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Susan Chana Lask

From EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki


Susan Chana Lask
BornSusan Chana Lask
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
🏫 EducationArcadia University (B.A. Psychology, 1982; MA (Masters) in Humanities, 1983); studied law at Temple University Beasley School of Law; Tel Aviv University - Faculty of Law
💼 Occupation
Attorney - social justice
Known forMakinen v. Sanofi-Aventis (Ambien class action); Florence v. Board of Chosen Freeholders; Campbell v. Steven J. Baum (foreclosure); Christiansen v. Omnicom Group; William Sammeth v. Joan Rivers
🌐 WebsiteOfficial website

Susan Chana Lask is an American attorney known for U.S. Supreme Court and federal appellate litigation in civil rights,[1] consumer protection,[2] and entertainment law.[3] Her litigation has drawn support from civil rights organizations, former state attorneys general, Members of Congress and professional associations, and she assisted the U.S. House Oversight Committee’s foreclosure fraud investigation, with Chairman Elijah Cummings formally recognizing her contributions.[4]

Early life and education

Lask was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She earned a B.A. in Psychology (1982) and a Master of Arts in Humanities (1983) from Arcadia University, where she was inducted into the 2024 "Women Who Lead" honor roll.[5] She also studied at Temple University Beasley School of Law and Tel Aviv University Faculty of Law in comparative constitutional and international law.[6]

Professional activities and recognition

She served as an arbitrator and mediator for the Civil Court of the City of New York from 2005 to 2009, and has been a Law Competition Faculty Judge for the 2024 Yale Invitational Mock Trial Tournament at Yale University, as well as a judge for New York University moot court competitions.[7] Since 2021, she received Martindale-Hubbell's AV Preeminent rating and Platinum Client Champion award.[8]

Legal career

National Moving Company Fraud

In 2023, Lask's federal RICO action uncovering national moving company fraud and the United States Department of Transportation(the "DOT") licensing issues was featured several times by Newsweek. Lask showed how the DOT issues moving company licenses without oversight, causing consumers nationwide to lose their household property to certain bad-actor companies holding their possessions "hostage" in exchange for exorbitant fees.[9] Lask explained the ease of anyone getting a DOT license to appear valid as, "You just go online, make up a fake name, and that's it and you're up and running. No one's regulating." [10] The case prompted Senator Richard Blumenthal to seek oversight into the moving industry and the DOT commenced a crackdown on the industry by starting "Operation Protect Your Move."[11][12]

Makinen v. Sanofi-Aventis (Ambien Case/FDA Changes)

In 2006, Lask filed a federal class action in the Southern District of New York, Makinen v. Sanofi-Aventis, against global pharmaceutical manufacturer Sanofi-Aventis, alleging that the prescription sleep aid Ambien caused dangerous involuntary behaviors such as sleep-driving, sleep-eating, and sleep-shopping.[13] She coined the term “Ambien Zombies” to describe users who engaged in complex activities while asleep.[14][15][16]

The Ambien case drew national media attention, quoting Lask on the drug's risks. In ABC News, Lask explained the impact of the drug on what was said to harm just one percent of its users, “Out of 26 million users, 1 percent is a large number and if they’re out there driving and hitting people — multiply that number by two.”[17] In the Wisconsin Law Journal, Lask described accounts of Ambien users as “They’re like zombies.”[18] The Washington Post and Newsweek covered the litigation and its broader implications.[19][20]

By 2007, the FDA ordered stronger warnings on Ambien’s label, a move credited to Lask’s lawsuit.[21][15]

Lask continued to be consulted on Ambien-related incidents in later years, including cases involving alleged “sleep-driving” by public figures such as Kerry Kennedy[22] and public speculation over whether Donald Trump was taking the medication.[23]

Florence v. Board of Chosen Freeholders

Lask led the Florence v. Board of Chosen Freeholders (2012), representing the plaintiff in a civil rights class action against the Burlington County and Essex County New Jersey prisons from the initial filing in 2004 through the Third Circuit in 2008 and up to the Supreme Court in 2012.[24][25] The case involved the constitutionality of blanket strip searches in prisons for arrestees of minor crimes.[26]

