Sam is a relentless and resourceful litigator who thrives in the complexity of energy disputes. Sam focuses his practice on the energy industry, advising domestic and international insurers and carriers on coverage, defense monitoring, and subrogation recovery across pipeline incidents, equipment failures, and oilfield liability claims in both state and federal courts. Whether working alongside technical experts or preparing cases for trial, Sam approaches each matter with care and precision to position his clients for the best possible outcome.
Sam’s legal career began as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas in the Civil Medicaid Fraud Division, where he pursued off-label marketing and drug misbranding cases against the nation’s largest pharmaceutical companies. This role provided Sam with early, hands-on experience navigating complex, high-stakes litigation, building the evidentiary discipline and strategic instincts that would define his career. Sam later transitioned to private practice, representing commercial clients in products liability, premises liability, and wrongful death cases, honing his ability to craft targeted litigation strategies and deliver results for the clients he serves.
Raised in South Texas, Sam grew up in a household where the law and public service were a way of life. His mother, a retired attorney, dedicated her legal career to representing underserved communities, and his father served for many years as an elected school board member. Both parents impressed upon him that the skills and opportunities he developed came with a responsibility to give back. That early foundation shaped the kind of lawyer Sam set out to become, one who approaches every matter with purpose and a genuine commitment to the people and organizations he represents.
Sam takes pride in giving back to the next generation of lawyers. He actively mentors law students and young attorneys through the University of Houston Law Center’s Professional Mentoring Program, sharing the practical skills and judgment that complex litigation demands.
Services
Cases & Experience
- Second chair of trial team that secured a defense judgment in a personal injury matter involving a commercial client in Texas state court. Sam examined both fact and expert witnesses in open court, including medical experts.
- Second chair of trial team in a commercial contract dispute involving the sale of oilfield casing pipe in Texas state court. Sam examined both facts and expert witnesses in open court.
- Drafted and argued successful motions for summary judgment in a products liability matter, resulting in a defense judgment and dismissal of all claims against the client.
- Member of trial team prosecuting a subrogation claim on behalf of an insurer arising from an incident at an energy facility, coordinating with technical experts to support recovery on behalf of the client carrier.
- Regularly advises domestic and international insurers on defense tender obligations and indemnity disputes arising from oilfield personal injury and property damage claims, including analysis of master service agreement provisions and compliance with the Texas Oilfield Anti-Indemnity Act.
- Extensive motion practice experience, including drafting and responding to motions for summary judgment, motions in limine, and dispositive motions in both state and federal courts across Texas.
- Taken and defended numerous depositions of both fact and expert witnesses, including accident reconstructionists, engineers, and medical professionals, across a range of energy and commercial disputes.
- Participated in mediations and informal settlement negotiations across a range of energy and commercial matters, achieving favorable resolutions on behalf of carrier and energy company clients.
Education & Admissions
- University of Houston Law Center, J.D., 2018
- UHLC Dean’s Scholarship Recipient, 2015-2018
- Houston Journal of Health Law and Policy, Editor
- University of Texas at Austin Alumni Organization, President
- University of Texas at Austin, B.S. in Public Relations, 2015
- State Bar of Texas
- U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Western Districts of Texas
Professional & Civic
- Texas Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Houston Bar Association
- Hispanic Bar Association
- University of Houston Law Center Professional Mentoring Program
Outside the Office
Outside the Office
When I’m not in the office, I’m usually trying a new restaurant with my wife, exploring with our Mini-Australian Shepherd, or planning our next trip. I also have a passion for photography and enjoy volunteering at the Houston SPCA on weekends.
Favorite sports teams
Texas Longhorns, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Astros.
Favorite vacation spot
Scottish Highlands, where I hope to live out my eventual retirement.