Samuel Blakley joined Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP as an Associate in 2020. He focuses his practice in the areas of Litigation, Family Law, and Business & Banking. Sam is committed to delivering tailored, effective, and cost-conscious legal solutions that address the complex needs of his clients. Sam takes pride in offering both zealous advocacy and compassionate counsel. He recognizes that legal challenges can be daunting and strives to guide clients through each stage of the legal process with clarity and care.
In the area of Family Law, Sam represents clients in matters involving divorce, custody, and support, offering steady guidance during emotionally charged and high-stakes proceedings. He also serves on the Broome County Attorney for the Child panel, where he is appointed by the court to represent the legal interests of children in custody, family offense, and abuse and neglect matters-a role requiring both legal skill and sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable clients.
His civil litigation experience extends to business and contract disputes, where he advocates for a broad range of clients, including individual homeowners, emerging enterprises, and established corporations. In addition, Sam has secured meaningful recoveries in personal injury actions on behalf of individuals harmed due to the negligence of others.
At the core of Sam’s practice is a results-oriented approach, grounded in a deep commitment to achieving favorable outcomes through negotiation when possible and litigation when necessary.
Sam is admitted to practice in New York State and is a member of both the New York State Bar Association and the Broome County Bar Association. He also serves on the Sixth Judicial District Pro Bono Committee and sits on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Broome County.
Prior to joining the firm, Sam was a clinical student with Penn State Law’s Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic, where he advised small business clients on entity formation, governance, and contract drafting. He also served as a summer associate with Coughlin & Gerhart in 2019 and previously worked with the startup company John’s Crazy Socks.
Past Positions
• U.S. Marine Corps, Captain and Judge Advocate, 1987 - 1992, Colonel
• U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Colonel, 1984 - 1987; 1992 - 2013'
Honors
• Long Island’s 30 Under 30 Award, 2016