About the Firm
About Sommers & Schwartz
Currently, we are 40 attorneys strong. Although we are based in Southfield, we handle cases throughout Michigan. We have been representing individuals and businesses for over 40 years. Our founding members, including Stanley Schwartz, Howard Silver, Norm Sommers, Jeffery Shillman and Leonard Schwartz were trailblazers in Michigan and the mid-west law during the firm's formative years in the 60's and 70's. They literally set the bar for legal excellence and an uncompromising dedication to their clients.
Early Years
Stanley Schwartz was one of the first lawyers in Michigan to focus his practice on birth injury litigation. He, along with Norm Tucker, co-wrote the definitive two volume treatise on birth injury litigation. Howard Silver forged new paths into the field of products liability, contributing to several articles and books on the subject and achieving landmark verdicts. Norm Sommers developed an outstanding reputation as a business lawyer, representing companies and partnerships in complex business transactions. Norman Tucker and David Getto were both presidents of the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association, now known as the Michigan Association for Justice. Many past and current Sommers Schwartz partners have been and continue to be frequent lecturers for statewide and national organizations. Most of the current partners in the firm have been recognized either by Best Lawyers in America™ or Super Lawyers™, both organizations are dedicated to bringing attention to the finest lawyers in practice of law today.
Respect, Prestige, Clout
Respect in the legal field is not easily achieved. Through hard work, exceptional talent and a dedication to excellence, Sommers Schwartz has become one of the most well-respected and well-known firms in Michigan. We also have litigated cases in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin and Georgia.
A stellar reputation and long history of success has its benefits: we are regarded in the courtrooms throughout the state of Michigan as formidable foes in any contested matter, including the field of medical malpractice, auto accident and other areas of personal injury law, complex business litigation, employment law, business transactions, domestic relations, probate matters, appeals, class actions and more.
Reputation for Excellence
Our size and diversity of practices are huge assets. Size means we have a wealth of resources to call upon. Most legal battles require resources of all kinds, from the best and the brightest expert witnesses to comprehensive investigative work and in depth legal research. Having the right resources often makes the difference between winning and losing.
Strength in Diversity
Diversity of practice areas allows each partner to concentrate their individual practice on select areas of law. For example, in the medical malpractice field, an attorney must become extremely knowledgeable in medical issues in order to be an effective advocate. In complex business litigation, an attorney must become extremely knowledgeable in various forms of complex business transactions in order to effectively represent a party who may have millions of dollars at stake in the outcome of a lawsuit. Specialization is our major strength.
Size and Resources
Diversity also means we can handle all aspects of a complex litigation matter. In the area of birth injury, for example, not only expert medical malpractice lawyers are needed. At the conclusion of the case, other experts will be needed as well, including a tax specialist to provide advice regarding the future investments of the funds recovered. Often a probate attorney is needed to set up a special needs trust or other form of trust to manage the investments.
Remarkable Results
Over the years, thousands of people from Michigan and elsewhere have turned to Sommers Schwartz for legal representation. Since our founding, over a billion dollars in recoveries have been obtained. There are three words that best describe the lawyers and the firm we have built: Prestige, Respect and Clout. If you have a legal problem, feel free to give us a call.