About Us
Different. Better.
When it comes to the practice of law, The Summerville Firm has charted a distinct path, unique among its peers for its scope of practice and command of craft. A highly skilled litigation firm, Summerville attorneys are respected for their superior knowledge of the law, tactical insight, expertly written arguments, and ability to think on their feet. It is for these reasons that the Firm has developed a reputation as Georgia’s preeminent appellate litigation practice, regularly partnering with other counsel to expand their capacity and lend expert guidance in high-stakes cases ranging from medical malpractice to qui tam lawsuits.
Who We Are
The Firm was founded in 2011 by Darren Summerville, who is one of the few attorneys in Georgia to be voted both a Top 100 Trial Lawyer and Top 100 SuperLawyer– both recognitions based upon the vote of Darren's peers throughout the state. Under Darren’s leadership, the firm has helped recover and protect judgements and settlements totaling over $750 million. Jen Jordan, Kris Alderman, and Alison Currie joined The Summerville Firm in 2023, each with their own distinct expertise that has enabled the firm to expand its ability to deliver on its reputation as one of the most formidable and nimble trial and appellate firms in Georgia. Each case that the Summerville Firm takes on is staffed by this select team of attorneys, ensuring that clients receive the highest level of representation.
Who We Represent
The Summerville Firm represents both plaintiffs and defendants in trial and appellate courts, both directly and by consulting with lawyers or associating with them on cases. The firm has substantial plaintiff's side experience with medical malpractice, wrongful death, and similar personal injury cases, as well as with litigating fraud and breach of fiduciary duty relating to the conduct of insurance representatives, doctors, nurses, pharmacies, and their corporate employers. The firm also litigates consumer actions, including class actions, on behalf of plaintiffs. The Summerville Firm also works with small businesses and their owners to protect their interests in commercial litigation, including contract and partnership disputes, and business-breakup litigation.
Unparalleled Success
The Summerville Firm is renowned for its specialized focus on appellate practice, regularly partnering with other firms to ensure that nothing is left to chance. Among The Summerville Firm’s appellate wins are:
Atlanta Ocuplastic Surgery, P.C. v. Nestlehutt: successfully obtained the trial court Order, and Supreme Court decision, overturning Georgia’s medical malpractice damages “cap,” a key feature of so-called “tort reform,” on constitutional grounds
Amicus and argument counsel in Smith v. Finch: eliminating so-called “hindsight” charge, a misleading and confusing jury instruction adverse to plaintiffs
Amicus and argument counsel in Condra v. Atlanta Orthaepedic Group: abolishing longstanding rules as to cross-examination of experts in Georgia civil cases
Seven other appellate cases in which trial losses were reversed in appellate courts, each resulting in an ultimate verdict or settlement
Several appeals affirming certifications of class actions throughout Georgia, resulting in settlements in excess of $80,000,000
In trial courts, The Firm has:
Helped win a jury verdict of $26,000,000 in Muscogee County, the largest jury verdict in that county's history.
Helped win a jury verdict of $12,000,000 in Hamilton County, Tennessee, the largest verdict in county’s history by many multiples, and first medical malpractice verdict in eleven years
Settled nursing home litigation in Fulton County State Court, believed to be largest settlement of a nursing home wrongful death case in the country’s history at that time
Settled a fraud/racketeering case against insurance company for failure to disclose applicable umbrella policy for over four times the policy limits
Been retained as testifying expert in professional malpractice matters, including statute of limitation disputes in the employment arena