Sam’s dedication to family law is deeply rooted in personal experience. Growing up in a family of legal professionals – with a grandfather and great-uncles who served as stenographers for the United Nations and U.S. District Court judges in New York – Sam developed an early appreciation for the American judicial system. As a child of divorce, Sam witnessed firsthand how skilled family law attorneys can positively impact the lives of both spouses and their
children, inspiring a career path that would allow him to make a meaningful difference in his community.
Sam approaches client relationships with a philosophy centered on personalization and collaboration, recognizing that each family's situation requires unique solutions. Rather than defaulting to adversarial approaches, Sam advocates for mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods when appropriate, while ensuring clients are empowered with clear, jargon-free explanations of their legal options.
Before pursuing law, Sam's path took an artistic turn through the prestigious British American Drama Academy in London, where he studied acting – a background that likely contributes to his skilled courtroom presence today. When not advocating for clients, Sam can be found wake surfing, participating in club sports, or hiking.
Background
A Pacific Northwest native from Woodinville, Washington, Sam earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Theatre from Whitman College in 2005 and performed in over ten theatrical productions as an undergrad. He went on to graduate from Brooklyn Law School in 2009, immediately launching his legal career through a fellowship with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office in the Domestic Violence Bureau.
Sam’s commitment to community service is evident through his volunteer work with Grow Brooklyn, where he helped low-income families navigate tax preparation. He is particularly passionate about environmental conservation, specifically advocating for universal access to outdoor spaces and the protection of national parks. This commitment to both social justice and environmental preservation reflects Sam's holistic approach to making a positive impact both inside and outside the courtroom.
Sam’s diverse interests and experiences – from his experience acting on stage to his current pursuits in club sports and gaming – contribute to a well-rounded perspective that enhances his ability to connect with clients from all walks of life. He lives by the Oscar Wilde quote, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken,” a philosophy that guides both his personal life and professional practice.