Business Details
43 Years
experience
Experienced Legal Advocates in Arlington, VA
Established in 1983, Sher, Cummings and Ellis has built a reputation as a trusted legal practice dedicated to providing comprehensive representation in criminal defense, personal injury, and related legal matters. Our team of seasoned attorneys brings decades of combined experience, with a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for clients facing complex legal challenges. We prioritize client comfort and confidence, offering personalized legal strategies grounded in extensive knowledge of Virginia and Washington, D.C. courts.Our practice emphasizes meticulous preparation, ethical advocacy, and a deep commitment to justice, serving individuals and families across Northern Virginia. We actively engage in community service and professional organizations, reinforcing our dedication to both legal excellence and societal contribution.
Services
Personal Injury
Criminal Defense
Civil Litigation
Wrongful Death
Estate Administration
Juvenile Court
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer over 85 combined years of legal experience in Northern Virginia courts
- Our attorneys are admitted to both Virginia and Washington, D.C. bars
- We provide personalized case strategies tailored to individual client needs
- Our team includes former prosecutors and seasoned trial attorneys
- We maintain active involvement in local legal and charitable organizations
What people say
Fantastic lawyer
Outstanding representation
Saved from jail time
Compassionate and professional
Charges dropped successfully
Services
Personal Injury
We represent clients injured due to others' negligence, handling cases involving car accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace incidents. Our attorneys negotiate with insurance companies and litigate when necessary to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With deep knowledge of Virginia personal injury laws, we help clients navigate complex legal processes while focusing on recovery.
Criminal Defense
Our firm defends individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges including DUI, drug offenses, and assault. We develop strategic defense plans using decades of courtroom experience and local legal system knowledge. Our approach combines thorough evidence review, witness preparation, and negotiation skills to reduce charges or achieve dismissals while protecting clients' constitutional rights throughout the legal process.
Civil Litigation
We handle complex civil disputes involving contracts, property rights, and business conflicts. Our attorneys provide strategic representation from pre-trial negotiations through litigation, focusing on efficient resolutions while preparing for courtroom advocacy. With experience in Virginia and D.C. courts, we protect clients' interests in commercial disputes, real estate matters, and other civil legal issues.
Wrongful Death
We assist families seeking justice for loved ones lost due to negligence or misconduct. Our compassionate approach combines legal expertise with emotional support while pursuing compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and emotional damages. We handle cases involving medical errors, vehicle accidents, and workplace fatalities, advocating for families during difficult times through Virginia's legal system.
Estate Administration
Our attorneys guide executors and beneficiaries through Virginia's probate process when estates lack proper planning. We handle will validation, asset distribution, debt settlement, and tax compliance matters. With experience in estate litigation and administration, we help families navigate legal requirements while honoring their loved ones' wishes and protecting their inheritance rights.
People
David E. Sher
Partner
Practicing law since 1972, David E. Sher specializes in criminal and civil litigation, personal injury, and estate matters. With admissions to multiple Virginia courts, he brings extensive trial experience and legal expertise to client representation.
Mark Cummings
Partner
A seasoned trial attorney since 1978, Mark Cummings focuses on criminal defense, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized for his courtroom prowess and community involvement, he serves on multiple legal association boards and committees.
James E. Kibble
Investigator
Former DEA agent with 26 years of service, James Kibble has served as lead investigator since 2004. His federal law enforcement background enhances case preparation and evidence gathering for complex legal matters.
John P. Ellis
Retired Partner
With over 40 years of legal practice, John Ellis specialized in personal injury and medical malpractice before retiring. He previously led Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and maintained active pro bono involvement.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We focus on criminal defense, personal injury, civil litigation, wrongful death, and estate administration cases in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.
How do you handle out-of-state clients?
We regularly represent clients from outside Virginia, including military families and interstate clients, with virtual consultations and local court representation.
What makes your firm different from other law practices?
Our attorneys combine decades of local courtroom experience with personalized attention, maintaining active roles in legal associations and community service.
Do you offer payment plans?
We discuss flexible payment options during initial consultations to accommodate clients' financial circumstances while ensuring quality legal representation.
How quickly can I get my case reviewed?
We typically schedule case evaluations within 24-48 hours of initial contact through our Arlington office or online request form.
Can you handle urgent legal matters?
While we maintain regular business hours, our team prioritizes time-sensitive cases and provides prompt responses to critical legal emergencies.
