Concentration:

With over 30 years experience in the practice of Probate Law, Mr. Summey is recognized in the probate and civil courts in Alabama as a leader in the field of probate litigation, wills, trusts and estates, guardianships and conservatorships.

His primary practice involves assisting litigators in settling cases involving decedent’s estates and incapacitated persons, the representation of conservators of the estates of minors who have received personal injury awards and other disabled persons, structured settlements, special needs trusts and elder law. He also handles litigation related to all areas of probate law including will contests and trust matters.

Mr. Summey is a frequent lecturer on basic and advanced probate, probate for litigators, special needs trusts, Medicaid issues and elder law. He currently serves on the faculty of The Birmingham School of Law where he teaches Trusts and Elder Law. Mr. Summey also served on the adjunct faculty of the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University for five years, teaching courses in residential and commercial real estate transactions. He is the author of “Handling Lawsuits of Minors, Decedents and the Disabled,” which was published in the ATLA Journal.

In February of 2008, Mr. Summey was appointed to serve as the Jefferson County Conservator and Guardian. In this position, Mr. Summey serves as a Conservator, Guardian, Trustee or Payee appointed by the Probate Court, the Circuit Court, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs or the Social Security Administration. He is responsible for marshalling assets, litigating real and personal property ownership issues, managing estate funds, overseeing nursing home placement, Medicaid eligibility and overseeing the payment of the wards’ various day-to-day needs and expenses.

Prior to White Arnold & Dowd:

In 1983, Mr. Summey founded the predecessor to the law firm of Summey & Hennecy, LLC, a probate practice firm that merged with White Arnold & Dowd in 2008.

Practice Areas:

Education and Honors:

Gardner Webb University, B.A., cum laude

Samford University Cumberland School of Law, J.D. ( 1977 )

University of Nice in France, additional studies

Professional Affiliations:

Member, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Charter Member, Elder Law Section, Alabama Bar Association

Solo and Small Firm Practitioners Committee, Alabama State Bar

Committee Member, CLE and Fee Arbitration, Birmingham Bar Association

Alabama Trial Lawyers, Board of Advisors

Admitted to the Alabama Bar, U.S. Fifth and Eleventh Circuit Courts, and the United States Tax Court.

Civic Affiliations:

Past President, Rotary Club of Shades Valley, Alabama

MercyFlight Pilot

Previous Board Member, MercyFlight Southeast

Choir Member, Independent Presbyterian Church