William S. Cummings

Partner

Biography

Bill represents policyholders in lawsuits against insurance companies and individuals and families injured by defective products or the negligent or reckless conduct of corporations. He is often involved in researching and briefing complex legal issues — for instance, Bill played a central role in simultaneously resolving dozens of related cases arising from systematic malpractice and the failure of institutions to take responsibility for their role in facilitating that malpractice. 

Bill enjoys a reputation as an excellent legal researcher and writer — he is co-author with Rick Friedman of the book, The Elements of Trial, published by Trial Guides.

Bill graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1993, where he was Articles Editor of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review and was awarded membership in the Order of the Coif. He received his undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from Georgetown University.

From 1993-1994, Bill served as law clerk for Alaska Supreme Court Justice Warren Matthews. After his clerkship and before joining Friedman | Rubin, Bill was a partner with Ashburn & Mason in Anchorage, Alaska, where he represented individuals and small businesses in both litigation and real estate and business transactions.

Bill is a board member with Kitsap Legal Services.

Honors & Memberships

Order of the Coif
University of Pennsylvania School of Law

The Oscar Milton Davis Prize, Highest Grades in Third Year
University of Pennsylvania Law School

The Frank H. Gelman Prize, Real Estate and Real Estate Transactions
University of Pennsylvania Law School

The W. Foster Reeve, III, Award, Trusts
University of Pennsylvania Law School

AV Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell

Eagle Member
Washington Association for Justice

Selected Published Decisions

Education

University of Pennsylvania, J.D., 1993

Georgetown University, B.A. 1990