Susan is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading litigators, known for her judgment, discretion, and effectiveness in high-stakes commercial, regulatory, and white collar matters. She is particularly valued for her ability to navigate complex situations involving multiple stakeholders and to resolve matters efficiently, often before formal charges are brought.
Recognition & Reputation
Susan has been consistently recognized for excellence in the practice of law. Chambers USA has identified her as a “Star Individual,” an elite ranking above Band 1.
According to Chambers, Susan is:
- “An amazing lawyer”
- “An excellent lead attorney”
- “Savvy, responsive, effective and discreet”
- “At the top of her game”
Chambers further notes that:
- “Susan has remarkable credibility with stakeholders on every side of an issue.”
- “There is no one who is more of a tenacious advocate than Susan Brune.”
- “Susan is the whole package with incredible skill and judgment.”
- “She is really smart, an incredibly effective advocate, can distill complex situations, and has a way of getting into the client’s world that is really unique.”
- “She completely immerses herself in her cases.”
In praise of the firm, Chambers USA has also reported:
Practice Focus
Susan focuses on efficiently solving her clients’ most serious problems, whether they involve complex commercial disputes or interactions with prosecutors and regulators.
In the white collar sphere, Susan has repeatedly warded off indictments and regulatory charges through sound strategic judgment, meticulous preparation, and forceful advocacy. When cases are brought, she is equally effective.
Trial Experience
Susan is a seasoned trial lawyer with a strong record in high-stakes proceedings. Key victoriers include:
- Achieving a complete victory for a private equity investor in an enforcement action in the SEC’s administrative forum
- Obtaining the acquittal of a Bear Stearns hedge fund manager in a federal jury trial
Prior Experience
Before founding her private practices, Susan served as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan, experience that continues to inform her strategic approach and credibility with prosecutors and regulators alike.
Education
- Harvard Law School, J.D., 1988, with honors
- Columbia University, M.A., 1985
- University of Michigan, B.A., 1983, Honors College
Clerkship
- Hon. Judge Whitman Knapp, U.S. District Court, S.D.N.Y., 1988-1990
Government Service
- Assistant U.S. Attorney, S.D.N.Y., 1990-1997
Community Involvement
- Keswell School (chair)
- Anderson Foundation for Autism (vice chair)
- New York Counsel of Criminal Defense Lawyers/U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York, Liaison Committee (co-chair)
News
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February 12, 2026
Susan Brune Speaks at Practising Law Institute’s Ethics for Commercial Litigators 2026
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November 6, 2025
Best Lawyers 16th Edition of Best Law Firms Recognizes Brune Law as Tier 1 Firm
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October 27, 2025
Susan Brune Speaks at Practising Law Institute’s Hedge Fund and Private Equity Enforcement & Regulatory Developments 2025
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August 21, 2025
Susan Brune Included in 32nd Edition of The Best Lawyers in America
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June 5, 2025
Chambers USA 2025 Guide Recognizes Brune Law, Susan Brune and Erin Dougherty
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February 13, 2025
Susan Brune Speaks at Practising Law Institute’s Ethics for Commercial Litigators 2025
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November 7, 2024
Best Lawyers 15th Edition of Best Law Firms Recognizes Brune Law as Tier 1 Firm
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August 15, 2024
Susan Brune Included in 31ˢᵗ Edition of The Best Lawyers in America
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August 14, 2024
Susan Brune Selected to Appear in 13th Edition of Benchmark Top 250 Women in Litigation 2024
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June 6, 2024
Chambers USA 2024 Legal Guide Recognzes Brune Law, Susan Brune and Erin Dougherty
Publications
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September-October 2021
The DOJ’s Mixed Record on Cases Against Traders
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September-October 2018
Handling SEC Enforcement Matters
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January 29, 2018
Lucia Will Not Address Essential Problem With SEC Court
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September-October 2016
Representing Individuals in International Investigations
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November 2015
Comment on Proposed Amendments to SEC’s Rules of Practice
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Summer 2014
The Opening Statement: Taking Control of the Narrative
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September-October 2012
Jury Instructions: Key Topics in Federal White Collar Cases
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April 2010
White Collar Crime Policy: The SEC’s New Cooperation Policy
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December 2007
Corporate Monitors: Taking Corporate Cooperation to the Next Level