Daniel E. Cummings

Dan is a partner in Shook’s Class Action and Appellate practice group. He defends clients in the automotive, consumer products, pharmaceutical, and technology industries facing class action, product liability, mass torts and other high-risk, complex litigation. Drawing on his broad range of litigation experience and time as a federal and state appellate judicial clerk, Dan guides clients through the complexities of litigation to develop and execute clear legal and litigation strategies to reach favorable outcomes. Dan is experienced in representing clients at every stage of litigation and arbitration disputes, and he has earned a reputation as a go-to attorney in developing creative and effective legal arguments and as a strong writer and oral advocate.

Dan excels in using his experience in serving consumer-facing clients across a range of industries facing significant risks from litigation challenging product design and safety or in the wake of product recalls. Mindful of reputational risk in addition to liability risk, Dan works closely with clients to craft strategies to protect both the brand and the bottom line.

To better serve his clients, Dan stays abreast of industry trends and legal developments and has written articles and given presentations on issues related to litigation financing, class certification, and federal court jurisdiction.

Dan is actively involved in Shook’s pro bono practice. He has led an appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals that obtained a reversal and discretionary relief from deportation for a non-citizen permanent resident who was an honorably discharged U.S. military veteran with PTSD. In another case, he defeated a nuisance claim against a church that serves meals to the homeless in a downtown, urban neighborhood. 

Before entering the legal profession, Dan was a social worker at Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska, serving children in a shelter program and a residential treatment facility.