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William Lawrence Summers
About William
Biography
If you have never faced the possability of going to prison or jail, you can't imagine how scary it can be. Your very future, not just the time you could spend incarcerated is on the line. If convicted, and if you are unable to have your criminal record sealed, you will carry the stigma for the rest of your life.
You need two very important qualities in the person you select to represent you. Most importantly, the experience that he or she brings to the representation is the most important attribute you should require.
In America the most impressive honor is to be selected for induction into the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. The by-invitation only organization, is comprised of some two hundred of the most highly regarded Criminal Defense Lawyers available in the country.
Mr, Summers was inducted into the prestigious American Board in 1987. He has over 500 jury trials completed in his over 41 year career.
Additionally, he has argued before the United States Supreme Court and numerous United States Federal Circuit Courts of Appeal. He was given the most highly regarded award for Criminal defense Lawyers, The National Association of Criminal Defnse Lawyers, Robert C. Heeney Award in 1982.
Second only to experience is the quality of HONESTY. If you are looking for assurances of anything other than an honest attempt to represent you to the best of their ability from a Lawyer, you are heading for serious trouble. There can never be ANY "guarantees". Whatever you do, please don't be fooled by anyone promising anything but HONESTY, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCE. So very much depends upon it.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
56 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Kentucky for 37 years
State: Kentucky
Acquired: 1988
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2012
Licensed in Ohio for 56 years
State: Ohio
Acquired: 1969
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2016
Location
Summers & Sigman Co L.P.A.
5910 Landerbrook Drive., Suite. 200, Cleveland, OH, 44124
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William Lawrence Summers's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 14 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | April 29, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Stole 15,000 dollars from me
I was just sitting here trying to remember the lawyer that I hired for 15,000. Bill Summers represented my ex-husband and was disbarred during his case. Therefore, he never was able to finish. I tried to get get my money back, and never could! Today I could really use my 15,000 dollars!
Posted by anonymous | August 2, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Don't listen to the negative reviews about Bill
I'm not sure what happened to the folks that gave Bill a negative review but the man saved my life. I heard that people have gone to prison with charges similar to my case. That would have ruined my career and change my life forever. He saved me! I will be forever grateful to him! He's a saint in my ...
Posted by Jon | November 22, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Unprofessional Beyond belief
I hired Mr. Summers for a criminal case, but after our initial (supposedly free) consultation and he received his 5k retainer, he stopped responding to emails or phone calls. He made no effort to contact any parties involved in my case, and blamed his personal health on his lack of "availability". T...
Posted by Christina | February 26, 2013
A Stand up guy is what he is!
all i know is when the stuff hits the fan,he goes hard for his clients<not only is his resume impressive<but hes a real person who has a heart and an intutitive spirit and the ability to know the real>..He is experienced,smart,understanding and honest>.No im not a payed spokeslady<This isnt an advert...
Posted by Colleen | February 21, 2013
Great Attorney! Absolutely would recommend this man!
He is an honest and dependable attorney. He advocates for his clients with all that he has.
William Lawrence Summers's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. I've co-counseled with Bill and several cases over the years. He's one of the best criminal defense lawyers in northeastern Ohio. He is passionate in his defense of people who need help. Whatever I have a challenging case, I know I can count on Bill."
"Bill is an excellent lawyer with one of the best reputations in the Cleveland area. I highly recommend Bill."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Bill at the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, GA. He is truly one of America's elite trial attorneys. His experience, tenacity and hard-nosed litigation style outmatch 99% of all other trial lawyers in the country. He is a legend in this business."
"Bill is a giant in the criminal defense arena. He has successfully defended numerous high profile clients in both Ohio and Kentucky. I endorse Bill Summers without hesitation."
"I endorse Bill. He is a renowned lawyer and advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer. You can trust that he will do an outstanding job!"
