Sue Ann Van Dermyden

Senior Partner, AWI-CH
Managing Partner, San Diego

Sue Ann Van Dermyden, JD, AWI-CH, is a founding member and Senior Partner of Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation.  An employment attorney since 1993, Sue Ann’s practice focuses on conducting and overseeing workplace and Title IX investigations and providing expert witness testimony on whether workplace investigations meet industry standards. 

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Sue Ann also serves as an expert witness in employment matters, regularly conducts training seminars on employment matters and Title IX and workplace investigations, and provides employment-related advice and counsel.

Sue Ann is known as a trailblazer and thought leader in this field, building and leading one of the largest teams of attorneys nationwide dedicated solely to conducting workplace investigations. Through her experience as an attorney, investigator, author, speaker, professor, entrepreneur and student of investigations, Sue Ann is a sought-after speaker and expert witness.   She has expertise in, and extensive involvement with, formulating industry standards. 

In 2015, Sue Ann was elected as a Fellow to the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers –  the highest recognition by one’s colleagues of sustained outstanding performance in the profession, exemplifying integrity, dedication and excellence. Sue Ann has been listed in Northern California Super Lawyers every year since 2010, and recognized by Sacramento Business Journal’s Best of the Bar since 2015.

Sue Ann’s commitment to and passion for improving the quality of workplace investigations globally is demonstrated by her role with the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI).  She is a founding member and former Past President of AWI.  She is Senior Faculty of AWI’s five-day Institute.  She was also a member of the Investigations Standards Technical Committee of ASIS International, charged with preparing standards and guidelines for workplace investigations. Sue Ann is a fellow in the American College of Labor & Employment Lawyers.  She is the co-chair of the Workplace Investigations Subcommittee with the American Bar Association, Employee Rights & Responsibilities section. Sue Ann also serves on the McGeorge Alumni Board of Directors and is a member of its Executive Committee. She has been an active member of the Anthony M. Kennedy Inn of Court since 2006, and since 2022 has served on its Executive Committee.  Sue Ann is a past adjunct professor at McGeorge School of Law, creating the first Workplace Investigations class on campus.

Sue Ann is a founder of T9 Mastered, a training company focused on educating Title IX sexual assault investigators, and VM Mastered, a training company focused on customizable training for internal investigation teams.

CA State Bar No. 166158
Private Investigators License No. 188110

+ Professional Degrees, Certifications, Awards and Organizations

  • Named in SD Business Journal's Women of Influence in Law (2024)
  • University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law – Board of Directors (2024-Present), Adjunct Professor (2021-Present)
  • California Women Leaders, Member
  • Shareholder and Senior Faculty of T9 Mastered
  • Atticus Innovation Award, 2018
  • Sacramento Business Journal 2018 Best of the Bar
  • Sacramento Magazine’s Top Lawyers List (2015-2019)
  • Past President of Association of Workplace Investigators
  • Association of Workplace Investigators Board member (October 2009 – 2019)
  • Senior Faculty of Association of Workplace Investigators Training Institute (2011 to present)
  • Co-chair of Workplace Investigations Subcommittee of the American Bar Association, a Subcommittee of ABA Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee, Labor and Employment Law Section (2014 to present)
  • Committee Member of ASIS, Investigations Standards Technical Committee (2015)
  • Master, Anthony M. Kennedy Inn of Court (September 2006 – present)
  • American Inns of Court, Program Awards Committee (2010 – 2011)
  • Volunteer Instructor for Street Law International (2008)
  • University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, Board of Directors, Alumni Association (1995-1997)
  • Member, Sports Lawyers Association
  • Member, State Bar of California, Labor & Employment Section
  • Member, Sacramento County Bar Association
  • Member, American Bar Association, Employment Law Section
  • Member, The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation
  • AWI Certificate Holder, AWI Training Institute (AWI-CH)
  • Super Lawyer (2010 - 2024)
  • Fellow, American College of Labor & Employment Lawyers