In a closely divided 5–4 decision, the Court upheld the searches only for arrestees admitted to the general jail population.[27] Justice Kennedy’s controlling opinion, at Part IV, explained that “[t]his case does not require the Court to rule on the types of searches that would be reasonable in instances where, for example, a detainee will be held without assignment to the general jail population and without substantial contact with other detainees.”[25] Legal scholars note that this exception preserved a pathway for future constitutional challenges in other detention scenarios.[28][29]

The case received amicus support from the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and five former New Jersey attorneys general, among others.[30]

Christiansen v. Omnicom Group

Lask represented advertising executive Matthew Christiansen in Christiansen v. Omnicom Group, Inc., a sexual harassment case against global advertising conglomerate Omnicom and its subsidiary DDB Worldwide.[31][32] A 2017 Second Circuit opinion revived Christiansen's sexual orientation discrimination claim under Title VII, prompting a concurring opinion calling for the Second Circuit to reconsider years of jurisprudence so sexual orientation claims could qualify as sex discrimination under traditional sex discrimination, associational discrimination, and gender stereotyping theories.[33][34]

The case drew amicus support from 128 Members of Congress, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and legal scholars.[35][36][37]

Campbell v. Baum (Foreclosure Class Action)

In 2010, Lask filed a federal class action lawsuit, Campbell v. Baum, against the Steven J. Baum law firm—then the largest foreclosure law office in New York, handling nearly 40% of the state’s foreclosure cases.[38][39] The suit alleged violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and exposed misconduct in mortgage foreclosures, including fraudulent documentation and improper filings.[40]

Bloomberg News credited Lask's case with helping uncover the “assembly-line” foreclosure practices that prompted state and federal scrutiny of Baum’s operations.[38] In November 2011, following public outcry over leaked Halloween party pictures at the Baum firm where employees mocked homeless former homeowners—including displaying Lask's picture in a coffin as the Baum firm described her as a "thorn in their side"[41]—Congressman Elijah Cummings launched an investigation into Baum, citing the incident.[42][43][44]

Lask was a cooperating witness for Congressman Elijah Cummings’s House Oversight investigation into the foreclosure fraud crisis, receiving a formal letter of commendation for her assistance.[4]

Soon after, the Baum firm announced it would shut down and reached a settlement of two million dollars with the U.S. Department of Justice.[45][46]

Defense of New York Assemblyman Steve Katz

In March 2013, Lask represented New York State Assemblyman Steve Katz in a marijuana possession case. Lask negotiated a plea deal for the dismissal of all charges.[47] In defense of the Assemblyman, Lask was quoted as, “The fact is, he was never arrested, there was never a DUI as reported,” and “He’s not going to get into trouble.”[48][49][50][51]

Soon afterwards, Carol Meissner, the Secretary of the Democratic Committee, filed a complaint with the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) alleging drug use against Katz, and Lask responded that “her assumptions are beyond the pale.”[52] Katz continued to serve in the New York State Assembly without any public record of ethics charges arising from the incident.

Billy Sammeth v. Joan Rivers Defamation Case

Lask represented Hollywood manager Billy Sammeth in his defamation lawsuit against Joan Rivers, involving the documentary Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work.[53][54][55][56] The case concluded by a settlement obtained for Sammeth.[57]

Kardashian–Humphries divorce

In 2012, in the Kim Kardashian-Kris Humphriesdivorce, Lask represented Myla Sinanaj, whom Kardashian held depositions of, claiming she was Humphries’ girlfriend during the marriage.[58][59]

Lee v. CVS (Consumer Litigation)

Lask represented Hyun Lee in Lee v. CVS, a lawsuit filed after a CVS employee allegedly mocked her using a racial slur.[60]

Popular culture

Lask is referenced in Cher: Strong Enough by Josiah Howard (Thomas Nelson, 2013), in connection with her representation of Billy Sammeth, Cher’s longtime manager.[61] She is also profiled in Paper of Wreckage: The Rogues, Renegades, Wiseguys, Wankers by Susan Mulcahy and Frank DiGiacomo (Simon & Schuster, 2024), which chronicles her experiences with the New York Post and its coverage of her high-profile cases.[62]

