Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2021 
- She is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law.
- She holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating.*
- She was honored with a North Carolina Bar Association Citizen Lawyer Award for 2024.
Susan Vanderweert is a Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, where she concentrates her practice on workers’ compensation law. She represents injured workers across North Carolina and draws upon her prior experience as an insurance defense attorney to guide and advocate for clients navigating the legal and practical issues following a workplace injury.
Education and Professional BackgroundSusan earned her JD from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the North Carolina Journal of International Law and Commercial Regulation. She also holds a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communication from the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Her background includes experience in journalism, public relations, and nonprofit leadership. Over the course of her legal career, she has handled matters involving appellate advocacy, insurance regulatory issues, and workers’ compensation.
Experience and PerspectiveBefore joining the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin in 2015, Susan spent more than 10 years representing employers and insurance carriers in workers’ compensation matters. This experience provides insights into how claims are evaluated and defended, informing her current work on behalf of injured workers.
“I enjoy helping people resolve issues that are holding them back and working toward helping them move forward with their lives.”
Her approach is rooted in listening carefully to clients and emphasizes practical problem-solving and clear communication, helping them understand their options and next steps.
Recognition, Leadership, and Community ServiceSusan has been selected for inclusion on the “Best Lawyers” list for Workers’ Compensation Law from 2021 through 2026.* She also holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating and received the 1999 Gressman-Pollitt Award for Outstanding Oral Advocacy – Best Appellee.*Susan is active in the legal community through her involvement with the North Carolina Bar Association, the Wake County Bar Association, and the North Carolina Advocates for Justice. She has also served on the Workers’ Compensation Section Council of the North Carolina State Bar.
Beyond her legal practice, Susan is committed to community service. She was honored with a North Carolina Bar Association Citizen Lawyer Award in 2024 in recognition of her volunteer service and contributions to the community. She has supported animal rescue efforts through Best Friend Pet Adoption and has volunteered with mentorship and scholarship initiatives that support law students. Her community involvement also includes long-term support of international child sponsorship programs.
*AV Preeminent standards of inclusion: martindale.com. “Best Lawyers” standards of inclusion: bestlawyers.com
