Susan Klein joined Valle & Associates from The Walt Disney Company where she was Vice President-Counsel in the litigation department.  During her more than 18 years at Disney, she managed a wide range of litigation and related matters involving Disney’s diverse family entertainment and media operations which include theme parks and resorts, filmed entertainment, including motion pictures and television shows, home entertainment products, consumer products, retail stores, internet offerings and cable networks.  She handled litigation including employment, copyright, trademark, real estate, general business and personal injury matters. She also defended and responded to state and federal agency charges of discrimination and advised on human resources issues such as performance counseling, leaves of absence, conduct of investigations, discipline and terminations, wage and hour compliance and employee policies.

For the last three years in a row, Ms. Klein was named a Southern California “Super Lawyer” by Los Angeles Magazine.  This designation results from an evaluation process based on peer recognition of outstanding professional achievement.

Ms. Klein began her legal career in the Los Angeles office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &  Flom LLP where she worked in the litigation department from 1984 until 1988, handling intellectual property, franchise, entertainment, securities, antitrust and general business litigation matters. 

Ms. Klein earned her J.D. in 1984 from the University of California at Berkeley (“Boalt Hall”).  She received her A.B. degree in Political Science, with distinction, from Stanford University, in 1980.

Active in pro bono matters, Ms. Klein was a member of the Executive Committee and served on the Board of Directors of the Western Center on Law and Poverty for six years.  She also was a member of the Board of Directors of the Women Lawyers’ Association of Los Angeles for several years.  Through the “Special Friend” program at Vista del Mar group home in West Los Angeles, Ms. Klein mentored a teenage girl, and continues to provide an ongoing supportive relationship to foster her trust and self esteem.