Susman Godfrey
 | |
| Headquarters | Wells Fargo Plaza |
|---|---|
| No. of offices | 4 |
| Offices | Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle |
| No. of attorneys | Approx. 200 |
| Major practice areas | Litigation |
| Revenue | US$744 million (2023) |
| Profit per equity partner | US$6.99 million (2023) |
| Date founded | 1980 |
| Founder | Stephen Susman |
| Website | www |
Susman Godfrey LLP is an American litigation boutique law firm specializing in high-stakes commercial disputes. Founded in 1980, the firm pioneered the use of contingency fees in corporate litigation, a model that was unconventional at the time.[1] The firm has established itself as a leader in complex litigation and is consistently ranked as one of the top trial law firms in the United States.[2]
History
[edit]Founding and Early Years (1980s–1990s)
[edit]Susman Godfrey LLP was founded in 1980 in Houston, Texas, by Stephen Susman, a prominent trial attorney known for his ability to secure large verdicts. At a time when most commercial litigation firms relied on billable hours, Susman revolutionized the industry by offering contingency fee arrangements to corporate clients.[3] This allowed businesses to pursue major lawsuits without upfront legal costs, shifting financial risk onto the law firm.
In 1982, H. Lee Godfrey joined the firm, leading to the firm’s current name. The firm quickly expanded into high-stakes antitrust, securities, and intellectual property litigation.[1]
Expansion and National Recognition (2000s–2020s)
[edit]The firm expanded beyond Texas, opening offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle, each focusing on high-profile litigation cases.[1]
In 2020, the firm’s founder, Stephen Susman, passed away due to complications from COVID-19.[4]
Rankings
[edit]As of 2025, the firm has held the #1 spot as the Best Litigation Boutique in the Vault Law rankings for over a decade, making it one of the highest-ranked litigation-focused firms in the nation.[2] Chambers and Partners has awarded Susman Godfrey a Band 1 ranking in Commercial Litigation. Additionally, the firm is regularly featured in the Lawdragon 500 Leading Firms list.[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Susman Godfrey | Company Profile". Vault. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ a b Bughman, Jessica (2024-07-15). "Vault Names Susman Godfrey the #1 Litigation Boutique in the Nation for the 14th Year in a Row". Susman Godfrey L.L.P. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ "Stephen Susman, a Father Figure in His Firm and Dean of the Litigation Bar, Revolutionized Trial Work". Texas Lawyer. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ "Remembering Founder Stephen Susman, Trial Firm Transitions to Future". Texas Lawyer. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ Bughman, Jessica (2024-06-11). "Susman Godfrey Attorneys and Practices Once Again Earn Top Rankings in Chambers USA". Susman Godfrey L.L.P. Retrieved 2025-02-13.