By: Susan L. Pollet, Chair of the Archive and Historian Committee
Q: Why did you become involved in the WWBA?
A: I became involved with the Westchester Women’s Bar Association because I wanted to be part of a community that supports and advances women in the legal profession. I was drawn to the organization’s commitment to professional development, mentorship, and in particular, its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging in the legal profession. The WWBA’s mission aligns with my own values, especially its work to support women lawyers and promote equal opportunities for all. Being part of the WWBA has not only allowed me to build strong relationships, but it’s also given me meaningful opportunities to collaborate with others who share a passion for inclusion and belonging, and to contribute to meaningful change both within the profession and in the broader community.
Q: In what capacity are you currently serving?
A: I am currently a Board Member and a co-chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
Q: Tell us about your legal career and what inspired you.
A: What first inspired me to become a lawyer, and specifically a prosecutor, was actually the TV show The Practice, starring Lara Flynn Boyle. As a young woman watching her on TV, I thought she was so cool, confident, and badass, standing up in court and fighting for justice. That image stuck with me, and from that point on, I had tunnel vision: I decided I wanted to be like her.
That initial spark grew into a genuine passion for the law as I got older. I was fascinated by the idea of using legal skills to help people and make a tangible difference in my community. After law school, I was fortunate enough to land my dream job as an Assistant District Attorney in Queens County, where I had grown up. Being able to serve the community that shaped me felt incredibly meaningful.
During my time as a prosecutor, I tried many cases and found purpose in seeking justice for victims and ensuring that the legal process was fair and transparent. It was both challenging and rewarding work, and it gave me invaluable courtroom experience and the ability to think on my feet under pressure.
Over time, like many attorneys, I decided to transition into civil litigation. Although the subject matter had changed, I was still helping people, but in a different context. I was fortunate enough to land at a wonderful firm, Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP, which presented so many new career opportunities that I was quick to grab.
Q: What would be your advice to new attorneys?
A: Stay curious, proactive, and open to learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek feedback, and build relationships with colleagues and mentors who can guide you. I would not be where I am if it wasn’t for the mentors in my life. Develop strong communication, organizational, and legal research and writing skills early on because you will need these skills throughout your entire professional career. Lastly, get involved in bar associations and network! It’s a great way to stay informed, find opportunities and build relationships you might not expect.
Q: How do you balance your legal career with other aspects of life?
A: Balancing my legal career with other parts of my life has been a continuous process of setting priorities and boundaries. I’ve learned to be intentional about carving out time for family, friends, and activities that recharge me. There are also times when I do nothing except read or watch TV. Like many professionals, I admit to struggling to put the phone down and not check email or social media. I am not always good about it but I try to remind myself that maintaining personal well-being ultimately makes me a better professional. Having supportive colleagues and mentors at DNZ who value balance has also been incredibly helpful.
Q: What are your interests outside of the law and community activities?
A: Outside of the law, I enjoy reading and binging TV. My genre for both is mystery, suspense and crime thrillers. I love summer so I spend as much time outdoors as possible, whether it’s biking to the park, sitting on my deck, or just taking a walk around my neighborhood. And of course, I value time with my family and friends, which keeps me grounded and connected.
Q: What do you hope to achieve in coming years?
A: One of my goals for the future is to become a mentor for law students and for people who are navigating career transitions, especially those who, like me, decide to pivot later in their professional paths. I understand firsthand how daunting and uncertain that process can be, and I want to help others feel more confident and supported as they make those changes. Whether through one-on-one mentoring or by creating a broader platform or community, I want to provide a space where people feel encouraged and empowered to pursue new directions. I was fortunate to have mentors and support systems during my own journey, and I want to pay that forward.
