My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Steve’s family and friends. I’d like to celebrate Steve by sharing a bit about his impact on me.
I remember, vividly, the first time I heard Steve’s voice. He had just taken over a case that I had been working on for months as an economic consultant. His first action was to cancel all the depositions that were scheduled. He declared on the call, “I can put a man's feet in cement at trial without a deposition.” And of course, he turned out to be right.
The week at trial was mesmerizing. I had the distinct privilege of watching Steve grill opposing witnesses with a flair and force worthy of a fine theater. His grasp on the relevant material was so impressive, and his examination so compelling. At one point, I nearly laughed out loud during a dramatic moment where he just demolished the opposing witness’s credibility. Just a short time later, back at the hotel conference room, he walked around in flip-flops, short shorts, and a Machu Picchu t-shirt, reflecting on how the day went and crowing that he had “the deepest bench around.” It was clear how much pride he took in his colleagues and the culture of his firm. One of my favorite memories of that week was a brief one-on-one conversation about working philosophy with Steve over the food buffet. Let’s just say it was inspiring and full of his trademark colorful language and metaphors.
The most special part of the experience was getting to see Steve and Harry working together on the trial team. They were both magicians in the courtroom, and it was clear how proud Steve was of Harry. I recall Steve cackling with pride, “Keep on twisting the knife, Harry!” during a lunch break after Harry had similarly demolished an opposing witness’s credibility. And Steve’s and Harry’s evening predictions on what would happen the next day were accurate to the point of being uncanny. They were truly in their element, pulling all the strings.
When I got back home after trial, I told my wife: “I’m not a lawyer and I’ve never aspired to live in Texas or New York, but if Steve Susman offered me a job I’d take it just for the chance to be around him.”
I only interacted with Steve for a week, but the impact he left on me will last a lifetime. Thirty years from now, I’ll still be telling stories about him. He was so special.
(By the way, at the end of trial, Steve predicted the eventual dollar judgment to within a few percentage points.)
Dear Ellen, I was so touched by all the talks and music at the funeral service. I tried to connect via zoom for the Shiva but was not able to.
I am feeling so, so sad. Steve touched so many lives, including mine. I was so hopeful that he would be able to recover fully from the concussion and TBI. COVID has been such a bad killer. Steve touched our lives while he was living, and he has touched our lives in dying. He was such a terrific human being. My heart is crying for all of you. I was so inspired by your talk. Steve chose the best. Love, Lakshmi
Everyone in Steve's Yale class of 62 held him in the highest esteem as a wise and generous contributor to all good causes. His hosting one of our many reunions in Aspen was memorable to everyone in attendance, and his advice on keeping classmates in contact was always on target. So sad that a person still so young and talented should pass in these terrible times.
Harry and Stacy and Ellen--NO apologies needed. You all organized everything amazingly well and the amount of energy that went into the planning was on top of all the energy is took to begin to cope with the almost impossible-to-believe death of Steve. The most important thing now that each of you can do is to take care of yourselves. You have been under enormous stress for months dealing with Steve's serious medical issues during horrendous circumstances in NY and Texas with the pandemic. It is now time for each of you to attempt to recoup your energies and save your health.
Kitty Rabinow
It was a fitting tribute for him. We loved hearing the stories.
The night before last, Carol and I counted the number of times over the years that we were actually with Steve and we ended up with an even 10.
I cannot recall another person who came into my life only 10 times who changed my life so much for the better.
His friendship was a true gift.
Thank you for allowing us to share in this special way of honoring Steve. I have also requested the link to see Thursday's service. My love and prayers go to the entire family. There will never be anyone again like Steve Susman.
the shiva, this afternoon, was so moving & wonderful. such a gift to so many of us who love steve. I wanted the stories/memories to go on forever. a bound book of stories & memories to follow? amon & I will contribute & help to put the book together....
Just to let you know that you are in our thoughts and we continue to send love.
Jane and Rick