Rose Suriano

Rose Suriano, a litigation partner at Brach Eichler in Roseland, has built a reputation for taking on difficult cases, including one recent matter in which an appeals court ruled in favor of her client in a consumer class action over an arbitration clause in an auto sales agreement. But she's also known for building her book of business, the firm said. An immigrant from Italy at age 5, Suriano went on to obtain an education and practiced previously at numerous well-known New Jersey firms: Hill Wallack, Hannoch Weisman, Podvey Meanor, and Meyner and Landis.

What is your single best piece of advice for handling a crisis?

My best advice for handling a crisis is to stop and assess the situation, think clearly, gain control and provide clear and concise direction to others around you.

Name a mentor or someone you admire and why.

I greatly admire my immigrant parents who traveled to this country with children and little financial resources to give us a better way of life. They sacrificed everything for my siblings and me and instilled in us important values and a tremendous sense of pride in family and country.

Also, a few years ago I met Aida, an amazing woman at a networking event, and we became good friends. She is the youngest of eight children and, like me, is an Italian immigrant. She developed a successful business with her husband and has received many awards, including having a top 25 business in her field, in the country. She raised two children and works very hard. She recently experienced personal tragedy: her husband was burned to death in a horrific accident. It shook her whole being and changed her life. However she demonstrated tremendous courage and strength. She rallied her children and provided the support, comfort, and love they needed to live on. She continues to amaze me with her strength, dedication to her children, and the ability to continue to succeed in her professional life.

Best advice you ever got?

The best advice I ever got was do what works for you and your family and when that something no longer works, change it; it will help you grow, it will help you become stronger, it will help you adapt to new things and will offer new opportunities.

What has the #MeToo movement meant to the legal profession?

The #metoo movement has created more awareness, the need for better and more effective communication, and has given women the ability, strength, and courage to come forward without retribution and to no longer tolerate sexual harassment. It has also encouraged a no-tolerance policy for sexual harassment in the workplace.

In 50 words or less, what does the legal profession need to do to improve opportunities for women lawyers?

The “old boys club” mentality should be rejected. Women attorneys need support and the opportunity to develop business and become rainmakers. Mentorship programs should be in place from the very start of a woman's legal career to teach the skills needed to advance to senior level management positions. Support, mentorship, and guidance will allow women to succeed in the legal profession.