The Counselor

Susan Deniker

Attorney, Steptoe & Johnson

Susan Deniker didn’t grow up in West Virginia, but she’s called it home for over 20 years and can’t imagine being anywhere else. “West Virginia is just full of good people who support each other. From my first interview with Steptoe & Johnson while I was in law school, I just fell in love with it.” Deniker says. During that 1998 meeting at the firm where she practices labor and education law today, she felt the importance that was placed on a healthy work–life balance, and she knew she had found her professional home.

A successful lawyer and a married mom of two daughters, Deniker juggles all of that and finds time to support causes she cares about, too. Among her current commitments, she serves on the board of directors of West Virginia Independent Colleges & Universities. She also serves on the board of Health Access free clinic in Clarksburg and is an active member and past president of the Bridgeport Kiwanis Club.

Deniker credits her support system with her successful work–life balance. And she tries hard to model balance as she mentors female attorneys who are entering the profession—a role that’s important to her.

“The women before me charted the course. I’m just doing what I can do to carry on their mission.”

Professional women need to support each other and be sounding boards for issues that are unique to women professionals, she says. “On those days when it’s just really hard to manage it all, women need other women around who understand,” she says. “I hope that I can be that person for someone else, just like I had from my mentors.”

Written by Megan Huff

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