Susan B. Zaunbrecher has returned to Dinsmore as Director of Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives, bringing with her the combined perspective of nearly three decades at the Firm and more than seven years as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of Fifth Third Bancorp.
Prior to joining Fifth Third in 2018, Susan built a distinguished practice at Dinsmore and held senior leadership roles within the Firm, including Corporate Department Chair. In her in‑house role, she led the bank’s legal function through a period of significant growth and transformation while serving on the Enterprise Leadership Team.
“After spending 28 years at Dinsmore, it felt like the right way to cap off a long legal career,” Susan said. “My time at Fifth Third was great, and I am very proud of all we accomplished there. However, I still have some ‘gas in the tank,’ and coming home to Dinsmore felt like the absolute right thing to do.”
In her new role, Susan will work closely with Firm leadership on initiatives that support long‑term growth, professional development and alumni engagement. Many Dinsmore alumni now serve in senior legal and business leadership roles across Fortune 500 companies and other major organizations, and Susan’s focus will be on strengthening those longstanding connections.
Managing Partner Josh Lorentz said Susan’s return brings a rare combination of institutional knowledge and modern in‑house leadership experience to Dinsmore.
“Susan is a trusted advisor, an institutional leader and a role model whose impact at Dinsmore has been felt for decades,” Josh said. “Her perspective as a former chief legal officer at a major financial institution is invaluable to our clients and our attorneys. Her leadership and relationships will be an asset as we continue to grow and evolve as a Firm.”
Susan is also deeply engaged in civic and nonprofit leadership throughout the Cincinnati community. She serves or has served on the boards and leadership committees of numerous organizations, including the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Museum Center (Executive Committee), the Alpaugh Family Economic Center at the University of Cincinnati (past chair), the Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio (Executive Committee) and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. She is the Immediate Past President of the Queen City Club and is actively involved with the United Way Tocqueville Society, Cincinnati ArtsWave Leadership Cabinet and the Cincinnati Bar Association.