News Briefs
74 Wilson Elser Attorneys Named Ones to Watch by Best Lawyers in America 2026
August 21, 2025
Suma S. Thomas is recognized as a trusted litigator and a dedicated asset to her clients and colleagues. With more than 20 years of experience in the state and federal courts of New York, Suma is adept at using the various resources of the court and legal practice to deliver client-focused results.
No stranger to the fast-paced nature of litigation, Suma also appreciates the nuances necessary to finding a middle ground for early and cost-effective resolutions. She often is called on to monitor high-exposure local and out-of-state litigations, applying her firm grasp on prioritizing the client’s needs by acting as a mindful liaison throughout information-gathering, defense strategy analysis and settlement. Suma has deep experience with alternative dispute resolution methods, successfully handling arbitrations and mediations for domestic and international clients for more than two decades.
Suma also handles a diverse roster of actions involving vessels, washing machines, blenders, laptops, cosmetics, parking garages, electric bicycles, public transportation, power tools, heaters, cargo-loaders, automated milking systems, egg-packing machines, diving equipment, hotels and construction claims. She uses her unique experience in litigating both insurance coverage and defense claims to offer a global approach to defending litigation. Suma served as a valued professor at Wilson Elser’s Legalign Global University 2023, held in conjunction with the other member firms of Legalign Global, an alliance of best-in-region law firms working as one for multinational insurers, brokers and businesses in addressing cross-border risks and claims.
Areas of Focus
Product Liability
Focusing on the defense of manufacturers, distributors and retailers in products liability claims, Suma prides herself on being a responsive and knowledgeable resource for international clients who may not be familiar with the American legal system and to advise whether litigation is the best choice in the state or federal arena. In handling both domestic and international claims, she understands the importance and effect of quick turnarounds when answering the immediate needs of a client dealing with a variety of losses, including fire and water damage, and the necessity of enlisting the assistance of astute experts to properly assess time-sensitive situations. Suma has assisted European and local manufacturers in navigating the (voluntary) recall process and provided the necessary logistical assistance in what may otherwise be an overwhelming experience for the client.
Insurance
Suma began her career representing insurers in investigating and litigating insurance fraud claims and is familiar with the insurance policies and issues involving homeowners, general liability and cybersecurity claims from the initial investigation stage onward. She is well-versed in preparing coverage opinions and tenders of defense, evaluating reconsideration requests and drafting coverage letters. She routinely holds adversaries accountable for their indemnification obligations. Further, Suma appreciates the importance of business relationships between various entities and analyzing the strength of pursuing risk transfer.
Appellate
Suma is experienced in appellate practice, having successfully briefed and argued the appeals of lower courts’ denial of motions to achieve affirmance and summary judgment.
- Pace University School of Law (J.D., 2001)
- University of Toronto (B.A., 1998)
- Honours
- New York
- Massachusetts
Education
Bar Admissions
Awards & Honors
Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® Ones to Watch™, 2026