Monday Profile: Susan Dehncke

By Jo Mathis Legal News Jackson attorney Susan Dehncke grew up on army bases around the world and continues to travel internationally every year. A graduate of Michigan State University with a duel degree in international relations and political economics, Dehncke went on to receive her J.D. from The George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. She moved to Jackson in 1993 to become an assistant prosecuting attorney, and nine years later, went into private practice. Dehncke now focuses on criminal law, family law, guardianships and adoption. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Riding my horse in the snow with my dog trotting alongside. What is your greatest fear? Looking like an idiot. What is the trait you hate most about yourself? Procrastination. What is the trait you most hate in others? Being unprepared. Necessary extravagance? International travel What are your most treasured possessions? My dog, cats and horse. What is the most overrated virtue? Obedience. When and where were you happiest? Taking ballroom dancing lessons several years ago. What's the one thing you'd change about yourself? I would be more patient with people. What is your greatest achievement? Obtaining guilty verdicts for both defendants in the Pizano arson, triple homicide case. What advice would you give law school students? If you are going to be a trial attorney, take acting and storytelling workshops. What is your ideal job? I have my ideal job. I am my own boss and do work I am passionate about. On what occasion do you lie? I will lie on occasion in response to an invite by suggesting I have a conflict rather than admit I would prefer to just stay home. What is something most people don't know about you? I was on the Michigan State University Sailing Team. Favorite fictional character: Ann of Green Gables. My grandfather knew the author, L.M. Montgomery. Favorite words: Tally ho. Favorite Movie: Wind. Favorite Drink: Margarita. Favorite place to spend money: Florence, Italy. Motto: Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but the number of moments that take your breath away. Where do you want to be when you're 90? Carmel, California. Published: Mon, Mar 5, 2012