Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation Announces Ownership Transition, Affirming Its Legacy as a Firm Built to Endure
Founding partner Sue Ann Van Dermyden transfers full ownership interest to partners Liz DeChellis, Jennifer Doughty, and Erich Knorr
Sacramento, CA — April 2, 2026 — Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation (VM Law), a nationally recognized leader in workplace and campus investigations and Title IX adjudications, today announced a significant ownership transition effective April 1, 2026.
Since its founding, VM Law has remained focused on creating a sustainable, evergreen business to ensure it serves its clients for years to come with independent investigation and adjudication services. To ensure VM Law’s enduring future, Founding Partner Sue Ann Van Dermyden has transferred her full ownership interest in the Firm, with three longstanding partners: Liz DeChellis, Jennifer Doughty, and Erich Knorr, purchasing the majority of her shares.
This transition marks the fulfillment of a vision the Firm’s leaders have always held – that the firm would one day become a legacy institution, owned and led by the attorneys who helped build it. The Firm’s succession plan began several years ago when co-Founding Partner Deborah Maddux entered early retirement and passed her ownership interest and the Managing Partner role to Eli Makus — signaling the firm's ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. Since then, Van Dermyden and Makus have continued developing a stable succession strategy to ensure the Firm’s long-term success.
"From the beginning, Deborah and I always intended VM Law to be more than a firm tied to any one person," Van Dermyden said. "We wanted to create something that would outlast us — a place where exceptional people could plant roots, grow, and one day call their own. Eli and I continued to share that vision. Erich, Jen, and Liz, have poured their hearts into this firm for years, and there is no one I trust more to carry it forward.”
For Van Dermyden, this is not an ending – it is exactly the future she always hoped to see.
"VM Law does vitally important work that helps create fair workplaces and safe campuses,” Makus said. “We do this work best as an independent, enduring firm. I am deeply proud of what this firm stands for and excited to continue help shape its future," said Makus. "We have an extraordinary team, strong values, and a foundation that is second to none."
VM Law is among the nation’s foremost law firms devoted exclusively to conducting neutral workplace and campus investigations. The Firm’s work with clients across the public and private sector helps safeguard organizations, employees, and students.
“What has always set VM apart is its culture of collaboration, integrity, and genuine mutual respect,” said Doughty, Partner and Director of Attorney Development. "It is a community of people who are deeply committed to this work and to each other. Being entrusted with VM Law’s future — alongside such exceptional colleagues — is something for which I will forever be grateful."
The Firm’s culture also guides its leaders’ shared philosophy and sense of purpose.
"Sue Ann gave us a model of what it looks like to lead with purpose," said DeChellis, Partner and Director of Title IX Services. "As we move into this next chapter, our commitment is to keep building a firm that reflects those values — one that serves our clients with the same rigor and integrity that has always defined VM Law."
In turn, those values guide the Firm’s ongoing evolution and its leaders’ sense of responsibility.
"Sue Ann built something rare — a firm designed not just to succeed, but to endure," said Knorr, Partner of the firm’s Arizona office. "Her vision, standards, and commitment to doing this work with integrity and excellence are woven into everything we do. Stepping into ownership is a profound honor, and we do not take lightly the responsibility of carrying that legacy forward."
DeChellis, Doughty, and Knorr are trusted, seasoned attorneys who have been integral to VM Law's growth and success for years. Together, they have helped establish the firm as a pioneer in the specialized field of workplace and campus investigations, serving clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies and public entities to colleges, universities, and sports and entertainment organizations.
Van Dermyden will remain with the Firm following the transition in her role as Senior Partner, focusing on firm strategy and bringing decades of experience to VM Law's nationally recognized practice.
About Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation
Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation is a leading law firm specializing in workplace and campus investigations. With offices across California and in Tempe, Arizona, VM Law serves a diverse range of clients including Fortune 500 companies, public entities, healthcare organizations, colleges and universities, and sports and entertainment industry clients. Learn more at www.vmlawcorp.com.
