Susan Guthrie

Susan Guthrie is a nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator with more than 35 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate divorce and conflict with clarity and compassion. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution — one of the most prestigious leadership roles in the dispute resolution field — and a sought-after keynote speaker, trainer, and practice-building consultant who regularly addresses audiences on topics ranging from AI integration in legal practice to the future of alternative dispute resolution. Susan Guthrie's career sits at the intersection of legal innovation, entrepreneurship, and advocacy for better ways to resolve conflict. Her reputation as one of the foremost thought leaders in family law mediation has made Susan Guthrie a trusted resource for attorneys, mediators, and individuals seeking a more humane approach to divorce.

Podcasts

Susan Guthrie hosts two acclaimed podcasts that have reshaped how professionals and the public understand divorce and dispute resolution. The Divorce and Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide with an audience of more than five million listeners, delivers guidance and expert interviews for people navigating divorce and family transitions. Episodes cover everything from co-parenting strategies and financial planning to emotional resilience and rebuilding after separation, making it an essential resource for anyone facing divorce. The Practice Playbook Podcast provides actionable strategies and interviews for mediators, lawyers, and dispute resolution professionals building modern, profitable practices. Both shows have established Susan Guthrie as one of the most trusted voices in the divorce and mediation space, combining legal expertise with genuine empathy and a talent for making complex topics accessible to broad audiences.

Books and Publications

As an author, Susan Guthrie created The Practice Playbook Series — a bestselling suite of books for legal and dispute resolution professionals ready to modernize their practices. The Flat Fee Playbook, which debuted as a number one Amazon New Release, guides lawyers and mediators through a proven framework for moving beyond the billable hour into sustainable flat-fee models that serve both practitioner and client. The Thought Leadership Playbook shows professionals how to get known, build trust, and grow a profitable practice through strategic visibility and content creation. The Business Plan Playbook delivers a step-by-step system for turning a professional practice into a scalable business with predictable revenue. Together, these books reflect Susan Guthrie's belief that attorneys and mediators deserve both meaningful work and financial freedom, and that the path to both begins with intentional practice design.

Consulting and Speaking

Beyond writing and podcasting, Susan Guthrie founded The Practice Accelerator — a dynamic professional community for mediators, attorneys, and coaches that provides exclusive content, downloadable tools, and monthly strategy sessions to help members build the practices of their dreams. Her consulting work and keynote speaking have taken her to stages across the country, where she is known for combining data-driven business strategy with warmth, humor, and a genuine passion for helping other professionals succeed. Susan Guthrie's speaking topics include the integration of artificial intelligence into legal practice, innovative fee structures for family law, and building sustainable dispute resolution businesses in a rapidly evolving market.

The Portrait

This branding portrait by Michael Schacht — vibrant fuchsia blouse, warm studio light, tufted armchair against industrial brick — captures the approachable authority of Susan Guthrie: a leader who has spent three decades making the legal profession more human, more innovative, and more accessible to the people who need it most.