Scott Summy

Scott Summy: Leading Environmental Litigation Attorney

Scott Summy is the leader of the Environmental Litigation Group (ELG) and a shareholder at Baron & Budd. ELG, established in 2002, is comprised of 30 attorneys and support professionals specializing in complex environmental litigation across the nation. Recognized for its exceptional achievements, ELG was awarded the prestigious Practice Group of the Year – Environmental Law (United States) by Law360 in 2020 and 2023, solidifying Mr. Summy’s and his team’s position as national leaders in this field. Mr. Summy’s career began with a single, impactful phone call in August 1995 – a call that would shape his focus and ultimately lead to the recovery of billions of dollars for clients facing devastating environmental contamination.

The initial case, involving the ingestion of the chemical MTBE by residents in North Carolina and their neighbors, highlighted a widespread and critical issue. After years of dedicated advocacy and a successful trial, Mr. Summy secured a record-breaking settlement, establishing the foundation for what would become ELG’s dominant expertise. This pivotal moment revealed the pervasive contamination caused by MTBE across America, triggering a wave of litigation involving public water providers nationwide.

Mr. Summy quickly became the “go-to” lawyer for public entities – from municipalities to water districts – grappling with the consequences of environmental contamination impacting their vital public resources. He has represented clients across the United States, from the East Coast to the West Coast and throughout the American heartland, demonstrating an unmatched commitment to protecting communities and holding responsible parties accountable. His ELG Team's collective efforts have resulted in significant recoveries, representing a substantial investment in environmental justice and safeguarding public health.

With a deep understanding of complex environmental regulations and litigation strategies, Mr. Summy and his team have consistently delivered exceptional results for their clients. They are experts in navigating the intricacies of mass tort litigation and class actions, specifically within the plaintiffs’ role, and consistently advocate for the rights of individuals and communities affected by environmental harm. Their success is built on a foundation of meticulous investigation, strategic legal maneuvering, and a relentless pursuit of justice.

Practice Areas

• Mass Tort Litigation
• Class Actions – Plaintiffs
• Environmental Litigation
• Product Liability Litigation
• Contamination Litigation

Awards and Recognition

• Law360 – Practice Group of the Year – Environmental Law (2020, 2023)
• 9-Figure Litigator (America’s High Stakes Trial Lawyers, 2020)
• Selected to America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators (2018 – 2020)
• Selected as one of the “Premier 20 Over 20” trial attorneys for Texas for The National Academy of Jurisprudence (2017)
• America’s Top 100 Attorneys – Lifetime Achievement Award, 2016
• Best Lawyers – “Lawyer of the Year” Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions (Dallas/Ft. Worth) – 2016
• Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2006
• Selected by Benchmark Litigation as a “Local Litigation Star” in Texas 2014 edition
• Selected to be included as a 2013 Top Rated Lawyer in Energy, Environmental, & Natural Resources in the April issue of The American Lawyer & Corporate Counsel magazine
• Two Time Finalist for the Prestigious national Public Justice Trial Lawyer of the Year Award (2009, 2013)
• Recognized as a “highly recommended” attorney in Baron & Budd’s selection to the Legal 500 List (2012)
• Selected by Benchmark Litigation, the Guide to America’s Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys, as a Leading Plaintiffs Star in Texas (2012)
• Selected as one of “The American Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers for Texas – 2008-2009”
• Selected to be included in Lawdragon, 500 Leading Attorneys in the U.S. (2009 edition)
• Selected as one of “The American Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers for Texas 2008”
• Best Lawyers Under 40 in Dallas (D Magazine, 2004)
• Selected by D Magazine as one of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” (4 years)
• California Lawyer Magazine Trial Lawyer of the Year Award (CLAY) for Environmental Law – MTBE Litigation 2001
• Selected as 2022 Texas’ Best Lawyers

Education & Credentials

• Bar Admissions: Texas
• Affiliations: Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers (2023-2025), Lawdragon 500 Leading Energy Lawyers (2024-2025), Lawdragon 500 Leading Attorneys in the U.S. (2009 edition), Lawdragon Green 500: Leaders in Environmental Law (2024-2025), Lawdragon 500 Leading Attorney Lawyers (2024-2025), Best Attorneys USA

City: Dallas, State: Texas, Country: United States