Michael Summerhill is a partner in Nixon Peabody’s Litigation practice, where he helps clients—from startups to Fortune 500s—navigate complex legal disputes. In this Q&A, Mike shares how his experience as a Marine Corps officer shaped his approach to leadership, problem-solving, and the practice of law.
What branch of the military did you serve in? How long was your service, and where were you stationed?
I attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) with the United States Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia. It took place every summer while I was in college. If you’ve seen the movie An Officer and a Gentleman, that’s sort of what my Marine Corps OCS looked like. I was commissioned as a second lieutenant and served in that role as a heavy weapons platoon leader in the 3/2 Marines (3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment). The battalion was also known as the Betio Bastards, a name that came from the unit’s participation in the invasion of Tarama in World War 2.
What’s a memorable experience from your time in the military that has stayed with you?
I’ll always remember my experiences with nighttime land navigation training. You think your nine-to-five is hard? Try doing it in complete darkness! I have plenty of funny stories from all those trainings. Another favorite memory of mine is working with foreign service members. I loved connecting with new people and hearing about their service experiences outside of the US. Plus, I’ll never forget the look on some of their faces the first time they saw the size and strike capabilities of an American amphibious assault task force.
Are there any skills from your service that you find especially valuable in your legal practice?
One of the greatest gifts of being in the military is the fact that it instills so many incredibly valuable and impressive skills in you. The most transferable skills from my military service to my current career in law are attention to detail, creative thinking, and problem-solving. Whether I’m in court or working through an appeal, those skills are part of how I operate every day.
How has your experience shaped your approach to leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving in your legal career?
My time in the military taught me important values I believe all leaders should have. A leader is someone who can easily take blame and give credit. They never ask somebody to do something they do not know how to do themselves; instead, the leader learns how to do it first. An effective leader is also open to feedback from their team. Finally, and most importantly, leaders always prioritize the well-being of those around them.
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
It’s all about remembrance. On Veterans Day, I encourage people to visit Arlington National Cemetery or any one of the hundreds of battlefield cemeteries around the world. It gives you the chance to honor the valor of our veterans and remember that most of the people buried there never got to be the age we are now. It always serves as a powerful reminder for me and really puts things into perspective.
What message would you share with colleagues and others about honoring veterans and active-duty service members?
I always like to remind my colleagues and other people that words are meaningless. Anyone can say, “I support the troops.” To me, our actions are what really matter. If you really care about supporting our troops, you will prioritize finding ways to support our veterans, whether it’s through volunteering or pro bono legal work.