Gerald Howard Summers, Civil Rights Attorney in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Over 60 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Employment · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatSummers, Rufolo & Rodgers
Chattanooga, TN
Practicing civil rights in Chattanooga since 1966.
- 60+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
Gerald Howard Summers is a member based in Chattanooga, TN. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Employment. Gerald has over 60 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chattanooga, TN
- Experience
- over 60 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Criminal Defense · Employment
- Handles Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Employment matters from Chattanooga, TN.
- Over 60 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Gerald Howard Summers: Gerald Howard Summers is a member based in Chattanooga, TN. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Employment. Gerald has over 60 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Gerald Howard Summers
Gerald concentrates on civil rights, criminal defense, employment, general, and health care. Each area below outlines the kind of case Gerald handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Criminal Defense
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Employment
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General
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Health Care
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Medical Malpractice
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Personal Injury
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Product Liability
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Workers Comp
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Civil Rights cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Gerald takes civil rights matters in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gerald agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Gerald takes criminal defense matters in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gerald agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Gerald takes employment matters in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gerald agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Gerald takes general matters in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gerald agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Gerald takes health care matters in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gerald agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Gerald Howard Summers — Over 60 years of Tennessee civil rights experience
Gerald Howard Summers is a member based in Chattanooga, TN. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Employment. Gerald has over 60 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Gerald Howard Summers is a lawyer practicing criminal law, criminal law - defense, labor & employment law and 9 other areas of law. Gerald received a B.A. degree from University of the South in 1963, and has been licensed for 60 years. Gerald practices at Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers in Chattanooga, TN.
Working with Gerald on a civil rights matter
Gerald Howard Summers is a lawyer practicing criminal law, criminal law - defense, labor & employment law and 9 other areas of law. Gerald received a B.A. degree from University of the South in 1963, and has been licensed for 60 years. Gerald practices at Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers in Chattanooga, TN.
Clients Gerald works with
Gerald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, criminal defense, and employment matters in Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Gerald Howard Summers's legal education and bar admissions
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
LL.B. · 1966
University of the South
B.A. · 1963
Jurisdictions
Gerald's state bar admissions
Tennessee
1966 · ACTIVE
Gerald studied at LL.B. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville and B.A. in University of the South.
Law school and academic background
Gerald completed LL.B. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville and B.A. in University of the South. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Gerald runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Gerald Howard Summers
Gerald has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Gerald's professional memberships and bar associations
Fellow: Tennessee Bar Foundation
Chairman, 2003—) Inns of Court International Academy of Trial Lawyers (1994) Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference Delegate (1995 · membership
American Board of Criminal Lawyers (2003)
bar_fellowship
Locations
Gerald Howard Summers's office in Chattanooga
Gerald's primary office is at 735 Broad St., Suite. 800, Chattanooga, TN, 37402-2913. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers
735 Broad St., Suite. 800
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2913
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Gerald Howard Summers — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Gerald. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in Chattanooga.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Gerald Howard Summers claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Gerald Howard Summers — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Gerald usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Gerald charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gerald's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Gerald will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Chattanooga, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Gerald
Gerald discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Gerald confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Gerald's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Gerald Howard Summers
How much does it cost to hire Gerald for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Gerald walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Gerald offer a free consultation?
Gerald charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gerald's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Gerald's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Gerald gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Gerald take my case if I'm outside Chattanooga?
Gerald is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Gerald will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Gerald?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Gerald will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Gerald accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Gerald's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
Gerald handles civil rights matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated civil rights attorneys in Tennessee
If Gerald's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Chattanooga handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





