Susan L. Pollet
Chair of the Archive and Historian Committee

Q: When and why did you become involved in the
WWBA?
A: My involvement in the WWBA started around 1994. At the time, a respected female lawyer
questioned why I thought about joining the WWBA. She did not believe in the merits of a female
oriented organization. After getting to
know some of the WWBA members I decided to join and am glad that I did. The collegiality and support of the other
members has been invaluable. The
diversity of the membership has enriched my legal and personal experience.
Q: Which activities and positions of the WWBA
have you participated in?
A: I co-chaired the CLE Committee. We got the WWBA certified as an accredited
New York CLE provider. I still remember the large amount of paperwork that was
involved. It also required the efforts of many of our members to conceive of
and implement the programs. It is
rewarding to see the large and varied CLE offerings that the WWBA offers its
members.
Over the years I
have enjoyed the many meetings and CLEs that I participated in. The Zoom meetings during COVID have been a
good way to stay in touch with others in the profession, to continue to develop
knowledge, and to stay current with the changing environment.
Q: What would you like to see the WWBA accomplish
in the future?
A: I would like to see the organization continue with its
efforts to educate our members; foster networking and cooperation; and to be an
influence in legislation.
Q: Please tell us about your legal career?
A: Law is my third career. I was a junior and senior high
school math teacher. Then, after obtaining an M.B.A., I pursued a career in
corporate marketing and business development.
Working for a regulated company I found I was dealing with a lot of
legal issues. I attended law school at night, originally as an enhancement to
my corporate career. I found the law to be fascinating and decided to pursue
that career. Practicing law utilizes the
skills I developed as an educator, working with people of various cultures, and
analysis to solve problems. After law school I worked with some local lawyers
and then opened my own practice. I also was an adjunct professor in Mercy
College’s paralegal program. My law
practice focuses on trusts and estates, real estate, and small business. For eighteen years I have also had the honor
of serving as Lewisboro Town Justice, which has been interesting and
challenging. I believe it is an honor and privilege to be able to serve my
community in this way.
Q: What advice do you have for new lawyers
entering the profession?
A: Be open-minded about where your career takes you. Be adventurous and explore multiple areas of
practice. I hope you find at least one
area of law that you are passionate about.
It is also important to try to balance work and family and to provide service
to your community.
Q: How have you balanced family responsibilities
and your legal career?
A: My son was grown when I began my legal career, and we
focused on quality time. Dinnertime and weekends were important times to be
together. I was fortunate that my husband worked locally, where my corporate
career involved domestic and international travel. When traveling, I called
home daily. I also sent picture
postcards from various locations. My son
still has many of his tee shirts that I brought him from my travels. We also
spent vacations as a family.
Q: When you are not lawyering, which community
activities and other interests do you pursue?
A: I serve on
the Advisory Board of Mercy College School of Behavioral Sciences and the
Lewisboro Land Trust. I enjoy reading, learning new things, and playing golf.
Over the years I have held Director and Officer positions in many community and
professional organizations including the Lewisboro Library, the Westchester
Children’s Association, the Westchester Exceptional Children’s School, and the
International Telecommunications Society, and served as President of the
Westchester County Magistrate’s Association.