Susan Faunce stepped into the role of Managing Director of Berman & Simmons in 2025. In addition to her leadership as the firm's first female director, Susan is a successful trial attorney who represents people throughout Maine who have experienced serious and often life-threatening injuries through no fault of their own. Her practice is focused on cases involving medical malpractice, wrongful death, and other serious personal injuries. Susan’s success at the firm and in the courtroom can be attributed to her exceptional leadership and organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and motivation to hold wrongdoers accountable for their negligence.

From an early age, Susan knew she wanted to become a lawyer and make a significant impact on people’s lives. She was raised by a single mother who spoke limited English and lived in an underdeveloped country as a young adult. These initial experiences taught her to be courageous, resourceful, and persistent, traits she’s relied on throughout her career. Today, she is recognized as one of Maine’s leading personal injury attorneys and has achieved notable results for her clients by navigating complex legal matters proficiently and building the best case, with the best legal strategy and expert witnesses possible. As a fierce client advocate, Susan understands that every case carries both legal and emotional aspects. As a result, she works tirelessly to deliver justice and maximize results while supporting her clients’ needs with care and compassion every step of the way. In recognition of her accomplishments, Susan has earned distinction in The Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Chambers and Partners, and Benchmark Litigation.

Honors & Recognitions

Susan Faunce has earned recognition from several of the legal profession’s most respected organizations, reflecting her extensive experience, leadership, and success in complex litigation. These distinctions are based on peer evaluation, professional achievement, and demonstrated results—underscoring her reputation as a trusted and accomplished trial attorney.

• Best Lawyers® – Lawyer of the Year (2026)
  Named “Lawyer of the Year” for Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs in Portland, Maine, a distinction awarded to a single attorney in each practice area and region based on the highest overall peer feedback.
• Best Lawyers in America® (Recognized in 2026)
  Recognized for her work in Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs, Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, and Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs. This honor reflects outstanding professional excellence and is based entirely on peer review.
• Super Lawyers® (Recognized for 8 years, including Rising Stars® from 2013–2016 and Super Lawyers® from 2022–2025)
  A distinction awarded to a select group of attorneys who have demonstrated a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement within their practice area.
• Chambers USA (Band 2 Ranking, 2025)
  A highly respected legal ranking that identifies top attorneys based on in-depth research, client feedback, and peer evaluation. Band 2 placement reflects a high level of recognition within her practice area.
• Benchmark Litigation – Future Star
  A litigation-focused recognition highlighting attorneys who are emerging as leaders in their field based on casework and peer review.
• National Trial Lawyers Top 100
  This invitation-only organization recognizes the top trial attorneys in each state based on their trial results, leadership, and reputation. Selection reflects a proven ability to handle complex, high-stakes cases.
• National Mass Tort Trial Lawyers Association – Top 25 Mass Tort Trial Lawyers
  A selective recognition highlighting attorneys with significant experience and success in mass tort litigation.
• AVVO - usan A. Faunce has earned a perfect 10.0 Avvo Rating, reflecting her strong professional reputation and experience in personal injury and medical malpractice litigation. This rating recognizes attorneys for factors including experience, industry recognition, and professional achievement.

These recognitions reflect Susan’s leadership in complex litigation and her longstanding commitment to achieving exceptional results for her clients.

Susan is a graduate of Bowdoin College, where she majored in Government and Legal Studies and Asian Studies. After college, she worked as a paralegal on high-profile intellectual property cases at a major Boston law firm. She joined the Peace Corps and served in Morocco, teaching English to local high school students and French to women in the community. She returned home to Maine and earned her law degree from the University of Maine School of Law.

Susan is actively engaged in Maine’s legal community and dedicates her time to promoting the legal profession, advancing statewide initiatives focused on increasing access to justice for all Mainers, particularly for those living in rural communities, and expanding opportunities for women attorneys. Currently, she serves as President of the Maine State Bar Association and has held leadership roles in the Maine Trial Lawyers Association. She is an appointed member of the Maine State Supreme Judicial Court Advisory Committee on Rules of Evidence, as well as a member of the Maine Justice Foundation. Susan is also a member of the American Association for Justice.