Berman & Simmons, Maine’s leading personal injury law firm, has appointed veteran trial attorney Susan Faunce as its new Managing Director, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to hold this leadership role in the firm’s 100+ year history.
Faunce succeeds longtime Managing Director Craig Bramley, who has served the firm with distinction for 29 years. Her appointment reflects Berman & Simmons’ continued commitment to delivering exceptional advocacy for injured clients across Maine and New England.
A Proven Leader in High-Stakes Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Litigation
With two decades at Berman & Simmons, Faunce has built one of the most respected trial practices in Maine. She focuses on medical malpractice, wrongful death, and other catastrophic injury cases, earning a reputation for meticulous preparation, strategic judgment, and unwavering dedication to her clients.
Over her career, Faunce has secured landmark results and established a strong trial record in some of the most complex and high-stakes cases in the state. Her work is driven by the understanding that every case involves both significant legal questions and deeply personal challenges for the people she serves.
“An Honor to Lead the Firm Into Its Next Chapter”
In accepting her new role, Faunce shared the values that guide her commitment to justice:
“I am honored to lead Berman & Simmons into its next chapter. For me, this work has always been about standing up for people when the stakes are highest. Our clients come to us during the most vulnerable and life-altering moments, and they deserve a team that fights relentlessly for truth, accountability, and justice.”
She added that she looks forward to leading the firm’s team of exceptional attorneys and staff as they continue delivering record-setting results for Maine people.
A Career Shaped by Resilience and Advocacy
Faunce’s dedication to justice is rooted in her early life experiences. Raised by a single mother who spoke limited English, she often served as a family interpreter. These experiences instilled courage, resourcefulness, and a deep commitment to helping others — qualities that are evident in her work with clients facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Her leadership and excellence have been recognized widely, including honors from:
- The Best Lawyers in America
- Super Lawyers
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Chambers and Partners
- Benchmark Litigation
Faunce is a graduate of Bowdoin College and earned her J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law.
Deep Engagement in Maine’s Legal and Civic Communities
Beyond her litigation success, Faunce is an active and respected leader in Maine’s legal community. She currently serves as President of the Maine State Bar Association and is Past-President of the Maine Trial Lawyers Association.
Her additional service includes roles with:
- Maine Supreme Judicial Court Advisory Committee on Rules of Evidence
- Local Rules Advisory Committee for the U.S. District Court (District of Maine)
- Maine Justice Foundation
- American Association for Justice
About Berman & Simmons
For over a century, Berman & Simmons has been the premier personal injury law firm in Maine and New England, known for taking on—and winning—complex, high-stakes cases. With a team of 14 attorneys, the firm has secured some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Maine history.
The firm represents clients in catastrophic injury cases involving:
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
- Personal injury
- Vehicle and trucking accidents
- Sexual abuse
- Complex injury litigation
Attorneys across Maine regularly refer major cases to Berman & Simmons due to its unmatched record and resources.