MINNEAPOLIS, September 15, 2026 – Am Law 100 law firm Cozen O’Connor today welcomed one of the nation’s leading and best-known family law attorneys, Suzanne E. Grandchamp, to its fast-growing Family Law group. Grandchamp, who focuses her 30-year practice on representing clients in a wide range of family law matters, including dissolution, paternity, modifications, and third-party custody and parenting time disputes, joins Cozen O’Connor as a member and will work out of its downtown Minneapolis office.
Regularly recognized as both a SuperLawyer™ and one of the “Top Women Attorneys” in Minnesota, Grandchamp comes to the firm from Hellmuth & Johnson. Highly sought after for her compassionate, client-focused approach, she brings to Cozen O’Connor a lengthy track record of achieving consistently strong results for her clients.
“For many clients, working with a family lawyer is not just about resolving a legal matter; it’s about finding a path forward during one of the most challenging times they will ever face,” said Jana Aune Deach, co-office managing partner in Minneapolis and also a member of the firm’s Family Law group. “As a nationally recognized family law practitioner trusted by individuals and families facing complex, high-stakes transitions, Suzanne is a tremendous addition — both to our practice and the Minneapolis office. I’m very much looking forward to working together.”
As a litigator, Grandchamp regularly obtains favorable settlements for clients through direct negotiation, mediation, and trial in contested divorces, paternity actions, third-party custody cases, and post-decree matters. She brings extensive experience handling complex trials with numerous factual issues and expert witnesses, including high-conflict interstate custody cases, parenting time disputes, and third-party cases for grandparents and other caregivers.
In Szarzynski v. Szarzynski, she successfully argued a case that has since become a cornerstone of case law involving nuisance litigation.
“Family law is challenging, not only because it concerns issues of profound emotional import, but because today’s legal strictures are constantly changing in response to broad social and economic trends,” said James H. Heller, co-chair of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Department. “As a proven negotiator and litigator, Suzanne brings us both the interpersonal skills needed to provide our clients with meaningful support during major life transitions, as well as the legal acumen needed to handle cutting-edge deal structures and guidelines. She’s a terrific addition to the firm, and I’m very happy to welcome her aboard.”
Outside of the office, Grandchamp’s pro bono work includes serving as board chair for the Wayzata Chamber of Commerce and conducting divorce information seminars and pro bono law clinics at two Twin City institutions: In The Thriver’s Seat and the Tubman Chrysalis Center. She’s also the author of Marriages End. Families Don’t. Divorce Wisely. The essential handbook for navigating the process of divorce.
“Family law is difficult work, but guiding someone from a place of uncertainty and fear to a place of stability and hope can also be deeply rewarding. My previous experience as a corporate pilot and flight instructor infuses excellent situational awareness into my current complex litigation work,” said Grandchamp. “With Cozen O’Connor, my clients will benefit from the backing of a dedicated, full-service law firm. That will allow me to reach out to colleagues in other practice groups — including Trusts and Estates, Tax, Corporate, and Real Estate — to develop a unified strategy to resolve family law questions and disputes. This team approach will give my clients an edge that few other firms can replicate.”
Grandchamp earned her J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law and her B.A. from the University of Minnesota. She is also a California Licensed Professional Fiduciary, licensed by the Professional Fiduciaries Bureau.
About Cozen O’Connor
Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 1,000 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 35 offices across two continents.