Awards

Works

  • Class Actions: A Primer with Tips – Continuing Legal Education (CLE) course authored and presented by Lask, providing a step-by-step approach to filing a class action, with analysis of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23 and case certification strategies. Offered through the National Academy of Continuing Legal Education (NACLE) and accredited in Illinois in 2024 and multiple U.S. jurisdictions.[63]

References

  1. ↑ "Democratic lawmakers say lawsuit shows HIV-positive Americans face discrimination". CNN. June 29, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  2. ↑ "Medication Causing Sleep Binges?". ABC News. March 15, 2006. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  3. ↑ "Voice of 'Dora the Explorer' Can't Block Fees for Lawyer Who Inked Viacom Deal, Judge Rules". Law.com. June 14, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Commendations". Appellate-Brief. November 7, 2011. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Arcadia University Honors Alumnae in Women Who Lead 2024". Arcadia University. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Susan Chana Lask". Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  7. ↑ "Bio of Susan Chana Lask". Appellate-Brief. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Susan Chana Lask – Martindale.com Profile". Martindale.com. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Feds Accused of Issuing 'Licenses to Steal' as Moving Company Scams Rise". NewsWeek. February 1, 2023. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  10. ↑ "Florida is ground zero for moving scams where companies demand extra fees — or steal your stuff". BusinessInsider. April 12, 2023. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  11. ↑ "Senator Seeks Oversight of Moving Scams Following Newsweek Investigation". NewsWeek. February 23, 2023. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  12. ↑ "U.S. Officials Announce Nationwide Crackdown on Moving Company Scams". NewsWeek. April 7, 2023. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  13. ↑ "Suit Blames Ambien for Eating Binges, Sleepwalking". NPR. March 15, 2006. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  14. ↑ "Ambien: Does This Popular Sleep Medication Turn People Into Zombies?". Pharmacy Times. March 1, 2006. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "The Disturbing Side Effect Of Ambien, The No. 1 Prescription Sleep Aid". HuffPost. January 15, 2014. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  16. ↑ "Perchance To ... Eat". Newsweek. March 13, 2006. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  17. ↑ "Medication Causing Sleep Binges?". ABC New. 2006-03-15. Retrieved 2025-08-18.
  18. ↑ "Ambien users wake up, smell the lawsuits". Wisconsin Law Journal. April 26, 2006. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  19. ↑ Downs, Martin F. (March 14, 2006). "To Sleep, Perchance to . . . Walk". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  20. ↑ "Ambien's Cost: Bad Publicity". Newsweek. April 9, 2006. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  21. ↑ Morris, Dick (January 22, 2014). "Dick Morris Speaks With Attorney Susan Chana Lask About Ambien Allegedly Triggering Bizarre Behaviors". Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  22. ↑ Falkenberg, Kai (July 14, 2012). "Kerry Kennedy Was Likely Sleep-Driving – Just Like Her Cousin Patrick". Forbes. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  23. ↑ "Navy doctor's comment raises concerns about Trump's behavior". Salon. February 8, 2019. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  24. ↑ "Florence v. Board of Chosen Freeholders – Case Timeline". SCOTUSblog. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Florence v. Board of Chosen Freeholders of County of Burlington". Justia. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  26. ↑ "U.S. Supreme Court will hear challenge to blanket strip-search policy". NJ.com. April 24, 2011. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  27. ↑ "Opinion analysis: Routine jail strip searches OK". SCOTUSblog. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  28. ↑ Logan, Wayne A. (2015). "Florence v. Board of Chosen Freeholders: Police Power Takes a Bite Out of Fourth Amendment Rights". University of Akron Law Review. 48 (4): 835–860. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  29. ↑ "Crying Wolfish: The Upcoming Challenge to Blanket Strip-Search Policies". Duke Journal of Constitutional Law & Public Policy Sidebar. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  30. ↑ "Briefs and Documents – Florence v. Board of Chosen Freeholders". SCOTUSblog. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  31. ↑ "Judge Rules That $20 Million Anti-Gay Discrimination Suit Filed Against DDB and Omnicom Can Proceed". Adweek. March 30, 2017. