Methods for creating a ground path between a stainless steel suspension and a copper trace layer in an integrated lead assembly of a disk drive suspension. The invention prevents electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage by providing a means for grounding a lead to a controlled ground potential. Although the lead and suspension are generally separated by an insulating layer such as a polymide layer, connection between the lead and suspension can be made by, for example, creating an opening in the insulation layer and depositing a conductive material such an electrically conductive glue, solder or some other material through the opening to connect the two electrically conductive layers. A rivet may also be used to connect the two electrically conductive layers through a through hole that extends through both electrically conductive layers and the electrically insulating layer.