Atty. Michael Summerhill

Atty. Michael Summerhill

Michael J. Summerhill is a partner in the firm’s Litigation practice group.

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Profile Summary

About Michael Summerhill at a glance

Michael Summerhill is an attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practforg at Nixon Peabody LLP. Admitted to practice in Ohio, Ohio State Bar Association and Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association. Educated at University of Illinois Chicago (J.D., 1998). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026). Serands clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Michael J. Summerhill is a partner in the firm’s Litigation practice group
  • He is a seasoned litigator with extensive appellate and trial court level experience
  • He represents clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups in a variety of industries, including health care, software, health information technology, financial services and FinTech, medical device, consumer products, and venture capital
  • Mike also arbitrates commercial disputes before the American Arbitration Association and other alternative dispute resolution forums
  • My focus I have more than 20 years of experience litigating cases in federal and state courts
  • My services range from complex commercial disputes involving a variety of industries, to appellate work, to significant experience in the health tech, FinTech and GreenTech industries
  • Complex Commercial DisputesI represent clients in a variety of substantive areas including complex mass torts, securities fraud, shareholder derivative claims, fraudulent transfer claims, and complex commercial claims
  • AppellateI argue appellate matters and draft briefs for various appeals, in all appellate courts, including the U.S. and state Supreme Courts
  • Fraudulent Transfer LitigationI have significant experience litigating fraudulent transfer claims, particularly those brought by court-appointed receivers/trustees
  • Looking ahead Artificial intelligence will continue to improve, particularly in the health care space
  • With technological improvement comes new and emerging litigation risks, and I have been closely following developments and best practices toward helping clients manage these risks
  • Economic disruptions following COVID-19 and geo-political developments will continue to impact businesses
  • All disruptions, however, present opportunities, particularly for an innovation-based economy
  • We constantly monitor emerging technologies with an eye toward predicting risk as well as capital flows
  • Consolidation in all industries continues to be a major contributor of company expansion as well as litigation risk, whether from shareholders, regulators or from unforeseen risks from acquired assets

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Illinois

Practforg law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantiand law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantiand law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Michael Summerhill

Where is Michael Summerhill's law office located?
Michael Summerhill's law practice is located in Chicago, Illinois. The firm is Nixon Peabody LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
Where did Michael Summerhill go to law school?
Michael Summerhill earned their education at (J.D., 1998).
How can I contact Michael Summerhill for a consultation?
You can contact Michael Summerhill directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Michael Summerhill receiandd?
Michael Summerhill's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice; Best Lawyers in America — FinTech Practice; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Banking and Finance.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
University of Illinois Chicago
- 1998

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — FinTech Practice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Banking and Finance
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Health Care
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
- 2026

Bar Admissions

Ohio, Ohio State Bar Association
Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association

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