Judge To Rule On NFL Lockout New To Bench, But Seen As Fair And Up To Challenge

MINNEAPOLIS — Susan Richard Nelson wanted to make a difference as an attorney. Do something that mattered.

She mentored disadvantaged students and young female lawyers. She was on a team that took on big tobacco and won. As a magistrate, she earned a reputation for her ability to bring parties together and settle cases.

Now, less than four months into her career as a federal judge, she's responsible for deciding the fate of the NFL's lockout and, perhaps, the 2011 season — a daunting task with big-shot lawyers on both sides and billions of dollars at stake.
Those who know Nelson say her short time on the bench won't matter. They note she has decades of courtroom experience and won't be rattled by the glare this high-profile case will bring.

"There's no question she can handle it," said Michael Ciresi, who worked with Nelson for 16 years and was one of her partners at Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi. "As a judge, she's very smart, savvy, respectful ... and she's not afraid to make the tough decisions."

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