Susan Brewer

Susan Brewer is a Lecturer at the West Virginia University College of Law, where she teaches "Lawyers as Leaders" as part of the Leadership Course since 2013. She is also the Immediate Past CEO of Steptoe & Johnson, where she served as Managing Member from 2009 to 2020, becoming the first female leader of a major West Virginia law firm. Her academic affiliation is through WVU, where she contributes her extensive legal leadership experience to law students.

Her research and professional interests center on legal leadership, professional liability, litigation, and diversity in the legal profession. She has been a strong advocate for inclusion, launching affinity programs for women, parents, and veterans at her firm. Her work in risk management and client feedback systems reflects a strategic, people-centered approach to legal practice.

Susan Brewer has received numerous honors, including the Justitia Officium Award from WVU College of Law and recognition in The Best Lawyers in America® continuously since 2010. She is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has been rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell.

• Justitia Officium Award, WVU College of Law (2013)
• Caperton Award for Excellence, West Virginia Wellness Council (2010)
• One of WV’s Top 10 Most Influential Leaders, The State Journal (2012)
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
• Peer Review Rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell
• Chambers USA America’s Leading Lawyers for Business
• The Best Lawyers in America® (2010–Present)

She has advised hospitals and healthcare providers on risk management and has tried over 100 cases in state, federal, and appellate courts. Though no formal grants are mentioned, her leadership in developing firm-wide programs in succession planning, business development, and emerging leadership demonstrates significant investment in legal education and institutional growth.

Susan Brewer is actively involved with the WVU Foundation, having served on its Executive Committee since 2014 and as Chair of its Board of Directors from 2016 to 2018. Her ongoing engagement with the university through teaching and governance underscores her commitment to legal education and institutional advancement.