Susan Smith Blakely

Susan Smith Blakely is a lawyer and author of the Best Friends at the Bar three-book series for women lawyers and "What Millennial Lawyers Want: A Bridge from the Past to the Future of Law Practice" for all young lawyers. Her website, www.bestfriendsatthebar.com, includes a weekly blog for young lawyers and a bi-monthly newsletter that is accessible through the website.

Ms. Blakely is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and Georgetown Law. Her 25-year practice career includes both private practice as a law firm partner and public service as a Chief of Staff. She retired from law practice in 2006 to dedicate herself to addressing issues of retention and advancement of young lawyers.

She speaks at law schools, law firms and law organizations throughout the country and has a network of supporters in the US and around the globe. She has written for and been quoted in major legal media sources, including National Jurist, Corporate Counsel, American Lawyer, Lawyer & Statesman, LA Daily Journal, Forbes Woman, Women Lawyers Journal, Lawyerist.com, Huffington Post Business, and Raising the Bar (DC Women's Bar Association).

Ms. Blakely is the recipient of the Ms. JD Pursuing Her Passion Award and a Lawyer Monthly Women in Law Award for her work on retention and advancement of women lawyers.

Ms. Blakely can be reached at susansmithblakely@gmail.com.