Robert W. Sumner

Bob Sumner has been practicing defense litigation in Raleigh, North Carolina since 1970. He has tried over 100 jury trials to conclusion with a very high number of successful outcomes. He has handled numerous wrongful death cases and cases involving catastrophic brain and spinal cord injuries. His cases have involved a wide range of activities: tractor/trailer accidents; workplace accidents; premises liability issues; fires and explosions; and product liability claims. Bob holds the rank of “Advocate” in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), which is only given to lawyers who have tried at least 50 jury trials to conclusion as lead counsel. Rob also maintains an AV rating with Martindale Hubbell, the most prestigious peer review rating that recognizes attorneys who have reached the highest levels of skill and integrity. Bob is currently listed in the publication, “The Best Lawyers in America ®,” 2006 and 2008 editions in the area of Personal Injury Litigation and 2009 edition in the areas of Personal Injury Litigation and Product Liability Litigation. Awards and Honors Honors Rank of Advocate in American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) “Best Lawyers in America”, Area of Personal Injury Litigation, 2006 “Best Lawyers in America”, Area of Personal Injury Litigation, 2008 Maintains an AV rating with Martindale Hubbell "North Carolina Super Lawyers”, 2008

• Attorney, since 1970

• North Carolina Supreme Court, Law Clerk, 1970 - 1971

• “Dispositive Motions”, North Carolina Bar Association
• “Injunctions”, North Carolina Bar Association

• North Carolina, 1970
• U.S. Federal Courts, 1972
• U.S. Supreme Court, 1975
• U.S. District Court Eastern District of North Carolina
• U.S. District Court Middle District of North Carolina
• U.S. District Court Western District of North Carolina
• U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit
• Specialties and Certifications
• DRC Certified Mediator

• American Bar Association (Member)
• North Carolina Bar Association’s Litigation Section, 1992 (Member, Chair)
• North Carolina State Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization, 1996 - 2002 (Member)
• North Carolina State Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization, 2001 - 2002 (Chair)
• Wake County Bar Association (Member)
• Wake County Bar Association, 1991 - 1992 (Member, Board of Directors)
• Wake County Bar Association, 2000 - 2001 (Board of Directors)
• North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys (Member)
• Defense Research Institute, DRI Product Liability Committee, 2005 - 2006 (Member)
• Fraternities and Sororities
• Phi Delta Phi