"I endorse this lawyer. He aggressively works to file every pre trial motion possible to advantage his clients for the best resolution at trial."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"As a former resident of Cleveland, I can say Bill is considered to be among the best criminal defense attorneys in the area."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Bill is one of the best in criminal lawyers in the country. I highly endorse him if you are facing serious criminal charges."
"I first met Mr. Summers while serving as an assistant prosecutor. One thing stood out to me back then and still does today; Bill strongly advocates on behalf of his clients. He is zealous is his endeavors and does so in a very professional and courteous manner."
"William Summers is one of the best criminal defense lawyers in the United States. His trial experience, skill, and passion for his clients area unmatched."
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 24
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse Mr. Summers. He is a hard hitting criminal lawyer that has well deserved reputation for being a highly skilled and aggressive lawyer defending serious criminal cases."
"Highly experienced lawyer."
"I have known Bill Summers for over five years. During that time, I have been his law clerk, associate, and now, partner. To this day, I consider him to be my mentor. He is great to work with as well as for, and I see first-hand the good that he does for his clients on a daily basis. This is a very skilled and knowledgeable lawyer you can trust when you need it the most."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Very smart and well prepared attorney. Honest. Hard working. Excellent knowledge of the law. Stays on top of research and is aware of current court precedent. Communicates well with clients to let them know where their case stands and what to expect."
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2016.
Resigned-Discipline Pending issued in OH, 2016
updated on 03/03/2017This status means the attorney resigned in order to avoid being disbarred, the most serious penalty for a lawyer.
Reciprocal - Suspension issued in KY, 2012
updated on 09/22/2017This means that the attorney's misconduct in another state, or jurisdiction, also violated the rules for practicing law in Kentucky.
Suspension For Term issued in OH, 2012
updated on 04/28/2012Suspended for term means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
Honors
2008
A.V.V.O., 10.0 "Highest Rating
1982
Robert C. Heeney, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
1973
AV Preeminent, LexisNexis
1973
Practicing Attorneys in America, 1973-Present, Who’s Who
1971
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
1969 - Present
Owner, Summers & Sigman Co. L.P.A.
Associations
2001 - Present
Ohio State Bar, Vice-Chair Criminal Jury InstructionCo-chair
1988 - Present
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard Member
1987 - Present
American Board of Criminal LawyersFellow
1969 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1969 - Present
Ohio State Bar Association, Councel of DelegatesMember
Sample of Legal Cases
GREER-BURGER V. TEMESI
Reversed Our Way
cleveland Plumber's Union, Local. 55 Plaintiff-appellant, v. Trg, Inc., D/b/a Duisik Plumbing & Heating
Reversed Our Way
LOCAL NUMBER 93, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS, ETC. V. CLEVELAND
Affirmed
Education
1969
Cleveland State University - Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1968
University of Miami School of Law
1965
Kent State University
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
1990
Annual Meeting
Lessons learned in the mega-High profile cases
1988
Annual Meeting
Capital Voir Dire
1984
Annual Meeting and Seminar
Capital Trial Defense
1984
Annual Meeting
Search, Seizure and the olifactory senses
Publications
2011
American Bar "The State of Criminal Justice"
The National Academy of Sciences Report
2010
The State of Criminal Justice
Defense Function and Services
1989
Matthew Bender, Criminal Defense Techniques
Opening Statements
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
I'm on probation in Ohio and I'm leaving here going to California ,they won't transfer it , will they extradite me back to Ohio?
16 Jan 2014
Q&A
What happens when you violate your probation after being convicted of a misdemeanor for DUI? What are the repercussions?
16 Jan 2014
Q&A
What is the sentence for a first time offender aiding and abetting approximately $250 misdemeanor?
12 Jan 2014
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Immigration Consequences after Padilla
10 Mar 2011
Legal Guide
Intoxication & Drug Testing Validity Questioning
10 Mar 2011
Legal Guide
Electronic Discovery Lets Litigators Find Evidence in the E-Mail
10 Mar 2011