+ Notable Speeches and Presentations

  • “AI -- The Future of Workplace Investigations” – National Labor & Employment Law Symposium in Steamboat Springs, CO (January 26, 2025)
  • Podcast: "Niching, Innovating, and Marketing with Sue Ann Van Dermyden", Episode 111 - Great Practice. Great Life. (December 23, 2024)
  • "Bridge Over Troubled Water: Key Considerations in Working with an External Investigator" Presentation – Association of Corporate Counsel Arizona Chapter (March 26, 2024)
  • “Credibility in Workplace Investigations - Learned from Our Furry Friends” – National Labor & Employment Law Symposium in Steamboat Springs, CO (February 5, 2024)
  • Webinar: “Women Empowering Women: Practical Advice and Tips” – ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law’s Women’s Affinity Group (September 12, 2023)
  • Webinar: “Workplace Investigations: Reflections on a Growth Industry” – Association of Workplace Investigators (February 15, 2023)
  • “Workplace Investigation - Independence and Conflict Issues” – National Labor & Employment Law Symposium in Park City, UT (February 6, 2023)
  • Webinar: "High Profile Investigations and How They Compare or Differ from a Typical Investigation" – Berkeley Center on Comparative Equality & Anti-Discrimination Law, (January 23-26,2023)
  • “The Impact of Covid 19 on Workplace Investigations” – Australian Association of Workplace Investigators (May 11, 2021)
  • "Strategically Navigating POBR/FBOR Investigations’ Three Biggest Challenges" – CALPELRA’s 45th Annual Conference (November 19, 2020)
  • "Snap Judgments And First Impressions: How Unconscious Bias Impairs Effective Workplace Investigations" – CALPELRA’s 45th Annual Conference (November 17, 2020)
  • Orange County Bar Association – Labor & Employment Law Section Symposium, (September 18, 2020)
  • Webinar: "Understanding and Reducing Bias in the Legal Field" – Van Dermyden Maddux Law Corporation, (September 17, 2020)
  • Webinar: "Investigations Primer in a Remote Workplace" – The Greater Merrimack Valley Human Resource Association, (September 3, 2020)
  • "Getting it Right in the Wake of the #MeToo Era" – The Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s 45th Annual Labor & Employment Law Institute, at the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, MI (August 25-26, 2020)
  • "Business Not As Usual – The Impacts of COVID-19 on the Local Practice of Law" - Anthony M. Kennedy American Inn of Court, (August 25, 2020)
  • Webinar: "Elevating the Remote Interview – Making Credibility Determinations in Remote Interviews" – Van Dermyden Maddux Law Corporation, (July 16, 2020)
  • Webinar: "Elevating the Remote Interview – Setting the Stage for an Effective Remote Interview" – Van Dermyden Maddux Law Corporation, (June 4, 2020)
  • AWI Webinar: “A New Normal? Conducting Remote Investigations” – Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Webinar, (March 20, 2020)
  • “Why Employees REALLY Sue” – National Labor & Employment Law Symposium at the Hotel Park City, in Park City, UT (January 9, 2020)
  • “Credibility Determinations for Mediators in the #MeToo Era” – 2019 Southern California Mediation Association Annual Conference in Los Angeles, CA (November 2, 2019)
  • Australian Master Class – Australian AWI Conference in Sydney, Australia (October 23, 2019)
  • “Workplace Investigations, Part I & Part II” – California Association of Licensed Investigators’ Annual Conference – Las Vegas, NV (June 1, 2019)
  • T9 Mastered’s “Essential 3-Day Training for Campus Investigators” – Pasadena, CA (June 4-6, 2019)
  • “She Said, He Said” – College of Labor and Employment Lawyers’ program “Me Too 2019: New Laws, New Approaches”, San Francisco, CA (May 30, 2019)
  • “Effective Corporate Investigations” – National Employment Law Council Annual Conference, in San Diego, CA (Apr 24-26, 2019)
  • T9 Mastered’s “Essential 3-Day Training for Campus Investigators” – Pasadena, CA (March 12-14, 2019)
  • “The Development and Dismantling of a Culture of Criminality: Baylor University and the Cost of Indifference.” – 8th Annual Institute on Law & Policy at Creighton University, Omaha NE (Dec 4, 2018)
  • “Advanced Issues in Reporting and Responding to Harassment Investigations in the #MeToo Era.” – ABA 12th Annual Section of Labor and Employment Law Conference, San Francisco, CA (Nov 7-10, 2018)
  • “One Year Later: Investigations in the Post-Weinstein Era” – 2018 American Employment Law Council Conference, Palm Beach, FL (Oct 10-13, 2018)
  • “Investigations in the Post-Weinstein Era” – ABA 12th Annual Section of Labor and Employment Law Conference, Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, CA (Oct 11, 2018)
  • T9 Mastered’s “Essential 3-Day Training for Campus Investigators” – Seattle, WA (September 25-27, 2018)
