Suzan Rutz
About Suzan Rutz
Suzan Rutz is a lawyer based in Fort Wayne, IN and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2016. Suzan Rutz is recognized in the following practice area:
- Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Family Law Mediation
Current Firm: Helmke Beams LLP
Education: Valparaiso University, J.D., graduated 1987
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Nearby Lawyers
Aidana K. Adilov is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Aidana K., who practices law in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Aidana K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Robert T. Keen Jr. is a trial lawyer who focuses his litigation practice in the areas of commercial litigation, insurance defense, premises liability, products liability, employment litigation, and the defense of lawsuits filed against local governments and police officers. Bob has tried hundreds of cases in state and federal courts across the State of Indiana for businesses, insurance companies, and governmental entities. In 2006, Bob was inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Trial...
Charles has counseled numerous families regarding wills, revocable living trusts and the funding of those trusts, asset preservation and nursing home expense planning, guardianships, powers of attorney, living wills, and the probate administration process – whether they are in crisis planning mode or looking down the road at what may impact them or their family members. Charles also assists caregivers and their families in making healthcare decisions for disabled individuals, and he reg...
Lisa Starks’ practice includes business, commercial, bankruptcy and other creditors’ rights issues, and commercial litigation and real estate matters, with a particular focus on resolving complex commercial foreclosures and receiverships. Lisa is at her best when helping clients to stabilize, rehab and sell their insolvent properties. Lisa’s creditor representation ranges from loan modification to loan enforcement in state and federal courts. These representations have led t...
Kevin K. Fitzharris, a partner, is a registered civil mediator who concentrates his litigation practice in the areas of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and commercial litigation. He spends most of his time on serving as a mediator to help individuals and entities solve their disputes before filing suit or before trial. With over thirty years of litigation experience, Kevin has represented major litigants in numerous mediations, arbitrations, jury trials, and bench trials. Kevin is a memb...
Randy Brown is a first-chair trial attorney involved in complex commercial litigation. For nearly three decades, Randy has defended major class actions, tried dozens of cases throughout the country, and acted as lead counsel in multiple appeals in Indiana and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Randy is chair of the firm's Litigation Department and managing partner of the firm’s Fort Wayne office. Listed among The Best Lawyers in America in multiple litigation disc...
William Ramsey represents clients on appeals, defends medical malpractice and general liability claims, and litigates business and commercial matters, including disputes related to copyright and trademark rights. He also represents corporate and professional clients with licensing and compliance issues. He has jury trial experience and has appeared before the Indiana Court of Appeals, Indiana Tax Court, and the Indiana Supreme Court for oral arguments. William is a member of the Allen County ...
Focusing on appellate practice and complex business litigation, Cathleen Shrader has extensive experience in civil litigation. She is experienced in representing clients at all levels of the appellate process; at representing businesses in contract, warranty, intellectual property, and other disputes; and at representing trustees, beneficiaries, and personal representatives in complex estate and trust disputes. Cathleen has been listed in the Best Lawyers in America® publication for Appel...
Alex Platte is a Fort Wayne native who has dedicated himself to serve the needs of businesses and individuals across northeast Indiana. His practice primarily focuses on business transactions, commercial lending and banking, corporate structuring, and succession planning. Alex is often called upon to sort through complex and technical issues, and his goal is always to bring certainty and clarity to each client and situation. Alex graduated from South Side High School in Fort Wayne, then earne...
Jason A. Scheele is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Health Care and Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Jason A., who practices law in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jason A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
Common-Law Marriage in Indiana: Are You Legally Protected?
by Laurie Villanueva
Understanding cohabitation rights and common-law marriage recognition in Indiana.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.