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  32. ↑ "Revival of Gay Ad Exec's Bias Suit May Spur Title VII Update". Court House News Service. March 28, 2017. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  33. ↑ "Second Circuit Addresses Title VII Sexual Orientation Claims And Leaves Door Ajar For Sex-Stereotyping Claims". Law & the Workplace. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  34. ↑ "How a Gay Employee Fought Horrific Discrimination and Won a Major Legal Victory". Slate. March 28, 2017. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  35. ↑ "16-748 - Christiansen v. Omnicom Group, Incorporated". GovInfo. March 27, 2017. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  36. ↑ "Christiansen v. Omnicom Group, Inc". ACLU. June 28, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  37. ↑ "Democratic lawmakers back anti-discrimination lawsuit by HIV-positive employee". CNN Politics. June 29, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 Randall, David (December 8, 2010). "'Twilight Zone' Foreclosure Law Firm in N.Y. Draws Fine, Suits". Bloomberg. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  39. ↑ "Class action suit filed in New York against "foreclosure mill" attorneys and banks". NationalMortgageProfessional.com. August 20, 2010. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  40. ↑ "Attorney Tracks Foreclosure Frauds and Files Class Action". LawyersandSettlements.com. September 6, 2010. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  41. ↑ "What the Costumes Reveal". The New York Times. October 28, 2011. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  42. ↑ "Investigation of Housing and Foreclosure Crisis". U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform (Minority). November 4, 2011. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  43. ↑ Lawler, David (November 1, 2011). "Foreclosure Mill's Halloween Party Mocks Homeless, Displaced". TheWrap. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  44. ↑ "Letter from Ranking Member Elijah E. Cummings to Steven J. Baum" (PDF). U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform (Minority). November 4, 2011. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  45. ↑ "Foreclosure Law Firm That Mocked Victims Closing". ABC News. November 23, 2011. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  46. ↑ "Manhattan U.S. Attorney announces agreement with mortgage foreclosure law firm to overhaul practices and pay $2 million" (PDF). U.S. Department of Justice. October 6, 2011. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  47. ↑ "New York State Assemblyman's Marijuana Charge Dismissed". CBS News New York. April 25, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  48. ↑ Kaplan, Thomas (April 25, 2013). "Assemblyman Makes Plea Deal on Marijuana Possession". The New York Times. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  49. ↑ "Pot pol gets pass from judge". New York Post. April 26, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  50. ↑ "NY State Assemblyman Has Pot Charge Dropped; Fined $75". NBC New York. April 25, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  51. ↑ "Assemblyman Steve Katz's Attorney on Plea Deal in Marijuana Charges". Democrat and Chronicle. April 25, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  52. ↑ "JCOPE complaint filed against Assemblyman Steve Katz". Democrat and Chronicle. May 17, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  53. ↑ "Joan Rivers' former manager sues her". New York Daily News. June 24, 2010. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  54. ↑ "Rivers sued for defame fortune". New York Post. June 24, 2010. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  55. ↑ "Former Personal Manager Sues Joan Rivers". Courthouse News Service. June 24, 2010. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  56. ↑ "Former manager sues Joan Rivers, claims defamation". Reuters. June 23, 2010. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  57. ↑ Wilker, Deborah (June 18, 2018). "Billy Sammeth Dead: Longtime Manager of Cher and Joan Rivers Dies at 66". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  58. ↑ "Kim's rival warns her to butt out". New York Post. August 16, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  59. ↑ "Myla Sinanaj threatens legal action against Kim Kardashian". Yahoo! Entertainment. August 16, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  60. ↑ "Asian woman sues CVS over racial slur on receipt". NBC News. June 5, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  61. ↑ Howard, Josiah (2013). Cher: Strong Enough. Thomas Nelson. Search this book on
  62. ↑ Mulcahy, Susan; Frank DiGiacomo (2024). Paper of Wreckage: The Rogues, Renegades, Wiseguys, Wankers. Simon & Schuster. p. 554. Search this book on
  63. ↑ "Class Actions: A Primer with Tips". National Academy of Continuing Legal Education. Retrieved August 10, 2025.

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