Susan M. Holden
Susan M. Holden
Minneapolis, MN
Works at
SiebenCarey

12 Best Lawyers awards

SiebenCarey logo

Biography

Susan M. Holden is a partner and shareholder at SiebenCarey and has devoted her legal career to representing individuals and families in complex personal injury and wrongful death litigation. She handles cases involving trucking and motor vehicle collisions, product liability, construction site injuries, medical malpractice, and other significant negligence claims. In addition to her plaintiff advocacy practice, Susan serves as a mediator, arbitrator, special master, and Rule 114 Qualified Neutral, helping parties resolve disputes outside the courtroom.

Recognized as one of Minnesota's leading trial attorneys, Susan has maintained certification as a Civil Trial Specialist through the Minnesota State Bar Association since 1995, a distinction held by fewer than one percent of Minnesota lawyers. She also holds Martindale-Hubbell's AV Preeminent® rating, reflecting the highest standards of legal ability and professional integrity.

Susan has earned membership in several of the legal profession's most respected organizations, including the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the International Society of Barristers. She has been repeatedly recognized by her peers as a Leading Minnesota Attorney, Top 40 Personal Injury Lawyer, Top 100 Super Lawyer®, Top 50 Women Super Lawyer®, and Best Lawyers® in America.

Beyond her litigation practice, Susan has played significant leadership roles within the legal community. In 2008, she was appointed by the Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court to chair the Special Master Panel overseeing compensation claims arising from the I-35W bridge collapse. In that role, she helped design and administer the claims process, conducted hearings, evaluated damages, and oversaw the distribution of more than $36 million in compensation to survivors. She currently serves on Minnesota's Exoneration Compensation Panel, which determines compensation for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and later exonerated.

Susan's commitment to the legal profession extends to numerous leadership positions, including serving as president of both the Minnesota State Bar Association and the Hennepin County Bar Association. She has also served on the American Bar Association's Board of Governors, House of Delegates, and Rule of Law Initiative Board, while contributing to a variety of professional, civic, and nonprofit organizations throughout Minnesota.

Admitted to practice before Minnesota state and federal courts, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court, Susan is also a frequent lecturer and author on trial advocacy, substantive law, alternative dispute resolution, and professional ethics.

Works at
SiebenCarey

12 Best Lawyers awards

SiebenCarey logo

Locations

Education

  • William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., graduated 1988
  • St. Cloud State University, BA, graduated 1984

Bar Admissions

  • Minnesota, Minnesota State Bar Association

Affiliations

  • Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota - Member
  • American Bar Association - Member
  • American Board of Trial Advocates - Member
  • American Inns of Court - Douglas K. Amdahl Chapter
  • Hennepin County Bar Foundation - Board of Directors
  • International Society of Barristers - Member
  • Minnesota Association for Justice - Member
  • Minnesota Continuing Legal Education - Board of Directors
  • Minnesota State Bar Association - Member, Past President
  • Minnesota Women Lawyers - Advisory Board
  • National Conference of Bar Presidents - Member

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Personal Injury Litigation
Special Focus:
  • Arbitration and Mediation
  • Automobile Collision
  • Catastrophic Injury
  • Mass Tort
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Premises Liability
  • Product Liability
  • Railroad
  • Wrongful Death
Awards:
  • 2025 Minnesota Icon Honoree

  • Best Lawyers in America - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
  • Civil Trial Specialist - Minnesota State Bar Association
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 Rating by lawyers.com and Martindale-Hubbell lawyers directory
  • President's Award - Minnesota State Bar Association 2008
  • Top 40 Personal Injury Attorneys
  • Member of the Year - Minnesota Association for Justice 2006
  • Professional Excellence Award - Minnesota State Bar Association 2009
  • Top 50 Women Super Lawyers
  • 2008 Outstanding Service to the Profession - Minnesota Lawyer
  • Top 100 Super Lawyer
  • Top 100 Trial Attorneys - National Trial Lawyers

Additional Information

  • Areas of Expertise:

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