Susan Gorvine Nelson

Susan Gorvine Nelson joined the firm in 2020, bringing over 30 years of experience in labor and employment matters and dispute resolution. Susan returned to Connecticut from Boston, where she served since 2013 as Executive Director of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of TV and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), New England Local, the labor union representing media professionals. Susan previously worked as counsel to the Connecticut State Employees’ Association, SEIU Local 2001 where she represented state and municipal employees and bargaining units (including public works, town hall, para-educators, correctional supervisors, supervising judicial marshals and state professionals and managers) before various labor tribunals (SBMA, SBLR, ERB, NLRB, CHRO) and in negotiation and interest arbitration of collective bargaining agreements. Early in her career, she represented municipal police unions as a staff attorney for AFSCME, Council 15.

Before and during law school, Susan worked in personnel, workers compensation and subcontracts for Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics. After graduation, she joined a New London County firm and concentrated her practice in municipal, land use, and labor and employment law primarily on behalf of municipalities. She has also worked in non-profit management and health care human resources and compliance. Susan’s extensive experience from all sides, and her multiple frames of reference in employment relationships provides clients with the perspective to make informed decisions.

Susan is a native of New London, and a graduate of St. Bernard’s High School in Uncasville, CT, Connecticut College, and the University of Connecticut School of Law. She has two daughters and one fabulous grandson.

Miscellaneous Information:

Board Member, Massachusetts Production Coalition 2014-2020
Member, Connecticut Certification Board, Inc., (certifies substance abuse clinicians) Chair, Ethics Committee, 2003- 2008
Ryan White CARE Act Title II Consortium, LA Region 9, 1998- 2000
Proposal Review Committees for Ryan White, JTPA, & United Way funds, 1989-91,1994,1997-00
Partner, Bones Boutique, New Orleans 1993-1997
Grader, Connecticut Bar Examination (by invitation as a high scorer), 1989-1992
Executive Committee, Labor & Employment Law section, Connecticut Bar Assn, 1989-1991
Alternate Management Member, Connecticut State Board of Mediation & Arbitration, 1987-1989