU files complaint in Boston seeking full repeal of Trump order
February 1, 2017
Mintz Attorney Susan M. Finegan to Receive 2017 Pinnacle Award from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
December 07, 2016
Mintz Attorneys Among PAIR’s 2015 Honorees
June 15, 2015
Events & Speaking
Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission Updates
Boston Bar Association
Boston Bar Association, 16 Beacon Street, Boston, MA
Pro Bono Institute Annual Conference
Gaylord National Resort, 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD
Massachusetts Bar Foundation’s 2019 Annual Meeting & Reception
Federal Reserve Building, 600 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA
Access to Justice Fellows Program Information Session
Boston Bar Association
Boston Bar Association, 16 Beacon Street, Boston, MA
Access to Justice in Brazil and the U.S.
Boston College Law School, 885 Centre Street Newton, MA
Keynote Address on Access to Justice Initiatives
Liberty Mutual - 141 Congress Street Boston, MA 02110
National Meeting of State Access to Justice Commission Chairs and State Supreme Court Justices
American Bar Association
Thomas Jefferson School of Law San Diego, CA
Conference on Law and State Government Fellowship Symposium
Indiana University McKinney School of Law
Second Acts®: Tapping Transitioning Baby-Boomers to Enhance Law Firm Pro Bono
Capital Hilton, Washington, D.C.
Expanding Access to Justice by Engaging Senior Fellows
Boston Bar Association
16 Beacon St. Boston, Ma
VAWA Implementation and the Potential Impact of Proposed Massachusetts Bill S.650
Mintz Levin
Boston, MA
VAWA Implementation and the Potential Impact of Proposed Massachusetts Bill S.650
Mintz Levin
Boston, MA
Sue is a nationally recognized pro bono pioneer with a passion for helping underserved populations and exceptional litigation skills. As chair of Mintz’s Pro Bono Committee, she leads groundbreaking cases and manages pro bono matters for the firm. She has helped to defeat President Trump’s first immigration travel ban in early 2017, engineer the passage of a Massachusetts restraining order law for sexual assault survivors, and create several innovative statewide model pro bono programs in Massachusetts.
Recognition & Awards
Best Lawyers in America: Commercial Litigation (2014 – 2025)
Litigation Counsel of America
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
Boston Bar Association, Thurgood Marshall Award (2024)
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, recognized in Inaugural “Hall of Fame” class (2023)
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Certificate of Appreciation (for leadership in co-founding and supporting the Access to Justice Fellows Program), Access to Justice Fellows Ten Year Gala (2023)
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Pro Bono Honor Roll (High Honor Roll)(since inception)
Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: North America, shortlisted for Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year (2020, 2021)
Profiled in the Chambers D&I North America Report 2021 on Racial Inclusion in the Legal Profession
Law 360’s “Access to Justice” Editorial Advisory Board (2020, 2012, 2024)
Recommended by The Legal 500 United States for Labor & Employment: Immigration (2020)
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, 2020 Attorney of the Year Designation
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Adams Pro Bono Awards, Ralph D. Gants Award for Extraordinary Leadership in Pro Bono Services, Inaugural Recipient (2020)
The National Law Journal: Crisis Leadership Trailblazer (2020)
Corporate Counsel Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards, Law Firm Honoree in Collaborative Leadership Category (2019)
Massachusetts Bar Foundation, Great Friend of Justice Award (2019)
The Second Step, Founders’ Award (2019)
Legal Services Corporation, Pro Bono Award (2017)
Volunteer Lawyers Project, Yvette Mendez Award (2017)
Boston College Law School, Women’s Law Center, Woman of the Year Award (2017)
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Pinnacle Award (2017)
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, Top Women of the Law - Circle of Excellence Award (2015)
International Bar Association Pro Bono Award (2013)
Women's Bar Association of Massachusetts, Lelia J. Robinson Award (2013)
Political Asylum/Immigration Representation (PAIR) Project Outstanding Achievement Award (2013); Pro Bono Law Firm Award (2017)
Jane Doe, Inc. Inaugural Kelly Timilty Advocate for Justice Award (2013)
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly/Massachusetts Bar Association Excellence in Pro Bono Award (2012)
Massachusetts Super Lawyers: Legal Aid/Legal Services (2012)
Dartmouth College Alumni Award (2011, awarded to those who have demonstrated extraordinary service to Dartmouth and civic organizations in addition to career accomplishment)
Boston College Law School Curtin Center for Public Interest Pro Bono Service Award (2011)
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Women of Justice Award (2009)
Boston Business Journal: “40 Under 40” business leaders (2003)
Mintz Special Recognition Award for Distinguished Service and Significant Contributions to the Pro Bono Program (2003)
Mintz Pro Bono Award (1998)
Dartmouth College Young Alumni Distinguished Service Award (1996)
St. Thomas More Award, Boston College Law School (1991)
Sue is a nationally recognized pro bono pioneer with a passion for helping underserved populations and exceptional litigation skills. As chair of Mintz’s Pro Bono Committee, she leads groundbreaking cases and manages pro bono matters for the firm. She has helped to defeat President Trump’s first immigration travel ban in early 2017, engineer the passage of a Massachusetts restraining order law for sexual assault survivors, and create several innovative statewide model pro bono programs in Massachusetts.
Involvement
- Board of Trustees, Dartmouth College (Vice Chair; Chair, Audit and Oversight Committee; Member, Presidential Search Committee)
- Trustee, Boston Bar Foundation
- Advisory Board, Rappaport Center for Law and Public Policy at Boston College Law School
- Former Co-chair, Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission
- Former Chair, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Standing Committee Pro Bono Legal Services
- Former Chair and Member, Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct
- Former Member, Judicial Nominating Commission
- Former Co-chair, Boston College Law School Law Day Dinner
- Former Member, Dartmouth College Alumni Council (and former member, Dartmouth College Alumni Awards Committee)
- Former Chair, Merit Selection Panel for Magistrate Judge, United States District Court
- Former Member, Boston Bar Association Council
- Former Member, Boston Bar Association’s Women’s Leadership and Advancement Forum
- Former Member, Boston Bar Association's Task Force on Expanding the Civil Right to Counsel
- Former Board of Directors, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.
- Former Board of Directors, Massachusetts Equal Justice Fund
- Former Member, Trial Court Gender Equality Advisory Board
- Former Board of Directors, Women’s Bar Foundation
- Former President, Dartmouth College Association of Alumni
- Former Member, Presidential Steering Committee on Moving Dartmouth Forward
- Former Board of Advisors, Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Public Policy at Dartmouth College
- Former Member, External Advisory Committee, Dartmouth College Campus Climate and Culture Initiative
Recent Insights
Pro Bono Committee Chair Susan Finegan was profiled by BC Law Magazine ahead of receiving the BBA Thurgood Marshall Award at the Annual BBA meeting in November. The magazine discusses Sue’s long and dedicated history of pro bono service.
Mintz Pro Bono Committee Chair and litigation member Susan Finegan will receive the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) Thurgood Marshall Award at its annual meeting on November 14. The award “honors Boston attorneys in the private bar whose extraordinary work has enhanced the human dignity of others.”
187 Mintz attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers® in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. Notably, three Mintz attorneys received 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” awards, and 64 firm attorneys were included in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
