Attorney Ramsden is a zealous client advocate who has consistently been rated at the top of the legal profession by her peers. She has been selected by her peers for inclusion as a "Pennsylvania Super Lawyer," in every edition of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, for more than ten years. She is also included in Woodward and White's "Best Lawyers in America," having been selected by her peers for this honor. She has received the highest possible peer AV rating for legal ability and ethical standards and was selected for the Martindale Hubbell Bar Register of AV Preeminent Women Lawyers.

Attorney Ramsden is committed to maintaining the highest level of ethics and professionalism in the practice of law. She was one of the founders of the Matrimonial Chapter of the American Inns of Court and was the first President of that Inn from 1995-1997. She continues as a Master Emeritus in the Matrimonial Inn of Court, the mission of which is to promote legal excellence, civility, ethics, and professionalism in the practice of law.

As a founding Shareholder of a successful boutique law firm, Ramsden is a savvy businesswoman, and in 2012 was honored by the Pittsburgh Business Times with a Pittsburgh Business Times Women in Business Award. Her law firm, Raphael, Ramsden & Behers, has received the "Tier One" rating, as reported by U.S. News and World Report, which is the highest possible rating for family law firms in Pittsburgh."

Ramsden brings her knowledge, business experience, and practical approach to dispute resolution to the forefront when advising and representing clients. She is a trained mediator and is also trained in Collaborative Law, which promotes a resolution of conflict without court. But when an out-of-court solution is not possible, Ramsden is a skilled strategist and litigator. In 2009 the Pennsylvania Bar Association WIP presented Ramsden with the Lynette Norton award, which is awarded to a lawyer who excels in litigation, and who has demonstrated a commitment to mentoring.

Ramsden is a natural leader, who gives generously of her time. She served two terms as President of Amen Corner, and two years as Co-President of the Women's Bar Association of Western Pa. She served as Chair of the Family Law Section of the Allegheny County Bar Association, served on the ACBA Family Law Council for 3 years, and on the executive board for 10 years. She served on the ACBA Judiciary Committee and served multiple terms on the ACBA Board of Governors. She also served as a delegate on the PBA House of Delegates, and on the executive committee of the PBA Commission on Women.

Her dedication to the profession, the practice of law, and the community has garnered her many awards over the years. In addition to the PBA Lynette Norton Award (2009) and the Pittsburgh Business Times Women in Business Award (2012) she received the Tribute to Women Award from the YWCA for "Leadership in the Professions" (1998.)

Ramsden was humbled and honored to be the recipient of the prestigious "Susan B. Anthony Award" in 2003 from the Women's Bar Association of Western PA (WBA). This award is given annually to an individual who demonstrates dedication to encouraging and promoting women in the law while working to promote and maintain the highest standards for the legal profession, the judiciary, and the court systems of Western Pennsylvania.

As Chair of the ACBA Bench Bar Conference, she received the Judge David Ohlbum award in 2011. More recently, in 2014, to her surprise and delight, the Allegheny County Bar Association presented Mary Sue Ramsden with the coveted Judge Philip Werner Amram Award. And in 2015, Ramsden was the recipient of the Judge James R. McGregor Award by Amen Corner at the 55th annual Judicial Reception!

Attorney Ramsden is committed to community and pro bono service, representing victims of domestic violence in Protection From Abuse proceedings, providing legal advice to pro se litigants through the court Pro Bono Project, participating in the ACBA "KDKA You and the Law Day", acting as a judge at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law Moot Court, service on the Military and Veterans Affairs committee, participating in the Attorneys Against Hunger Project as well as the Legal Services pro bono Family Law legal clinic, as well as other legal and community service activities. She was a long-time board member of Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) and also served on the Advisory Board of the Women's Center & Shelter Children's Pro Bono Mental Health Project.

Attorney Ramsden is a Charter Fellow of the Allegheny County Bar Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides educational programming, promotes public awareness of the legal and judicial systems, and provides financial assistance and grants to legal-related organizations. In 2006, her law firm, Raphael Ramsden & Behers, received the Pro Bono Service Award from the Allegheny County Bar Foundation for their commitment to pro bono service.

Honors and Awards

• Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for more than 10 consecutive years
• Best Lawyers in America, Woodward and White
• Martindale-Hubbell AV highest possible rating
• Amen Corner Judge James R. McGregor Award, 2015
• Allegheny County Bar Association Amram Award, 2015
• Judge David Ohlbum Award, 2011
• Pittsburgh Business Times Women in Business Award, 2011
• Pennsylvania Bar Association Lynette Norton Award, 2009
• Womens Bar Assn of Western Pa Susan B. Anthony Award, 2003
• Nominated for Woman of the Year in Law and Government by Vectors of Pittsburgh,1999
• YWCA Tribute to Women Award,1998

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Allegheny County Bar Association, Council Member, 1989-1990
• Allegheny County Bar Association, Family Law Section, Past Chair, 1987- Present
• Pennsylvania Bar Association, Family Law Section, Member, 1987- Present
• Amen Corner, Past President
• American Inns of Court Matrimonial Chapter, Founding Member and Past President
• Women's Bar Assn of Western Pennsylvania, Past President
• Pennsylvania Bar Association House of Delegates, Past delegate
• Allegheny County Bar Association, Past Chair Bench Bar

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Phone: (412) 204-3342
Fax: 412-471-5733