Employee Spotlight: Chelsea Reff Richardson
One thing that makes Sommers Schwartz special is the people who choose to build their careers here. Chelsea has been part of our team for nearly three decades, and her dedication to our clients and colleagues is felt throughout the firm. She brings valuable litigation technology expertise, offering the kind of support any trial attorney hopes to have by their side in court. From managing presentations to ensuring courtroom technology functions smoothly, Chelsea helps ensure everything works perfectly when it matters most. We’re proud to call Chelsea one of our own and to feature her in this employee spotlight.
What are your responsibilities in your current role at Sommers Schwartz?
I am a litigation paralegal for Matthew Turner. Matt has a very diverse practice, including medical malpractice, birth trauma, civil rights violations, mass tort litigation, product liability, legal malpractice, automobile accident liability, premises liability, and general negligence. This allows me to work on a variety of cases in both state and federal court. I assist Matt by reviewing medical records, conducting research and writing, drafting pleadings and discovery, interacting with clients, and assisting with trial preparation and practice.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the people I work with and helping our clients get justice after something terrible has happened to them or a loved one.
Did you work anywhere before joining Sommers Schwartz? If so, how has that experience helped you here?
During high school and throughout college, I worked at Corewell Beaumont University Hospital as a nursing assistant. I rotated through numerous hospital departments and found that I loved working in the surgical department. I enjoyed working with the medical and nursing staff and helping patients in their recoveries from surgery. This experience provided me with valuable insight into how hospitals operate and how to care for patients. I learned a great deal about medical diseases and conditions, surgical treatments, and providing bedside care. This knowledge has been invaluable in life and when working on legal cases.
What is your proudest accomplishment at Sommers Schwartz?
I have been with the firm for almost 29 years, so it is difficult to select a “proudest accomplishment.” When our team prevails at trial is certainly at the top of the proudest accomplishments, but it is the everyday moments that make me proud. Whether it is helping a co-worker, assisting a client, reviewing medical records to try to figure out what happened, or learning new legal technology, it is the everyday moments that make me proud to work at Sommers Schwartz.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, gardening, and learning new things. My eldest son, Ryan, is finishing his second year in aviation at Western Michigan University, and my younger son, Collin, is a senior in high school who will be studying finance and playing football for the University of Rochester, New York, this fall. I love supporting my kids in their interests and watching them figure out their futures.
What advice would you give to your younger self? I was given great advice when I was younger: Be proud of the work you put forth, knowing you gave your best, and always keep learning.
