After serving clients for more than three decades, Stayton attorney Steven Summers is closing his law office this month.
“Mr. Summers has helped so many people here in Stayton and surrounding communities,” said his legal assistant, Dana Stutzman.
Summers said because of confidentiality issues he can’t reveal what his most interesting cases have been. But he did say his practice was “quiet at times, stressful at times and overall, enjoyable. Very rewarding, but after 33 years, it’s time to slow down.”
Summers has been practicing in Stayton since 1975, a year after he earned his law degree from the University of Oregon School of Law. Practicing law, he said, just “sounded like something I wanted to do.”
In 1988, he added justice of the peace to his legal roles and he will continue this position at least through his six-year term.
Funded by the county, Marion County’s courts handle minor traffic offenses, some misdemeanors and small civil claims. In addition, the justice courts hear cases relating to violations of county ordinances, such as charges of excessive noise or dogs running at large. Summers hears cases in East Salem and Stayton, while Justice of the Peace Janice Zyryanoff serves in Woodburn.
“I decided to close my law practice because I want to spend more time with my family, traveling, especially around Oregon, and being a grandparent,” Summers said.
He and his wife, Doris, have been married for 32 years and have five children and four grandchildren.
A farewell open house will take place at 1-5 p.m. on April 17, and people are welcome to drop in and say their good-byes. For more information, call 503-769-3454.
