Introduction

In his 40 year legal career, Harrison Sommer, Esq. has successfully litigated hundreds of cases as both a plaintiff and defense attorney. Since 2007, he has dedicated his career to serving as a neutral in personal injury cases, medical malpractice, dental malpractice, elder abuse, products liability, subrogation and catastrophic cases involving long term care needs and wrongful death. With his in depth knowledge and experience, combined with his courteous demeanor, preparedness and warm personality, he has impressed lawyers on both sides with his mediation skills and results. He has twice been recognized as a Top Neutral in California by the Los Angeles Daily Journal. A named partner at a major defense firm said, "I have had considerable experience with Mr. Sommer over the years and have always found him to be extremely well prepared, honest and professional. I believe he ranks among the finest, fairest and most trustworthy attorneys in our business." One prominent plaintiff attorney commented, "Mr. Sommer recently mediated a complicated brain injury case, he quickly understood the complex medical issues and skillfully ran the negotiations which ultimately led to him settling a case that had difficulties for both sides. I would highly recommend him." He is committed to the hard work necessary to resolve cases. He successfully handles hundreds of cases per year.

Specialties

• Insurance
  • Subrogation
• Professional Malpractice
  • Medical Mal Dental
  • Medical Malpractice
• Tort
  • Elder Abuse
  • Personal Injury
  • PI Auto
  • PI Sexual Assault
  • Product Liability
  • Wrongful Death

Hobbies & Interests

Mr. Sommer likes to spend time with his wife, six children and five grandchildren. He has attended literally hundreds of sports activities. His children have played on the collegiate level and his youngest daughter currently plays PAC -12 Volleyball for Washington State. He also enjoys weight training and an occasional round of golf.

Website

http://www.sommermediations.com/

Testimonials

"I thought that it couldn’t get done today and was amazed at how Harrison moved this one along to settlement! We no longer need to arbitrate."
- Attorney on an Elder Abuse Wrongful Death Matter

"This was a very emotional and sensitive mater. Mr. Sommer was wonderful."
- Attoeny on a Professional Malpractice Therapist matter

"I was very pleased with Harrison Sommer's skills as a mediator today. He connected very well with my client and was able to settle the case very admirably."
- Southern California Attorney

"Mr. Sommer was very knowledgeable and engaging. Harrison was a big reason why the case was able to be settled and we are grateful for all his help."
- Attorney, Los Angeles, CA

Legal Career

• Full-Time Mediator/Arbitrator, Judicate West (2007-present)
• Partner, Berglund Johnson & Sommer, Plaintiff practice, focused on personal injury, medical malpractice, elder/dependent adult abuse, premises liability, catastrophic injury and wrongful death (1984 - 2007)
• Partner, Sommer and Steele. Defense practice focused on professional negligence, product liability, medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents and coverage disputes (1980 - 1984)
• Associate, Hillsinger & Costanzo, Defense practice based on medical malpractice, product liability, governmental entity liability, motor vehicle accidents and insurance coverage issues (1975 - 1980)

Education & Professional Affiliations

• J.D., Loyola University School of Law (1971 - 1974)
• B.S., University of Southern California, graduated Cum Laude (1967- 1971)
• Pepperdine University, School of Law - Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution, Mediation Training (2007)
• Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association
• Member, Southern California Mediation Association
• Member, California Dispute Resolution Council

Achievements & Awards

• Mr. Sommer was recognized as a Top Neutral in California by the Los Angeles Daily Journal in 2011 and 2013.
• He was the recipient of the Award for Excellence in Preparation for Trial Practice of the Law by the American Board of Trial Advocates.
• He has had numerous successful verdicts representing plaintiffs and defendants, including road design cases which led to the installation of effective freeway median barriers statewide.
• He has tried cases in all jurisdictions and almost every courthouse in Southern California.

Legal Experience

• Personal Injury
• Medical Malpractice
• Dental Malpractice
• Elder and Dependent Abuse
• Products Liability
• Insurance Subrogation

Representative Case Information

• Insurance
• Professional Malpractice
• Tort