A Conversation with Susan McClugage: Celebrating More Than Three Decades of Excellence, Teamwork, and Heart.
A Conversation with Susan McClugage: Celebrating More Than Three Decades of Excellence, Teamwork, and Heart.
For 31 years, Susan McClugage, a paralegal in RumbergerKirk’s Tampa office, has supported attorneys through complex litigation, mentored colleagues, and embodied the firm’s collaborative spirit. From her first trial to her most recent case, Susan’s enthusiasm for the law and commitment to her team have made her a key player in each success.
In this Q&A, she reflects on her career journey, memorable moments, and what keeps her inspired after more than three decades with RumbergerKirk.
Q: What inspired you to join RumbergerKirk, and how has your role evolved over the years?
Before joining Rumberger, my experience with two plaintiff firms and one defense firm showed me that I was better suited for defense work. When I interviewed, I was inspired by the firm’s passion and professionalism. I pictured myself as a jet-setting paralegal traveling the country on major trials. While family life changed that vision a bit, I’ve still participated in more than 40 trials throughout Florida, ranging from a few days to several weeks, and each one has been an incredible experience.
Q: What has been your favorite memory, achievement or cases your proud of during your time at RumbergerKirk?
I’ve always loved product liability work. It is challenging, nuanced, and gave me exposure to clients, attorneys and experts nationwide. I worked on several car manufacturer trials that resulted in defense verdicts and had the opportunity to assist on several large industrial equipment cases with one of the firm’s founding partners, Dick Caldwell. His professionalism and leadership set the bar for me and for how attorneys should handle themselves at trial; a legacy carried on by the Tampa attorneys.
I love the weekends before trial—when everyone is dressed in casual clothes, focused, and even a bit excited as we prepare to go to war, I mean court.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at RumbergerKirk?
I have seen firsthand how culture established by our founders continues to influence every aspect of the firm. That spirit of excellence and collaboration makes RumbergerKirk a truly special place to work.
I take pride in being a part of this firm for three decades. It feels like I blinked, and here I am. I have never been unhappy to come to work—I truly love what I do. I am especially grateful working with Rob Blank and Carrie Hall; they have been both colleagues and friends through so much.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
My activities revolve around my family, church, and community. RumbergerKirk has always supported my ability to balance work and family, which meant I never had to miss my children’s school or sports events because of work.
I am also a huge sports fan. I have been in a fantasy football league for over 20 years, I run a weekly football pool for the Tampa office; and I used to manage the firm’s March Madness bracket challenge (which Tampa sadly never won). I graduated from University of South Florida and attend a lot of Bulls’ games with an eye on the University of South Carolina and Michigan State due to my daughter attending both schools. Fun Fact: Tom Izzo, the longest-tenured coach in the Big Ten and head basketball coach at Michigan State, is also celebrating 31 years at his job!
Baseball is my first love—I grew up a Phillies fan and am now a diehard Tampa Bay Rays fan. When I retire, I plan to work at the home games at the Tampa Bay Rays stadium provided the new stadium is built in Tampa!
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting at the firm?
Take every opportunity to work with different attorneys and offices to broaden your experience and enhance your connection to the firm. Over the years, I have worked with incredible people across firm offices and I can further attest to the respect RumbergerKirk commands in the legal community outside of our firm is truly inspiring.
Q: What are you most excited about for the future?
I’m thrilled about the current energy in the Tampa office. We have a fun, motivated group, and I am excited to continue building relationships. We have started a book club (our first read was Mona’s Eyes) and I am hopeful to start a lunchtime walking club.
At RumbergerKirk, we live by the mantra to “work hard, play hard,” and after 31 years, I can confidently say we do both very well.