Jillian B. Sommers
Jillian Sommers is a trusted litigation partner who guides clients through their highest-stakes disputes in the United States and around the world. She thrives in matters requiring active judicial engagement, sharp strategic judgment, and sophisticated negotiation, and she serves as a trusted advisor to technology companies facing bet-the-company litigation. Her practice focuses on navigating complex personal injury matters amid rapidly evolving legal and regulatory landscapes.
Jillian regularly partners with clients to defend against significant product liability and toxic tort claims. She develops early case strategies designed to control risk, narrow issues, and position matters for efficient resolution, whether through dispositive motion practice, negotiation, or trial.
Jillian is passionate about serving her local community and volunteers as a guardian ad litem in minor child and adult disabled guardianship matters, in addition to supporting community-based youth programs.
Experience
A national insurance company v. a global e-commerce company
(U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois) Obtained favorable ruling for the global e-commerce company in a matter involving the “marketplace defense” third-party seller issue. The Court held that the global e-commerce company is not liable as a seller of products sold by a third party.
An individual plaintiff v. a global e-commerce company
(U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois) Obtained favorable ruling for the global e-commerce company in a matter involving negligence. The court held that the global e-commerce company fulfilled its duty in rendering first aid to invitee who died of natural causes.
A regional insurance company v. a global e-commerce company
(U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana) Obtained favorable ruling for the global e-commerce company in a matter involving the “marketplace defense” third-party seller issue. The Court held that the global e-commerce company is not liable as a seller of products sold by a third party.
In re a commercial aircraft crash
(U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois) Defended an aircraft manufacturer in litigation regarding an October 29, 2018 crash of a commercial aircraft in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Air Quality Litigation
(Cook County, Illinois) Defended an aircraft manufacturer in litigation in which plaintiffs claim that air quality incidents on board the aircraft caused medical injuries.
In re an ethylene oxide litigation
(Cook County, Illinois) Defended a food ingredients company against plaintiffs’ claims that emissions from a former sterilization plant caused medical injuries, obtaining a full defense verdict at trial.
Rankings
Selected as a “Rising Star”
Super Lawyers, 2024
Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation
Best Lawyers, 2025–2026