When You Set a Goal You Should Go for It Says Suzy Orza of Shartsis Friese
San Francisco, CA – August 27, 2025
In a candid reflection on her journey to partnership at one of San Francisco’s most respected boutique law firms, Suzy Orza, a newly elevated litigation partner at Shartsis Friese LLP, shared her philosophy on ambition and perseverance: “When you set a goal, you should go for it.” Orza’s elevation, announced just last December and effective January 1, 2025, marks a milestone in her career, underscoring the firm’s commitment to nurturing top talent and promoting from within. Her story, part of an ongoing “How I Made Partner” series highlighting successful women in law, offers inspiration for aspiring attorneys navigating the competitive legal landscape.
Orza, who joined Shartsis Friese as an associate in 2018 after stints at Squire Patton Boggs and a clerkship with the Honorable Jeffrey S. White of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, specializes in a wide array of business litigation matters. Her practice encompasses breach of contract claims, partnership disputes, trade secret misappropriation, unfair competition, trust and estate litigation, environmental disputes, and employment issues. She has successfully defended clients in high-stakes American Arbitration Association proceedings, including mass arbitration claims, representing entities ranging from California state departments to large public and private companies, small businesses, and individuals. Orza’s expertise has earned her recognition as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers from 2019 to 2021 and inclusion in the Super Lawyers Women’s Edition.
The path to partnership wasn’t without challenges. Orza, a graduate of the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, began her legal career with a strong foundation in federal litigation, including researching and drafting proposed orders, observing trials, and participating in hearings during her externship with Judge White. “I always knew I wanted to be a litigator,” Orza said in an exclusive interview. “But making partner requires not just skill, but relentless pursuit of your goals. When you set a goal, you should go for it—whether that’s taking on complex cases or building relationships with clients and colleagues.” Her advice resonates in an industry where women still represent only about 25% of partners in U.S. law firms, according to a 2024 National Association for Law Placement study.
Shartsis Friese, a 50-plus attorney firm founded in 1975 and known for its client-focused approach in areas like litigation, corporate transactions, investment funds, real estate, and family wealth planning, has long prioritized organic growth and diversity. Managing Partner Neil Koren praised Orza and her fellow new partners—Sergio Broholm, Joe Soliman, and Of Counsel Melissa Hung—stating, “They embody diligence, passion, and exceptional client service. We’re thrilled to welcome them as we continue to thrive and meet our clients’ needs.” The firm’s elevation of Orza aligns with its history of doubling female partners in 2013 to meet the Bar Association of San Francisco’s No Glass Ceiling initiative, which aimed for 30% female partners by 2015—a goal the firm exceeded early.
Orza’s promotion comes amid a broader push for gender equity in the legal profession. In San Francisco, women partners make up about 24.85% of the total, second only to Ft. Lauderdale/West Palm Beach nationally. Yet, challenges persist, with studies showing that successful women often face biases in dating and partnerships, as highlighted in recent Reddit discussions on r/datingoverforty. Orza, however, remains optimistic: “Setting bold goals and going for them isn’t just about career advancement; it’s about personal fulfillment. I’ve seen how persistence pays off, and I encourage others to do the same.”
Looking ahead, Orza is excited about expanding her practice, particularly in arbitration and complex commercial disputes. “The legal field is evolving, with more emphasis on alternative dispute resolution and client-centric strategies,” she noted. “I’m committed to helping my clients achieve their objectives while mentoring the next generation.” Her elevation is part of Shartsis Friese’s ongoing recognition, including Chambers and Partners rankings for its hedge fund practice and Best Lawyers accolades for multiple attorneys.
For aspiring lawyers, Orza’s message is clear: Ambition requires action. “Don’t wait for opportunities—create them,” she advised. As Shartsis Friese continues to grow organically, stories like Orza’s highlight the power of determination in turning goals into reality.