Skip to content
Sommer B. Clement assists her clients in resolving disputes related to construction design, product defects, and real estate.  Her litigation clients value her diligence, ability to identify and distill important details, and organization.

Sommer drafts and negotiates contracts for construction, design, consulting, and real estate transactions.  She also advises companies on risk management related to construction, real estate development, design, and purchase/sale of buildings and land.

With more than 20 years of law practice experience, including litigation disputes since 2003, Sommer structures legal strategies that prioritize the clients’ goals in an efficient manner.  Sommer’s litigation matters have involved construction defect claims, insurance defense, product liability, and construction projects ranging from single-family homes to condominium towers. She has successfully resolved claims related to siding, roofs, leaks, yellow brass, HVAC, and plumbing system products.  She has handled matters through mediation, jury trials, and appeals. She is driven to help her clients successfully resolve their disputes with well-reasoned strategies based on experience.

Sommer was a partner at two prior Seattle law firms.  She joined Carney Badley Spellman in 2016, where she became a shareholder in 2020.  Before earning her law degree, she worked at a Seattle mechanical and electrical engineering firm.  As an undergraduate student, Sommer’s degree in Journalism and Communication involved intense writing, video editing and visual presentations; these skills help her tell clients’ stories clearly and persuasively.

Sommer was born and raised in the Seattle area.  She enjoys nature photography, road trips, and bead weaving.  She divides her time between the firm’s Seattle office, Tacoma, and Central Washington.

Sommer was recognized as a Rising Star by Washington Law and Politics from 2002-2007 and in 2010. She has received an “AV” Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. This rating is given to attorneys who demonstrate the highest ethical standards and professional ability. She served as Chair of the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Construction Section from 2013 to 2014.

  • JD, University of Washington Law School, 2001
  • BS, magna cum laude, University of Oregon, 1998
  • Washington State Courts
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
  • Oregon State Courts

 

Sommer is a frequent speaker on topics related to risk management for developers, contractors, and design professionals. Recent speaking engagements include:

  • Co-chair of “Preparing for Construction Defects in the Future,” The Seminar Group, Seattle, Washington, December 2018
  • “The Current Status of Construction Defect Litigation,” The Seminar Group 25th Annual Washington Construction Law Conference, Seattle, Washington, September 2018
  • “Project Update,” 2nd Annual Construction Project Challenges in Seattle Seminar, The Seminar Group, Seattle, Washington, December 2017
  • “Risk Management for Condominium Development and Sale in Washington,” November 2017
  • “Construction Defect Litigation, Today and Tomorrow,” The Seminar Group 24th Annual Washington Construction Law Conference, Seattle, Washington, September 2017
  • “Construction Project Update,” Construction Project Challenges in Seattle Seminar, The Seminar Group, Seattle, Washington, December 2016
  • “Forecasting the New World of Residential Construction Defect Litigation,” The Seminar Group 23rd Annual Washington Construction Law Conference, Seattle, Washington, September 2016
  • “Wrap Policies: Unwrapping the Expectations and Realities,” West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar, Anaheim, California, May 2016
  • “Toolbox for Handling Emerging Construction Issues,” Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Annual Construction Law Update, Seattle, Washington, May 2016
  • “AIA Contract Provisions That Can Keep You Out of Hot Water,” Society for Design Administration, Seattle Chapter, Seattle, Washington, March 2016
  • “Yellow Brass Claims in Washington,” Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Annual Construction Law Update, Seattle, Washington, February 2013
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Washington Defense Trial Lawyers
  • Oregon State Bar Association