Sam Pond, a stalwart advocate for the injured and disabled, stands as a champion for the vulnerable, particularly hardworking union members sustaining injuries while providing for their families. Born into a blue-collar neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia, Sam's upbringing and early work experiences forged his path to becoming the founding and managing partner of one of the largest workers' compensation and disability law firms in the country.
Growing up in a family rooted in the ethos of the American Dream, Sam's parents instilled in him the principles of ambition and intellectual curiosity. An all-state soccer player in his youth, Sam's time on the field and various work experiences, including labor-intensive jobs at The Philadelphia Inquirer, Christian Schmidt Brewing Co., and Tastykake, imparted invaluable life lessons.
Sam's journey into the legal realm was preceded by his stint as a union laborer, working grueling hours laying pipelines during his junior year of high school. This firsthand experience, coupled with his family's encounters with workplace injuries, fueled Sam's commitment to championing the rights of injured workers.
The early lessons in teamwork, sacrifice, and the importance of honesty and respect learned on the soccer field continue to guide Sam in his role as managing partner at Pond Lehocky Giordano. A testament to his enduring values, Sam has been happily married to Mimi for 40 years.
In his pursuit of education, Sam worked nights at the Philadelphia Inquirer to finance his undergraduate degree in finance from Drexel University. A realization during his senior year at Drexel led him to law school, where he graduated in 1984 from the Temple University Beasley School of Law.
Sam's legal career initially involved defending companies in workers' compensation cases, but a realization, shared with co-founding partners Jerry Lehocky and Tom Giordano, redirected his focus to advocating for injured workers. In 1988, Sam joined a small workers' compensation firm, and over 22 years, he rose to become a partner, solidifying his reputation in the legal community.
Driven by a vision for a better way to serve injured workers, Sam, Jerry, and Tom founded Pond Lehocky Giordano in 2010. The firm's rapid growth and success reflected their commitment to creating a winning culture that attracted top talent.
Sam's legal advocacy extends beyond the courtroom, involving leadership roles in legal industry associations and charitable contributions. His service includes roles in the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, the Pennsylvania Association for Justice, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and more. Sam is not only an advocate within the legal realm but also a supporter of charitable causes focused on children and education.
As a leader, Sam's vision for Pond Lehocky Giordano emphasizes a holistic approach to client service and internal culture. His love of boxing and lessons from his time in the ring shape the firm's values, fostering a disciplined, humble, and supportive environment.
Despite the accolades adorning his office, Sam Pond remains grounded, rooted in his working-class origins. His enduring commitment to advocating for workers, coupled with Pond Lehocky Giordano's ethos, ensures that they remain trusted advocates and champions for those whose lives are disrupted by health or legal crises.
