Susie Carlson

Associate Attorney

In Charleston, Susie mainly works on legal research and writing and legal advocacy. She assists with litigation and briefs and engages with partners on issues related to coastal resilience, land and transportation, and clean water.  

“I was initially drawn to SELC by the smart, passionate, and dedicated people who work here,” she said. “I knew I wanted to work in environmental law, and I was drawn to the region because some of the nation’s most incredible ecosystems and biodiversity are located in the South, yet it faces significant environmental threats. I also find SELC’s place-based approach inspiring because it involves the communities and voices most impacted by environmental harms.” 

Susie is particularly excited about SELC’s work with coastal resilience. “Sea level rise and flooding are urgent issues that require creative solutions, and I feel lucky to work with the people who are tackling these problems head-on,” she said.  

Having grown up in northern Michigan, right on the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Susie has fond memories of family trips to South Carolina’s Lowcountry. “I fell in love with the culture, landscape, and wildlife,” she said. “One of my fondest childhood memories is seeing the sea turtles on Hilton Head Island. I’ve always been happiest when I’m on the water, and the Lowcountry has some of the most stunning coastline.”

• Vanderbilt Law School; notes editor, Vanderbilt Law Review 
• Colgate University, summa cum laude