It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Suzanne Wood on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Suzanne, a visionary leader, and an influential figure within the legal community, leaves behind a profound legacy that will continue to inspire countless colleagues, clients, and professionals across industries. Her dedication to excellence, her innovative approach to legal project management, and her passion for helping others make her loss an irreplaceable one.
Suzanne’s career, spanning several decades, was defined by her unwavering commitment to providing value-driven legal services while promoting collaboration and innovation in the legal profession. As the National Director of Legal Project Management (LPM) at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada, Suzanne led a dynamic team of legal project managers. This role required not only sharp legal insight but also exceptional leadership and project management skills. Suzanne was an advocate for transforming how legal services were delivered, ensuring that both clients and teams could benefit from a streamlined, efficient approach to legal matters.
Her journey began long before she assumed the prominent role of LPM leader. Suzanne’s passion for the law was evident from an early age. Her exceptional intellect and determination propelled her through her studies and professional endeavors. She practiced commercial litigation for many years, focusing on complex class action cases and international disputes, establishing herself as a force in the legal world. Her career trajectory was one of constant growth, and her ability to adapt and innovate was a hallmark of her professional identity.
Throughout her time in legal practice, Suzanne earned the respect and admiration of her peers and clients alike. She was known not only for her legal acumen but also for her ability to connect with people and build relationships that spanned across teams, clients, and disciplines. As a certified Project Management Professional, Suzanne seamlessly integrated her legal expertise with her project management knowledge, creating a unique synergy that allowed her to elevate the practice of legal project management to new heights.
Suzanne’s leadership was integral in the development and expansion of the LPM function at Norton Rose Fulbright. Her vision and strategic thinking shaped the way legal project management became an integral part of legal service delivery. She was a champion of change, ensuring that clients received not only the highest quality of legal services but also the most efficient and cost-effective solutions available. Her work in legal project management demonstrated her dedication to the evolving needs of clients and the industry as a whole, building bridges between teams and departments to offer a cohesive approach to legal service delivery.
Her impact extended far beyond her professional achievements. Suzanne’s colleagues often spoke of her infectious enthusiasm, her generosity, and her unwavering kindness. She was known for her ability to make people feel heard, appreciated, and valued, fostering an environment where collaboration and growth flourished. As a mentor, Suzanne guided many throughout her career, imparting her wisdom, expertise, and approach to leadership in a way that inspired and empowered others.
Her ability to lead by example, her dedication to her work, and her genuine care for others made her a beloved figure within Norton Rose Fulbright and beyond. Suzanne had an innate ability to bring people together, creating an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect that allowed for innovative ideas to thrive. Her generosity and spirit of giving were central to her work ethic, and she was always willing to lend a helping hand to those who needed it most.
Suzanne’s sudden departure from this world leaves a void that will be deeply felt across the legal industry, particularly at Norton Rose Fulbright, where she played an instrumental role in shaping the culture of legal project management. Her vision and influence will continue to be felt for years to come, as the systems and processes she helped put in place continue to benefit the clients and teams that she worked with so passionately.
The grief of losing such a remarkable individual is shared by not only Suzanne’s family, friends, and colleagues but also the countless people whose lives she touched in both professional and personal capacities. Suzanne’s legacy will continue to inspire and inform the work of legal project managers, attorneys, and professionals throughout the industry. Her commitment to excellence and her passion for service will forever serve as a guiding light for those who follow in her footsteps.
At this time, our thoughts are with Suzanne’s family, friends, and loved ones. We extend our deepest condolences and express our admiration and gratitude for the life Suzanne led. She will be remembered not only for her professional achievements but for the warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit she shared with everyone she encountered.
Suzanne’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance, leadership, and collaboration. Her professional journey demonstrated the importance of embracing innovation and change within the legal sector, and she will be remembered as a trailblazer in the field of legal project management. As we reflect on her contributions to both the legal industry and the lives of those who had the privilege of working with her, we celebrate her legacy of service, leadership, and compassion.
Her memory will continue to inspire the many people who had the honor of knowing her, and the lessons she imparted will remain with all who worked alongside her. Suzanne’s legacy is one that will endure for generations, as her passion for legal excellence and her dedication to people will leave a lasting impact on all who follow in her path.
Suzanne’s sudden passing serves as a reminder of how fragile life can be and the importance of cherishing those we hold dear. While her physical presence may be gone, her impact will never be forgotten. Through the lives she touched, the lessons she taught, and the relationships she built, Suzanne Wood’s legacy will live on.
