– PROFILE –

Susanne Sviergula has been practising with Cavanagh LLP since 2006. Susanne’s practice is focused on insurance litigation; defending professional liability claims against lawyers and medical professionals; and employment law. She represents a variety of institutional and individual clients and prides herself on being able to strategize with both to produce an effective course for any litigation.

Susanne handles the firm’s French language files. Susanne has conducted both jury and non-jury trials with respect to insurance and professional liability matters and has appeared before the Superior Court of Justice and Court of Appeal as well as a variety of administrative tribunals. She has successful responded to applications for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Originally from St. Catharines, Ontario, Susanne moved to Ottawa in 1990 to study at the University of Ottawa, where she also tried her hand at rowing. Taking a break from schooling (but only after responsibly earning her degree), Susanne moved to Japan where she taught English for two years on the JET Programme.

Thinking that she should get more schooling, Susanne returned to Canada and attended the University of Windsor where she obtained her law degree and developed a knack for inner-tube water polo. Throughout her time at law school Susanne volunteered at a legal aid clinic becoming its Resource Director in her final year of law school.

Prior to joining Cavanagh LLP, Susanne practised with a well-known Ottawa litigation firm primarily in the area of personal injury.

Susanne has been both a speaker and moderator for the Ontario Bar Association and the County of Carleton Law Association (CCLA). She has been a member of the executive of the Ontario Bar Association’s Young Lawyers’ Division (Ottawa) and is a current member of the planning committee for the CCLA’s annual civil litigation conference. She is also the co-chair of the CCLA’s Education Committee and a volunteer mentor for law students at the University of Ottawa.

She has taught trial advocacy at the University of Ottawa and has been a guest lecturer on insurance law. Since 2025, Best Lawyers in Canada has recognized Susanne in the area of “Insurance Law” and “Corporate and Commercial Litigation” and “Labour and Employment Law” in Ottawa.

Susanne enjoys marathons, hiking, cross-country skiing, and in her spare time is attempting to successfully grow brussel sprouts and cauliflower.