  • T9 Mastered’s “Essential 3-Day Training for Campus Investigators” – Napa, CA (May 22-24, 2018)
  • “Dealing with a Dishonest Party with a Twist: Truth or Consequences Presented by the Workplace Investigations Subcommittee” – ABA Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee and Ethics & Professional Responsibility Committee Midwinter Meetings March 20-24, 2018 Clearwater Beach, Florida (March 21, 2018)
  • “Work After Weinstein: The #MeToo Movement’s Impact on Workplace Investigations” – Carothers DiSante & Freudenberger, LLP webinar (March 14, 2018)
  • T9 Mastered’s “Advanced 2-Day Training” – Westin Sacramento, CA (February 27-28, 2018)
  • “Got Bias? Understanding and Eliminating Unconscious Bias in the Legal Profession.” – McGeorge School of Law MCLE Program in Sacramento, CA (January 27, 2018)
  • “Workplace Investigations: Overcoming Difficult Issues” – 2018 National CLE Conference Labor and Employment Law Program at the Vail Mountain Marriott in Vail, CO (January 3-7, 2018)
  • T9 Mastered; Claremont McKenna College (October 23-25, 2017)
  • “Advanced Master Class on Effective Investigations” – The American Employment Law Council’s 2017 Conference at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, CA (October 18-21, 2017)
  • Full-time Faculty at the Association of Workplace Investigators’ September 2017 Training Institute for Workplace Investigators in Austin, Texas (September 11-15, 2017)
  • T9 Mastered; Monterey Peninsula College (June 13-15, 2017)
  • New Hampshire Bar Association: “Legal and Practical Tips for Conducting Good-Faith Investigations into EEO and Harassment Claims” – CLE, Concord, NH (May 11, 2017)
  • Sacramento Valley Paralegal Association MCLE training luncheon at Parasec in Sacramento (April 11, 2017)
  • “Executives and Alleged Wrongdoing” – ABA’s Section of Labor and Employment Law’s 2017 Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee Midwinter Meeting in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (March 21-25, 2017)
  • “Investigations for Advocates” – The Los Angeles County Bar Association’s 37th Annual Labor & Employment Law Symposium at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles (March 8, 2017)
  • T9 Mastered; UC Office of the President in Los Angeles (March 7-9, 2017)
  • Association of Workplace Investigators’ February 2017 Training Institute for Workplace Investigators; the Hyatt Regency Monterey (February 20-24, 2017)
  • “T9 Mastered Training for Title IX Investigators” – A three-day Title IX intensive training course in San Diego, CA (January 31 – February 2, 2017)
  • “Investigating the C-Suite” – ABA Labor and Employment Conference in Aspen, Colorado (January 4-8, 2017)
  • “T9 Mastered Training for Title IX Investigators” – A three-day Title IX intensive training course in Berkeley, CA (October 25-27, 2016)
  • “Achieving Excellence in Investigations” – 8-hour program for the Oklahoma State Auditors, Oklahoma City, OK (June 23, 2016 )
  • “T9 Mastered Training for Title IX Investigators” – A three-day Title IX intensive training course in Orange, CA (June 14-16, 2016)
  • “Investigator Training Program: Achieving Excellence in Workplace Investigations at the University of California” – a three-day intensive training course in Oakland, CA (April 26-28, 2016)
  • “Investigator Training Program: Achieving Excellence in Workplace Investigations at the University of California” – a three-day intensive training course in Irvine, CA (April 12-14, 2016)
  • Senior Faculty at Association of Workplace Investigator’s five-day Training Institute – Santa Barbara, CA (February 22–26, 2016)
  • “The Ethics of Workplace Investigations” – joint presentation for the Sacramento County Bar Association (January 19, 2016)
  • “Investigating the Executive: Common Perils and Pitfalls Faced When Investigating the Corporate Executive Suite, Parts 1 & 2” – Panel presenter, 9th Annual ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law, Philadelphia, PA (November 4-7, 2015)
  • “Preventing Retaliation: Strategies for the In-House Investigator or Advisor,” Presenter, Association of Workplace Investigators, Los Angeles, CA (October 22-24, 2015)
  • “But Have You Seen Her Twitter? – Balancing Thorough Investigations Against Privacy Rights,” American Bar Association, Section of Labor and Employment Law Employment Rights and Responsibilities, Midwinter Meeting (March 24-28, 2015)
  • “Report Writing Fundamentals” – Association of Workplace Investigators 2015 National Institute Conference (with Amy Oppenheimer) (February 2015)
  • “Investigations and the Law” – Association of Workplace Investigators 2015 National Institute Conference (with Michael Robbins) (February 2015)
  • “Achieving Excellence in Conducting Workplace Investigations: Gathering Evidence and Report Writing” – City of Long Beach (September 2014)
