Susan Wilson Keener received her Juris Doctor, cum laude, in 1984 from Indiana University School of Law. Her undergraduate degree was earned magna cum laude from DePauw University where she was inducted as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In private practice for 26 years, she opened her own firm of Keener Law Offices, PLC in 2005.
Sue's practice focuses on Collaborative practice, mediation and domestic relations litigation. Having served as chair of the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Michigan and as her career developed, Sue was struck by her clients' frustration over the inability of the traditional litigation approach to address the human aspect of divorce and issues her clients deemed most important. She became enlightened by her first mediation training and deepened her knowledge with Collaborative Divorce Training. Sue has found that these processes and skills help her to integrate her own values and life perspectives with her work as a lawyer and trainer. Sue is President-elect of the Grand Rapids Bar Association and chair of its ADR section. She has 3 children, an active yoga practice and spiritual commitment to help others look for the highest and best in themselves and others.
Sue is taking over as President of the Grand Rapids Bar Association in July, 2010. She is a past chair of the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Michigan and the GRBA Family Law and ADR Sections. She continues to serve on the Judicial Evaluation, Judicial Liaison and Membership Committees. Sue is a trainer in Collaborative Divorce sponsored by the Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan. She is also a founding member of the Collaborative Divorce Professionals of West Michigan and a member of both the Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. She lectures regularly on family law issues and domestic mediation. Sue has been selected by the Kent County Circuit Family Division court on a number of occasions to serve as a Facilitator for Family Law Settlement Week.
Ms. Keener is also actively involved in community service activities. She was honored in 2003 with Western Michigan Legal Services' prestigious Michael Barnes Award for her pro bono service to the poor. She recently completed two terms as a board member for the Legal Assistance Center in Grand Rapids. She is a volunteer mediator for both the Dispute Resolution Center in Kent County. She served on the Kent County American Red Cross Board of Directors, and was awarded its Outstanding Leadership Award. She is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she sings in the choir and serves on its Adult Education Council, Crisis Task Force and Committee on the Status and Role of Women in Society. She has also served on various Bishop's Task Forces.
Ms. Keener served on the Communications Committee and Legal Milestone Subcommittee for the State Bar of Michigan. She is past-chair of the Grand Valley State University Legal Studies Advisory Board, where she has also taught as an adjunct faculty member. Ms. Keener is a past President of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan - Western Region and a past Director at Large for the State Women Lawyers Association.
