Szaferman Lakind is pleased to announce that the Honorable Thomas W. Sumners Jr., recently retired Chief Judge of the New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division, is joining the firm as Of Counsel.
Judge Sumners brings more than 18 years of distinguished judicial service and decades of experience in the New Jersey legal community. He joined the New Jersey Superior Court in 2008, serving in the Civil and Criminal Divisions before being assigned to the Appellate Division in 2014. In May 2023, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner designated him Chief Judge of the Appellate Division, a position he held until his retirement in 2026.
During his tenure on the Appellate Division, Judge Sumners handled a broad range of civil, criminal, family, and administrative matters. Over approximately a decade on the appellate bench, he authored nearly 1,000 opinions, including more than 70 published opinions.
Before joining the bench, Judge Sumners built an extensive career in private practice and public service. His private practice experience included serving as a founding partner of a Trenton-based law firm with a statewide practice. He also held several leadership positions within New Jersey’s legal community, including Chair of the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee, Chair of the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, and Treasurer of the Mercer County Bar Association.
Judge Sumners earned his undergraduate degree from Lafayette College and his law degree from Rutgers School of Law–Newark. His experience in private practice, as a trial and appellate judge, and ultimately as Chief Judge of the Appellate Division provides a unique perspective on New Jersey law and the judicial process.
“We are exceptionally proud that Judge Sumners chose Szaferman Lakind for the next chapter of his distinguished career,” said Brian G. Paul, Co-Managing Partner. “He has earned the respect of New Jersey’s legal community for his judgment, integrity, and deep understanding of the law. His extraordinary experience as a practicing attorney, trial judge, and Chief Judge of the Appellate Division brings a unique perspective that will be an enormous asset to our attorneys and clients.”
“After many rewarding years on the bench and in private practice, I am excited to begin this next chapter with Szaferman Lakind,” said Judge Sumners. “I have long respected the firm and the reputation its attorneys have built throughout New Jersey. I look forward to working alongside them and drawing on the experience I have gained throughout my career to assist the firm and its clients.”
As Of Counsel, Judge Sumners will draw on his extensive knowledge of New Jersey law, appellate practice and the judicial process to support the firm’s attorneys and clients in sophisticated legal matters. His addition further strengthens the depth of experience Szaferman Lakind brings to its clients throughout New Jersey.
