Profile: Susan S. Brewer, Member and CEO-Elect

Compiled from staff reports

When Susan Brewer was named CEO-Elect by the membership of Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, she joined an exclusive group of women in the country given that only eight percent of law firms nationwide are led by a female.  Even rarer is the fact that Brewer will be the first woman to become the managing member of a major West Virginia law firm. 

“It is an honor to begin a new role in firm leadership, but I know I have some very big shoes to fill,” said Brewer. “Our firm has a strong history of building success through partnering.  I truly believe that the teamwork we exhibit as a firm is second to none.  Under my watch, I will remain steadfast to the values and commitment to service that our clients have grown to expect.”

Brewer will succeed Robert M. Steptoe, Jr. after the completion of a year-long transition period. 

A litigator specializing in professional liability defense, the 53-year old Brewer joined Steptoe & Johnson in 1980.  She helped establish the firm’s Morgantown, WV office in 1998, serving ever since as its managing member.  Brewer’s managing style is to lead by example, which is exemplified in her ability to make the law firm both collegial and oriented toward client service.  This form of leadership, coupled with Brewer’s high standards in the actual practice of law has earned her a stellar reputation from her partners and clients alike.

Steptoe & Johnson is a corporate defense firm made up of 450 employees, 185 of whom are lawyers. Like many women in the firm hold leadership positions, Brewer’s experiences as a member of the firm’s executive committee will be utilized during her year of transition. As CEO, Brewer will oversee six of Steptoe & Johnson’s offices in West Virginia, and the newly opened location in Columbus, Ohio.  A sophisticated technology program will be invaluable to Brewer when she takes over in January of 2009.

“We are completely networked,” she said. “Also, part of the managing member’s job is traveling to all the different offices.  I have done that while serving on the executive committee, but I intend to do more of that this year and as we move forward.”

Brewer received her legal education at George Mason University School of Law where she was a member of the Law Review staff and received honors in Trial Advocacy.  Brewer received her undergraduate education at Duke University, and she frequently lectures and gives educational presentations on professional liability issues and general health care matters. She is married to William Brewer, an attorney in Morgantown, and they are the parents of four children.

“Obviously, I wouldn’t be where I am without extreme support on the family side,” Brewer said. “That’s very important for anyone in a leadership position, and I’m blessed with that.”

Susan S. Brewer Bio Sketch

• Fellow; American College of Trial Lawyers; WV Chair 2003-2007
• Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America (2003 to present)
• Listed in 2006 Chambers USA America's Leading Lawyers for Business
• Member of the WV and VA State Bars
• Member of the Defense Research Institute Inc.
• Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates
• Member of the Defense Trial Counsel of WV, Inc.
• Lecturer and former adjunct professor at WVU College of Law
• Volunteer mediator for the US District Court; Northern District of WV

Exerpts originally published in the advertorial section of Corporate Counsel – “Women Leaders in the Law” (2008).