Phyllis Buchen Sumner, Animal Law Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia
Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on Animal Law, Class Action, and Criminal Defense
PartneratKing & Spalding LLP
Atlanta, GA
Practicing animal law in Atlanta since 1990.
- 36+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Phyllis Buchen Sumner?
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Quick answer
Phyllis Buchen Sumner is a partner based in Atlanta, GA. The practice focuses on Animal Law, Class Action, and Criminal Defense. Phyllis has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at King & Spalding LLP.
- Based in
- Atlanta, GA
- Experience
- over 36 years
- Known for
- Animal Law · Class Action · Criminal Defense
- Handles Animal Law, Class Action, and Criminal Defense matters from Atlanta, GA.
- Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Phyllis Buchen Sumner: Phyllis Buchen Sumner is a partner based in Atlanta, GA. The practice focuses on Animal Law, Class Action, and Criminal Defense. Phyllis has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at King & Spalding LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Phyllis takes on
Phyllis concentrates on animal law, class action, criminal defense, general, and health care. Each area below outlines the kind of case Phyllis handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Animal Law
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Class Action
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Criminal Defense
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General
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Health Care
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Litigation
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White Collar
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Animal Law cases in Atlanta, Georgia
Phyllis takes animal law matters in Atlanta, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Phyllis agrees to represent you.
Class Action cases in Atlanta, Georgia
Phyllis takes class action matters in Atlanta, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Phyllis agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Atlanta, Georgia
Phyllis takes criminal defense matters in Atlanta, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Phyllis agrees to represent you.
General cases in Atlanta, Georgia
Phyllis takes general matters in Atlanta, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Phyllis agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Atlanta, Georgia
Phyllis takes health care matters in Atlanta, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Phyllis agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Phyllis Buchen Sumner — animal law lawyer in Atlanta
Phyllis Buchen Sumner is a partner based in Atlanta, GA. The practice focuses on Animal Law, Class Action, and Criminal Defense. Phyllis has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at King & Spalding LLP.
Phyllis Buchen Sumner is a lawyer practicing litigation, white collar criminal defense, health law and 3 other areas of law. Phyllis received a B.B.A. degree from University of Georgia in 1985, and has been licensed for 36 years. Phyllis practices at King & Spalding LLP in Atlanta, GA.
How Phyllis handles animal law matters
Phyllis Buchen Sumner is a lawyer practicing litigation, white collar criminal defense, health law and 3 other areas of law. Phyllis received a B.B.A. degree from University of Georgia in 1985, and has been licensed for 36 years. Phyllis practices at King & Spalding LLP in Atlanta, GA.
Who Phyllis represents
Phyllis reviews new inquiries case-by-case for animal law, class action, and criminal defense matters in Atlanta and the surrounding Georgia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Vanderbilt University
J.D. · 1990
University of Georgia
B.B.A. · 1985
Jurisdictions
Phyllis's state bar admissions
Illinois U.S. Court
1996 · ACTIVE
Georgia
1990 · ACTIVE
Phyllis studied at J.D. in Vanderbilt University and B.B.A. in University of Georgia.
Law school and academic background
Phyllis completed J.D. in Vanderbilt University and B.B.A. in University of Georgia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Phyllis runs in Georgia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Phyllis's professional memberships and bar associations
Chicago and American (Member, White Collar Crime Committee) Bar Associations State Bar of Georgia
membership
Locations
Phyllis Buchen Sumner's office in Atlanta
Phyllis's primary office is at 1180 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta, GA, 30309-3521. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Phyllis Buchen Sumner
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Phyllis Buchen Sumner — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new animal law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Phyllis usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Phyllis charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Phyllis'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; Phyllis will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a animal law attorney in Atlanta, Georgia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many animal law 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 Phyllis
Phyllis discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in animal law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every animal law 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. Phyllis confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Phyllis's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many animal law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Phyllis Buchen Sumner
How much does it cost to hire Phyllis for a animal law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Phyllis walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Phyllis offer a free consultation?
Phyllis charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Phyllis's office. Some animal law attorneys offer free consults — check Phyllis's current terms during booking.
How long do animal law cases in Georgia typically take?
Simple animal law 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. Phyllis gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Phyllis take my case if I'm outside Atlanta?
Phyllis is licensed in Georgia. Matters governed by Georgia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Phyllis 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 Phyllis?
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. Phyllis will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Phyllis accepting new animal law clients right now?
Phyllis's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Animal Law attorneys serving Atlanta, Marietta and Savannah in Georgia
Phyllis handles animal law matters throughout Georgia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified animal law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated animal law attorneys in Georgia
If Phyllis's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these animal law attorneys in Atlanta handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





