Education
- A.B., Duke University
- J.D., George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School
Biography
Susan Brewer has spent her 45-year legal career at Steptoe & Johnson and serves as its Immediate Past CEO. She led the firm as CEO and Managing Member from 2009–2020, becoming the first female Managing Member of a major West Virginia law firm. Under her leadership, the firm executed ambitious strategic plans, expanded beyond West Virginia, and opened six offices in Colorado, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Texas—earning national recognition as an energy firm.
She spearheaded efforts to create the firm’s diversity and inclusion program, appointed its first director, and launched women, parents, and veterans affinity programs. Her work building out client feedback, business development, succession, and emerging leadership programs was grounded in a strong commitment to communication and preserving the firm’s collegial culture.
Her litigation practice focuses on professional liability, and she has tried more than 100 jury and non-jury cases in state, federal, and appellate courts, including the West Virginia Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Representative Experience
- Tried significant damages cases involving alleged birth injuries, cerebral palsy, and quadriplegia
- Litigated and managed numerous complex legal malpractice actions
- Regularly advised hospitals and health care providers on all levels of risk management and loss prevention
Speaking Engagements
- Lecturer, “Lawyers as Leaders,” WVU College of Law Leadership Course (2013–Present)
- “Fostering Effective Client Succession,” ALAS Podcast (November 2019)
- Panelist, “Lawyers in Leadership: What Does it Take?” West Virginia Women Attorneys Conference (June 2018)
- Keynote, “Athena Awards Presentation,” Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Southpointe, PA (May 2018)
- Panelist, “Different Paths to Leadership for Women in Law Firms,” ARK Group Conference, San Francisco (February 2017)
Memberships & Recognition
- Executive Committee, WVU Foundation (2014–Present)
- Chair, Board of Directors, WVU Foundation (2016–2018)
- Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers (Board of Regents, 2017–2021; WV State Chair, 2003–2006)
- U.S. Magistrate Selection Panel (1998, 2008, 2013)
- Caperton Award for Excellence, West Virginia Wellness Council (2010)
- Justitia Officium Award, WVU College of Law (2013)
- One of WV’s Top 10 Most Influential Leaders, *The State Journal* (2012)
- Peer Review Rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell
- Chambers USA America’s Leading Lawyers for Business
- *The Best Lawyers in America®*, various categories (2010–Present)
