Chicago, IL. Nixon Peabody is expanding its Complex Commercial Disputes practice in Chicago with the arrival of corporate and appellate litigator Michael Summerhill as partner.
Mike focuses his practice in litigation, appellate litigation and complex commercial disputes. He has extensive experience representing clients in class action suits, multi-district proceedings, mass torts and commercial disputes, product liability, and securities and consumer fraud actions.
Mike has successfully argued cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the Illinois Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Ohio, and has arbitrated disputes before the American Arbitration Association.
“Mike is an adept counselor and trial lawyer, having successfully litigated matters across the country and argued cases before various appellate and state supreme courts,” said Ethan Trull, one of Nixon Peabody’s lead litigators in Chicago. “His practice focus is a perfect match with the litigation work we do, and our national platform will allow Mike to service his clients in California and all over the country.”
A well-versed litigator, Mike’s portfolio of clients spans a diverse field of industries including technology, food and beverage, and health care, among others. In the technology sector, Mike represents fintech, greentech, and healthtech companies in a broad variety of litigation matters spanning the full range of legal issues.
In food and beverage, Mike focuses on food safety issues and has represented an international crop science corporation relating to the release of genetically engineered corn in the human food supply, in addition to a food distribution chain in claims arising from tainted dairy products. Mike also has notable experience advising an international biotechnology corporation in a matter relating to the growth and distribution of genetically engineered food.
“Across industries, clients choose to work with Mike because he’s efficient, effective, and straightforward,” said David R. Brown, managing partner of Nixon Peabody’s Chicago office. “We look forward to Mike joining NP, introducing him to our clients, and supporting the growth of his practice.”
Outside his legal practice, Mike teaches legal writing and appellate advocacy at the John Marshall Law School, is a board member of Positive Coaching Alliance in Chicago, and actively volunteers at the Legal Service Foundation.
Mike comes to Nixon Peabody from Freeborn & Peters. He was previously with SmithAmundsen and Katten Muchin Rosenman in Chicago. Mike attended John Marshall Law School and earned a B.A. from Ohio State University.
