Practice Areas

Federal Civil Rights Litigation (42 U.S.C. § 1983)

Constitutional violations, police misconduct, and civil rights defense

Commercial Disputes and Business Litigation

Complex commercial matters and high-stakes business conflicts

Employment Law (Title VII, FLSA, ADA)

Federal and state employment discrimination and workplace disputes

Municipal Law and Land Use

Municipal representation and constitutional challenges

Personal Injury and State Law Torts

Complex personal injury matters and tort litigation

Business Formation & Outside Counsel

Strategic legal counsel for businesses of all sizes

Professional Experience

Drew W. Sumner brings extensive experience in federal and state court litigation, with particular strength in civil rights law, employment discrimination, business litigation, and personal injury matters. As a founding partner of Sumner Law LLP, he provides comprehensive legal services from initial case assessment through trial and appeals, handling complex litigation in both state and federal courts across New York.

Civil Rights and Constitutional Law

Drew has extensive experience representing municipalities, municipal officers, and employees in federal civil rights defense, including police misconduct, employment discrimination, First Amendment violations, and constitutional claims. He regularly appears before federal district courts, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, and New York state courts, with proven success in complex Section 1983 litigation.

Municipal and Government Law

Throughout his career, Drew has represented municipal entities throughout New York in both federal and state courts. His municipal practice includes defending against constitutional claims, employment disputes, and complex litigation matters involving government entities and officials.

Commercial and Business Litigation

Drew provides general counsel services to businesses of all sizes and handles complex commercial disputes. His business litigation experience spans contract disputes, partnership matters, and high-stakes commercial conflicts requiring sophisticated legal strategy and courtroom advocacy.

Leadership and Management

During his career, Drew has demonstrated leadership capabilities, including supervising associates in focused litigation practice groups and building successful legal practices. His experience includes both partnership responsibilities at established firms and founding his own practice.

Representative Matters

Federal Court and Appellate Experience

  • Successfully defended municipalities in complex civil rights claims involving constitutional violations and police misconduct
  • Represented municipal entities in employment discrimination matters under federal and state law
  • Handled appeals before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in civil rights and employment matters
  • Litigated First Amendment and constitutional challenges to municipal policies and practices

Commercial and Business Disputes

  • Represented businesses in breach of contract and commercial litigation matters
  • Handled partnership disputes and business dissolution proceedings
  • Provided strategic counsel to companies in high-stakes commercial conflicts
  • Negotiated complex commercial settlements and agreements

Employment and Labor Law

  • Defended employers against discrimination claims under Title VII, ADA, and state employment laws
  • Handled wage and hour disputes and FLSA collective actions
  • Represented municipal employers in employment-related constitutional claims
  • Provided counseling on employment policies and workplace compliance matters

Recognition & Credentials

Professional Recognition

Drew has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2022-2025, an honor reserved for outstanding attorneys who are 40 years old or younger or have been practicing for 10 years or less. This recognition reflects his dedication to providing exceptional legal representation and his standing within the legal community.

Bar Admissions & Court Access

Drew is admitted to practice law in New York and maintains active admissions to multiple federal courts, including:

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York

Educational Background

Drew earned his Juris Doctor from Hofstra University School of Law in May 2010, where he was recognized as a Merit Scholar for his academic excellence. Prior to law school, he received a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism from Emerson College in May 2007.