Susanna “Zannie” Carlson

---

Professional Experience

Since 2010, my world has centered around advocating for accused people. I graduated cum laude from American University Washington College of Law in 2013 and began working on felony cases at one of the most well-regarded public defense offices in the Pacific Northwest, the Defender Association in Seattle, Washington. After two years, I worked several private criminal defense firms, including my own solo practice in 2016.

I have successfully negotiated thousands of resolutions on misdemeanor and felony cases. However, in cases where a client is not satisfied with a negotiated resolution, I will do what I need to when it comes to going to trial. In my last criminal defense position before joining Harris Velázquez Gibbens, I took the more cases to trial than any of my colleagues. I moved to the Portland/Hillsboro area in 2020 with a renewed passion for criminal justice work and accepted a position with Harris Velázquez Gibbens, attorneys at law.

My eight years in practice has led me to approach cases with compassion, practicality, and a critical eye towards the evidence. It is important to me to provide individualized counsel that best suits clients’ articulated goals, and adopt those goals as my own. I take pride in satisfying clients and obtaining the outcomes they desire on their cases.

Education

• J.D., American University Washington College of Law, 2013
• B.A., Kenyon College, Sociology, 2008

Personal

In my free time, I like to cook, garden my vegetables, and relax with my chihuahua-dachshund mix, Peanut.