Susan Neal Rhode

1949 – 2025

We are deeply saddened to share that our co-founder, Susan Neal Rhode, has passed away. Susan was a trailblazing trademark lawyer who represented some of the world’s most well known brands and served as trial counsel in several landmark decisions including, the Sands, Taylor, & Wood v. Quaker Oats case in which her client received the largest trademark damages award in history, at that time. For over three decades, Susan served as a respected leader in the International Trademark Association (INTA) where she helped develop trademark policy and legislation and was a stalwart advocate for women in the legal profession.

After working in large law firms for many years, Susan set out to open a boutique trademark firm with her colleague and friend, Kevin McDevitt in 1998. Though Susan retired from the practice of law in 2007, Neal & McDevitt continues to embody the same philosophy that Susan nurtured and has grown from its humble beginnings to be one of the pre-eminent trademark boutiques in the country.