Sam’s practice focuses primarily in representing construction contractors in evaluating and resolving construction disputes which often involve complex, multi-party cases. He has appeared in many state and federal courts throughout the Western United States and Alaska. Sam has prosecuted claims before several boards of contract appeals and the United States Claims Court in cases involving the federal government. He participates extensively in arbitration proceedings, both as counsel and as arbitrator. He is the only attorney to have been inducted in the University of Washington Construction Hall of Fame and received the distinction of serving on the Board of Directors of the Beavers, a Heavy Engineering Construction Association.

Presentations

• “The Teambuilding Approach to Preparing, Pricing and Prosecuting Requests for Compensation,” OMRB Alaska Construction Law and Government Contracting Seminar (2012)
• “How to Deal With the Stigma of ‘Claims’,” OMRB Construction and Public Contract Law Seminar (2008)
• “Terminations – The Course of Last Resort,” OMRB Construction and Public Contract Law Seminar (2005)
• “Litigation Strategy – How the Parties Should Approach the Process,” OMRB Construction and Public Contract Law Seminar (2004)

Professional and Civic Involvement

Washington State Bar Association
King County Bar Association, Construction Law Section
Montana State Bar Association
Trustee, The Beavers Charitable Trust
Member, University of Washington Contractor Industry Advisory Council
Director, Western Washington University Foundation
President, Washington Athletic Club 101 Club
Director, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Seattle Chapter)
Member, Seattle Police Foundation
Phi Delta Phi Legal Honorary

Courts

Washington State Courts
U.S. District Court, Eastern District, Washington
U.S. District Court, Western District, Washington
U.S. Court of Federal Claims

Education

J.D., University of Montana, 1971
B.S., University of Washington, Construction Management, 1968

Notable

The Beavers Association Golden Beaver Awardee (2012)
Selected as a “Super Lawyer” by Washington Law & Politics Magazine (2003-present)