In 1986, Carney joined two other Rogovin partners to form the Washington, D.C. office of the Los Angeles-based firm of Tuttle & Taylor.

Her work for Yale addressed many areas covered by federal law, including scientific research, intellectual property, and health care.

Carney is a member of the Connecticut, District of Columbia, and Massachusetts bars and served on the board of directors of the National Association of college & University Attorneys.

[3] On May 20, 2010, President Barack Obama nominated Carney to the seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit that was vacated by Judge Barrington D. Parker Jr., who assumed senior status in October 2009.

In announcing the nomination, President Obama stated, “At every step of her career, Susan Carney has performed with excellence and unwavering integrity.

[9][10] Carney married journalist Lincoln W. Caplan, also a Harvard Law School graduate, in February 1979 in Waltham, Massachusetts.