  • “Investigator Training Program: Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations at the University of California” – University of California (April and September 2014)
  • “Achieving Excellence in Conducting Workplace Investigations” – Stanislaus County (April 2014)
  • “Creating Your Best Work Environment: A Team Approach” – California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board (January 2014)
  • “Performance Evaluations” and “Managing Challenging Team Members” – Seniority, Inc. (November 2013)
  • “Oh, You Want The Literal Truth? Perfecting The Credibility Analysis In Your Investigative Report” – CalPELRA (November 2013)
  • “Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation Prevention Training” – California Department of Developmental Services (September 2013)
  • “Achieving Excellence in Conducting Workplace Investigations” – California State Personnel Board (March 2013)
  • “Report Writing” – Association of Workplace Investigators 2013 National Institute Conference (February 2013)
  • “Other Concerns/Issues During Investigations” – Association of Workplace Investigators 2013 National Institute Conference (February 2013)
  • “Harassment, Discrimination & Retaliation Prevention Training” – Office of Statewide Health Planning & Development (January 2013)
  • “Got Bias? Eliminating it in the Legal Profession” – University of the Pacific, McGeorge MCLE event (January 2013)
  • “Investigator Training Program: Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations at the University of California” – University of California (October 2012)
  • “Hot Topics In Investigations of Workplace Complaints” – Law Review CLE (July 2012)
  • “Investigator Training Program: Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations at the University of California” – University of California (May 2012)
  • “Investigation Training Retreat” – Los Rios Community College District (March 2012)
  • “Investigator Training Program” – California State Department of Personnel (March 2012)
  • “Mastering the Interactive Process Under Disability Laws – Northern California Human Resources Association (March 2012)
  • “Investigation Training Retreat” – Los Rios Community College District (March 2012)
  • “Expert Testimony on Trial, By the Experts” – California Association of Workplace Investigators (November 2011)
  • “Advanced Investigation Skills: Handling Complex Scenarios” – Northern California Human Resources Association (November 2011)
  • “Achieving Excellence in Workplace Investigations” – Van Dermyden Maddux Law Corporation (October 2011)
  • “Issues in the Workplace: Employment & Disability Rights” – The ABA Health Law Section, Capital Center for Public Law & Policy, McGeorge Health Law Association and UC Davis Cancer Center (October 2011)
  • “What the LOA Do You Know?” – in conjunction with Silvers HR Management (September 2011)
  • “What the FFD*…Do you Know? A Practical Look At The Legalities Of Fitness-For-Duty Examinations” – Disability Management Employer Coalition (September 2011)
  • “Sexual Harassment Prevention in the Workplace,” Public and Private Employers (2007-2011)
  • “How to Conduct Effective Internal Investigations,” Public and Private Employers (2007-2011)
  • “Achieving Excellence in Conducting Workplace Investigations” – University of California (August 2 – 4, 2011)
  • “Fit for Duty Training for Supervisors & Managers: Substance Abuse” – Sierra Nevada Brewing Company (June 16, 2011)
  • “Investigator Training Program: Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations at the University of California” – University of California (March 2011)
  • “Workplace Investigations on Trial: How Defendants Conduct Bulletproof Investigations and How Plaintiffs Shoot Them Down” – California Association of Workplace Investigators (November 2010)
  • “A Jam-Packed Evening of Employment Law: Tips For Your Practice” – San Joaquin Dental Society (November 18, 2010)
  • “Got Bias? Hiring and Firing Without It” – University of the Pacific, McGeorge Bay Area MCLE event (October 30, 2010)
  • “Communication and Conflict Resolution In The Workplace” – Yuba County Employers Advisory Council (October 22, 2010)
  • “Best Practices for Conducting Workplace Investigations” – Sacramento Employer Advisory Council (October 12, 2010)
  • “Hot Topics In Investigations of Workplace Complaints” – California State Bar Annual Conference (September 24, 2010)
  • “A Jam-Packed Evening of Employment Law: Tips For Your Practice” – San Fernando Valley Dental Society (September 23, 2010)
  • “Managing Disabilities in Unprecedented Times” – Disability Management Employer Coalition, Sacramento Chapter (August 25, 2010)
  • “Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations” – University of California (August 3-5, 2010)
