Employee Spotlight: Beverly Medley

At Sommers Schwartz, our firm’s heart lies in the dedication of our team. This month, we highlight Beverly Medley, who brings warmth, compassion, and legal expertise to her work. Whether assisting clients with complex medical malpractice and mass tort cases or preparing appellate briefs, Beverly makes a difference every day.

What are your responsibilities in your current role at Sommers Schwartz? 

I work for four different attorneys: Lisa Esser, who handles medical malpractice and mass tort cases involving sexual abuse; Michael Cunningham, who specializes in medical malpractice and auto accidents; and Ramona Howard and David Parker, who focus on appeals.

For Lisa, I have been involved in the 3M EarPlug cases and Camp Lejeune cases, which involved retrieving military records, sending updates to clients, and, upon settlement, making sure we have the client information to send to them. I was also involved in the Nassar cases, Dr. Anderson, and others – again, retrieving records, etc.

For med mal and auto cases, I send out retainers, retrieve medical records, schedule depositions and phone conferences, and manage communications with clients and experts.

For the appellate cases, if any of the med mal attorneys have an appeal, Ramona or David will handle those. Once they are drafted and finished, I format them, make sure they are correct in their word count, exhibits, authorities, etc., and then e-file.

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

I enjoy helping clients understand what we need from them, ensuring we have all the information necessary to assist with their cases.

Did you work anywhere before joining Sommers Schwartz? If so, how has that experience helped you here? 

Yes, I started my legal career at the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office 21 years ago, working there as a clerk and then as a secretary. We moved to Florida, where I worked for an insurance defense company. After that, we moved to Indiana, and I worked at an attorney’s office handling the front desk and auto defense cases. When I moved back to Michigan in 2009, I worked at several other law firms, mostly handling med mal cases, before joining Sommers Schwartz. All of my experiences have helped shape how I work and my skills.

What is your proudest accomplishment at Sommers Schwartz? 

Learning new things here at Sommers Schwartz. I had never handled appeal cases or Mass Tort cases before coming here, and I am proud of what I have learned and accomplished in those new areas.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? 

I enjoy camping, reading, spending time with my grandchildren, my husband, and our doodle Bocephus.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Learn as much as you can, don’t stress over small things, ask questions, and take care of yourself and others.