About Susan Russel

Susan has spent more than 25 years with the Academy, building strong and lasting relationships with hundreds of law firm owners. As a business owner herself, she understands the demands of day-to-day operations, endless decision-making, people management, and the isolation that many law firm owners often experience. She is especially passionate about providing them with a space to dream big, explore what is possible, and identify practical ways to turn their visions into reality.

With her keen understanding of workflow and marketing systems, Susan excels at breaking down processes and identifying opportunities for improvement that allow owners and their teams to work within their strengths. She helps firms make thoughtful decisions across all aspects of running a successful practice, including developing strong leadership skills, attracting and retaining “A” players, establishing key metrics to measure business health, and executing effective marketing strategies.

Susan also enjoys managing the Academy’s Peak Performers program, an exclusive executive coaching program spearheaded by the Academy’s President and CEO. The program focuses on strengthening all facets of a high performer’s life, both personally and professionally, through in-person coaching, thought-provoking content, peer discussion, mentorship, and accountability.

Before joining the Academy, Susan worked in a variety of industries and gained extensive experience in employee benefits, recruiting, marketing, copywriting, public relations, human resources, and customer service.

She studied Business Administration at Imperial Valley College and San Diego State University. She also earned her professional coaching certification through Coach Training World and the International Coaching Federation.

Born in Oregon and raised in the agricultural community of Imperial Valley, California, Susan now calls San Diego home. She and her husband owned and operated a popular restaurant in Pacific Beach for more than 17 years. After raising their children and selling the restaurant, they have turned their focus to managing several other business ventures. Outside of work, Susan enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, creating art, reading, and gardening.