It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend Susan L. Bickley.
Susan was the embodiment of Blank Rome’s culture and values. She set the tone for our firm through her professionalism, integrity, warmth, and unwavering commitment to others. Her presence was a source of comfort and inspiration, and she was the colleague everyone could rely upon for wise counsel, steady leadership, and genuine kindness. Her absence will be felt every day, and her legacy endures in the supportive and inclusive culture she helped foster throughout the firm and the broader legal community.
Over her distinguished career spanning more than 40 years, Susan was recognized as a formidable trial lawyer and appellate advocate, representing a diverse range of clients in employment litigation, commercial and business disputes, trade secret matters, and the defense of claims against professionals. She was admired for her legal acumen, unwavering integrity, and commitment to excellence, earning repeated recognition by Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers in America.
Susan joined Blank Rome as a partner in June 2011 when the firm combined with Houston-based litigation boutique Abrams Scott & Bickley LLP, adding ten attorneys and establishing a strong Texas presence, particularly in labor, employment, commercial, and tort litigation. Alongside key partners, including her husband, Robert Scott, Susan played a pivotal role in building Blank Rome’s Houston office and advancing our firm’s reputation throughout Texas and beyond.
Susan’s leadership at Blank Rome was far-reaching, touching every corner of the firm. She served as co-chair of Blank Rome’s Houston office and held numerous firm-wide leadership roles, including service on the Executive Committee; Strategic Plan Implementation Committee; Nominating Committee; Pro Bono Committee; Distribution Committee; Recruiting Committee; and Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee. She was a past Chair of the Blank Rome Women’s Forum.
Susan’s commitment to advancing the legal profession and supporting future generations of lawyers was reflected in her role as a founder and contributor to the Blank Rome Energy Scholarship, awarded to University of Houston Law Center students for excellence in energy and environmental law at the Annual North American Environment, Energy & Natural Resources Conference. Susan was instrumental in the creation of this industry-leading event and served both as a frequent speaker and member of its planning committee, helping to foster dialogue and innovation in energy law. She also shared her passion for inspiring future lawyers through her service as an adjunct professor teaching Trial Advocacy at the University of Houston Law Center. Her dedication to mentoring and supporting young lawyers will remain a lasting part of her legacy.
For more than 30 years, Susan hosted the annual “Good Food with Good Friends” client reception and dinner in Houston, bringing together clients, colleagues, and friends from across the firm. This beloved event, which drew hundreds of attendees each year, reflected Susan’s passion for connecting people, both personally and professionally. She was a true facilitator, always helping clients achieve their business goals and fostering meaningful relationships within the legal community and our firm. The positive feedback and lasting connections from these gatherings are a testament to Susan’s warmth, generosity, and desire to strengthen her community.
Deeply committed to her community, Susan was a past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Houston Bar Foundation and served on the Board of Directors of the University of Houston Law Foundation. She also served as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science. She was a past Vice President and Board member of the University of Houston Law Alumni Association. As an involved member of the United Way of Greater Houston’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Susan served on the Steering Committee of the United Way’s Women’s Initiative and the United Way Law Initiative. She also volunteered her time with the Houston Bar Association / Communities in Schools Summer Legal Internship Program, helping to inspire and mentor future generations of legal professionals.
Susan’s service and leadership were recognized with numerous honors throughout her career, including the Houston Bar Association’s Justice Ruby Kless Sondock Award and the President’s Award from the University of Houston Law Center.
Susan’s colleagues and friends describe her as wise, principled, generous, and deeply supportive. She was a trusted mentor, leader, and advocate, and her impact will be felt for years to come. Blank Rome would not be where it is today without Susan’s vision, dedication, and steadfast commitment to her colleagues, clients, and community.
Our thoughts are with Susan’s family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be sorely missed by the entire Blank Rome community.
For more about Susan's life, you can read her obituary here.
