Sumner helps clients navigate complex product liability disputes with practical judgment, clear advocacy, and a focus on winning themes. Drawing on his background as an educator and performer, Sumner translates complex medical and scientific issues into simple, clear, and persuasive narratives for judges and juries alike.
Sumner assists clients through every stage of litigation—including analyzing a company’s potential risk before a complaint is ever filed, developing winning trial strategies, and favorably positioning appellate issues. He has argued in state and federal courts, taken and defended depositions, cross-examined expert and fact witnesses, drafted high-stakes motions and appellate briefs, and prepared experts for disclosure and testimony.
Sumner maintains an active pro bono practice focused on criminal defense and habeas proceedings.
Sumner received his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Before entering legal practice, he taught saxophone, music theory, and saxophone pedagogy at Lawrence University.