Sam is a commercial and general civil litigator with a passion for persuasive legal writing and oral advocacy. He represents individuals, businesses, and organizations with a focus on clear communication, strategic thinking, and strong advocacy. A recent graduate of the University of Washington School of Law, Sam gained practical litigation experience through participation in the Civil Rights and Justice Clinic and sharpened his oral advocacy in the Jessup Moot Court Competition. He brings fresh energy, a collaborative approach, and a deep commitment to protecting his clients' interests at every stage of the legal process.
When did you start practicing law as a licensed attorney?
October of 2025.
What drew you to the idea of practicing law?
As a fourth generation attorney, I have always been surrounded by the law. However, I was not driven to join the profession until after my mother became a police officer. She taught me that everyone is deserving of a strong advocate, whether that is one in the community or the courtroom.
What do you like about your work?
I enjoy finding creative ways to piece together legal arguments both in oral and written advocacy. I also like winning arguments and getting the best outcomes for my client's wants and needs. Ideally those two go together!
What do you consider your most significant career accomplishment to date and why?
While I just began my professional legal career, I consider the motion in limine I drafted for one of my clients in the Civil Rights and Justice Clinic at the University of Washington to be my most significant accomplishment. My professor argued and won the motion in front of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, and the trial ended in a $34 million dollar verdict for our client. While I only had a small role in this outcome, it helped me gain valuable litigation and writing experience that I am really proud to have participated in.
In five sentences or less, can you explain something to me that is complicated, but you know well?
As a former Jessup Moot Court competitor, I am a bit of an international law nerd. One of the most interesting and relevant aspects of international law in today's current political climate is diplomatic immunity for criminal acts. Under customary international law, serving heads of state and foreign diplomats are afforded personal immunity (ratione personae in Latin) from the criminal jurisdiction of foreign national courts for both their official and some personal acts. After a person has left their official post, they are only protected by immunity "rationae materiae" which prohibts the forum state from exercising criminal jurisdiction only with respect to "official acts" performed by them in their former capacity as state officials. The debate, of course, is what constitutes an "official act," especially if that act is arguably criminal in nature?
Who is the smartest person you know personally? Why?
My mom is the smartest person I know. There is no better answer.
What is something you'd be happy doing every single day for the rest of your career?
Outside of playing center field for your 2025 A.L. West Division Champion Seattle Mariners, I would happily craft oral arguments every day for the rest of my career.
Who is your favorite lawyer?
David B. Owens, Professor at UW School of Law and Civil Rights Attorney for Loevy & Loevy.
Is it more important to maximize revenue or minimize risk?
Of course this depends on the context, but in terms of client representation it is more important to minimize risk unless directly told to do the opposite. As fiduciaries to our clients, we owe a very high ethical and legal duty to act in our client's best interest with the utmost good faith, loyalty, and care. While increasing revenue is certainly in our client's best interests, never at the expense of intolerable risk. Minimizing risk, however, is always acceptable at the expense of some revenue.
What drives you professionally?
I want to become the best attorney and advocate I possibly can be, all while supporting my family, friends, and community.
Are you an active member in any local, state, national or international organizations?
I am a member on the Board of Directors for the Dore Foundation, a non-profit primarily supporting families affected by sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Can you name any skills or personality traits that you think are needed in your kind of practice that might differ from other practices?
I think due to the nature of civil practice, patience, attention to detail, and interpersonal charisma are three primary character traits that make successful civil attorneys. We often have to work with clients, opposing counsel, and our coworkers and it sometimes can get heated or emotional. Being able to deal with different parties with empathy and understanding and listening to their questions and concerns is essential.