  • “Losing It At Work – Preventing Violence in the Workplace” – PI’s Declassified radio interview with Francie Koehler (July 2010)
  • “What the LOA… Do You Know?” – in conjunction with Silvers HR Management (October 2009)
  • Northern California Employment Law & Human Resources Forum, “Monitoring the Electronic Workplace – The Opportunities and Challenges,” San Francisco, California (September 24, 2009)
  • CARES Center for AIDS Research, Education and Services, “Understanding the Importance of Diversity, Manners, and Respect in the Workplace,” Sacramento, California (June 25, 2009)
  • “Lovin’ the Leave Triangle” – American Baptist Homes of the West (May 2009)
  • “Employment Law Update” – Sacramento Area High Tech Employers Association (April 8, 2009)
  • “Workplace Investigations” – State Personnel Board (March 12, 2009)
  • “Non-Profit Board of Directors Fiduciary Responsibilities” – California Dental Association Leadership Education Conference (March 7, 2009)
  • “Employment Law Update” – California Dental Association Leadership Education Conference (March 7, 2009)
  • JAMS 2009 Labor & Employment Law Update, Sacramento, California (January 28, 2009)
  • “Got Bias? Hiring and Firing Without It” – McGeorge Alumni MCLE (January 24, 2009)
  • “How to Manage Conflicts of Interest in a Research Setting,” Salk Institute (2009)
  • Sacramento Employers Advisory Council, Annual HR Seminar Speaker, “Labor and Employment Law Update” (October 14, 2008)
  • Northern California Employment Law & HR Forum Speaker, “Wage and Hour Compliance Snares” (September 12, 2008)
  • 14th Annual California State Bar Public Sector Labor & Employment Conference Panelist – “Public Sector Update” (April 2008)
  • “Conducting Workplace Investigations–With A Violent Twist” – State Compensation Insurance Fund: (2008)
  • “Conducting Workplace Investigations–With A Violent Twist” – Sacramento County Bar Association: (2008)
  • “Conflict of Interest Compliance Workshop,” University of California (2008)
  • Panel Speaker at “Technology in the Workplace” on behalf of Lorman Education Services in Stockton, CA (December 4, 2007)
  • Presented “Workplace Investigations – With A Violent Twist” to Sacramento County Bar Association, Labor & Employment Section (November 27, 2007)
  • Panel speaker at “Essential Employment Law Issues for California Business Practitioners” on behalf of the California Continuing Education of the Bar (November 9, 2007)
  • “Conducting Workplace Investigations: Keeping It Legal at SEAC” – Sacramento Employers Advisory Council (June 2007)“Disability and Leaves of Absence – the New Plaintiff’s Darling” – National Business Institute (February 2007)
  • “2007 Employment Laws Are Here!” – Sheraton Grand Hotel (February 2007)
  • “Privacy and Best Management Practices in Law Enforcement” (2006)
  • 2006 Employment Law Update at breakfast seminar Sheraton Grand Hotel (February 2006)
  • Various sexual harassment and EEO trainings for clients (2006)
  • “Sexual Harassment: Leadership Issues,” UC Council of Deans and Vice-Chancellors (2006)
  • “Interest Based Bargaining,” National Association of College and University Attorneys Employment Law Workshop (2006)
  • “Medical Leave and Disability Accommodation for Faculty,” Workshop for Department Chairs (2006)
  • “Privacy in the HIPAA Environment,” Employee Assistance Roundtable (2006)
  • “Privacy and Best Management Practices in Law Enforcement” (2006)
  • “Legal Issues in the Workplace,” Laboratory Management Institute (2005 – 2006)
  • “Sophisticated Hiring in Today’s Workplace” – SAHRA Convention at Sacramento Convention Center (September 2005)
  • Various EEO trainings for clients (Jul. 2005)
  • “New Laws for 2005” – QCHF DD Symposium (June 2005)
  • Disability Law Training to Human Resources Group (May 2005)
  • “Where is State Labor Enforcement Headed in 2005” – SCBA Luncheon (March 2005)
  • “Conflicts of Interest and Conflicts of Commitment,” Responsible Conduct of Research Series (2004-2006)

+ Publications

  • Chapter Author, California Employment Litigation Practice Guide (The Rutter Group)
  • Zero Tolerance: Best Practices for Combating Sex-Based Harassment in the Legal Profession (2018)
  • “Staying In Your Lane: Neutrality – Not Advocacy – In Conducting C-Suite Investigations” American Bar Association Section of Labor and Employment Law 9th Annual Conference (November 2015)
  • “Sexual Harassment In Dentistry: Getting To The “Root” Of The Issue” co-author with Alex M. Sperry, Esq., Journal of the American College of Dentists (2013)
  • “An Investigator’s Guide: Achieving Excellence in Conducting Workplace Investigations” (August 2011)
  • California Association of Workplace Investigators Quarterly
  • “An Investigator’s Guide: Achieving Excellence in Conducting Workplace Investigations” (August 2011)