Susan Sieger-Grimm’s Path to Partnership at Brown Rudnick: “Pay Attention to Everything”
August 24, 2025
NEW YORK, NY – Susan Sieger-Grimm, a seasoned financial restructuring attorney, was promoted to partner at Brown Rudnick’s New York office on February 1, 2025, marking a significant milestone in her legal career. In a recent interview with Benzinga, Sieger-Grimm shared her journey to partnership, emphasizing the importance of attentiveness, networking, and fearlessly asking questions. Her advice—“Pay attention to everything—you have so many networking and learning opportunities available to you as a junior lawyer that you may not even realize. And never be afraid to ask questions!”—has resonated widely, offering insights for aspiring attorneys navigating the competitive legal landscape.
From Career Break to Partnership
Sieger-Grimm’s path to partnership is notable for its resilience and adaptability. She joined Brown Rudnick in 2019 after a significant career hiatus to raise her three sons, a period she described as both challenging and formative. Beginning her legal career in 1994, Sieger-Grimm initially focused on debtor-side financial restructuring before transitioning to represent creditors’ committees in mass tort cases, a niche she has mastered at Brown Rudnick. Her promotion to counsel in 2020 was a stepping stone to her partnership, achieved just five years after re-entering the legal field.
Her expertise in navigating complex bankruptcy cases, such as those involving mass tort litigation, has earned her recognition as a key player in Brown Rudnick’s restructuring practice. The firm highlighted her contributions in a statement, noting her “exceptional ability to manage high-stakes cases with precision and client trust.”
The Power of Paying Attention
In her Benzinga interview, Sieger-Grimm stressed the importance of being observant and proactive, particularly for junior lawyers. “Pay attention to everything,” she advised, underscoring the wealth of opportunities available early in one’s career. She emphasized that networking, often undervalued, is critical for building relationships that can shape a lawyer’s trajectory. “You have so many networking and learning opportunities available to you as a junior lawyer that you may not even realize,” she said, encouraging young attorneys to seize every chance to connect with colleagues, clients, and industry peers.
Sieger-Grimm also advocated for asking questions without fear, a practice she credits for her own growth. “Never be afraid to ask questions!” she urged, noting that curiosity not only clarifies complex legal issues but also demonstrates engagement and initiative. This approach, she said, helped her rebuild her career after her hiatus and navigate the intricacies of restructuring law.
A Broader Perspective on Success
Sieger-Grimm’s journey reflects broader themes of resilience and adaptability in the legal profession. Her decision to step away from practice to focus on family—a choice often fraught with professional risk—did not deter her from achieving partnership. Instead, she leveraged her prior experience and built new skills, transitioning from debtor-side to creditor-side work, which required mastering new legal frameworks and client dynamics.
Her advice aligns with insights from other industry voices. For instance, a 2022 article from The Good Men Project emphasized the importance of paying attention to small details for personal and professional growth, a principle Sieger-Grimm embodies in her meticulous approach to casework and networking. Similarly, a post on X echoed her sentiment, stating, “Success in law is about noticing the details others miss,” though such posts reflect sentiment rather than conclusive evidence.
Context in the Legal Industry
The legal profession remains highly competitive, with partnership at top firms like Brown Rudnick—ranked among the Am Law 200—representing a pinnacle achievement. Sieger-Grimm’s promotion comes at a time when law firms are increasingly valuing diverse career paths, particularly for women who balance family and professional aspirations. Her story challenges the traditional narrative of linear career progression, offering a model for attorneys returning from career breaks.
Brown Rudnick, known for its strength in restructuring and litigation, has benefited from Sieger-Grimm’s expertise in high-profile bankruptcy cases. Her work complements the firm’s reputation for handling complex, cross-border financial matters, a field where attention to detail and strategic networking are paramount.
Implications and Inspiration
Sieger-Grimm’s ascent to partnership serves as an inspiration for junior lawyers and those navigating non-traditional career paths. Her emphasis on attentiveness resonates with broader discussions about success in high-stakes professions. For instance, a 2021 blog post from howtosavetheworld.ca explored the idea of “paying attention to what you pay attention to,” suggesting that mindful focus can shift professional outcomes—a concept Sieger-Grimm has applied to her legal practice.
Her advice also underscores the importance of mentorship and curiosity, particularly for young women in law. By advocating for proactive engagement and fearless inquiry, she offers a roadmap for navigating the often-intimidating legal world. As she told Benzinga, “You don’t realize how many doors open just by being present and asking the right questions.”
Looking Ahead
As Sieger-Grimm settles into her role as partner, her story is likely to inspire others in the legal community. Brown Rudnick’s confidence in her abilities signals a continued focus on diverse talent, while her insights provide practical guidance for aspiring partners. With the legal industry evolving to embrace flexibility and inclusivity, Sieger-Grimm’s journey from career break to partnership highlights the power of resilience, attentiveness, and strategic relationship-building.
For junior lawyers, her message is clear: success lies in paying attention to every opportunity, no matter how small, and never shying away from asking questions. As New Orleans marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina, a story of resilience in its own right, Sieger-Grimm’s advice echoes the city’s spirit—adapt, persevere, and seize the moment.
Sources: Benzinga, Brown Rudnick, The Good Men Project, howtosavetheworld.ca