Sami has more than 19 years of experience handling a broad range of litigation defense and transactional work in West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. She spent several years as both in-house counsel and project manager for a site development contractor. Seeing projects come together from the office and from the field provided Sami a perspective that few attorneys obtain, and uses this knowledge and her skill sets to counsel clients on all things construction related, including labor, employment, contracts, construction defect and personal injury defense.
In addition to her construction experience, Sami has developed a deep knowledge of public sector and governmental immunity claims. She has defended numerous law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities from allegations of improper conduct. Sami’s governmental torts experience includes defense of educational facilities, including county school boards and universities. Further, she has represented governmental and non-governmental health care institutions from claims of medical negligence.
Practices
- Obtained favorable verdict for general contractor following jury trial against utility company involving issues with unmarked underground utility lines.
- Prevailed on motion to dismiss following a claim against correctional facility by former inmate.
- Prevailed on summary judgment and subsequent appeal following a claim against state hospital by former contract worker for wrongful termination on the basis of race discrimination.
- Represented university board of governors following a claim by student regarding bodily injury sustained during a university event.
- Represented numerous correctional facility defendants following claims of mistreatment by current and former inmates.
- Represented city and city police officers following a claim of wrongful death involving use of force issues.
- Represented numerous insureds following claims of negligence arising from motor vehicle accidents.
- Represented insurance companies following claims for underinsured motorist benefits arising from motor vehicle accidents.
- Represented school boards and numerous school board employees following claims of mistreatment of students.
- Represented school board members following claims of failure to hire in alleged retaliation for applicants’ exercise of free speech.
- Represented general contractor in construction defect claim by property owner.
- Represented property owners in dispute with neighbors following claims of trespassing and nuisance.
- Represented numerous medical defendants following claims of malpractice including, but not limited to, wrongful death.
- Represented employer in harassment claim by former employee.
- Represented general contractor in contract dispute with public entity.
Education
- University of Cincinnati College of Law, JD, 2005
- Ohio University, BBA, General Business, 2002
Admissions
- West Virginia
- Kentucky
- Ohio
- United States District Courts: Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Southern District of Ohio, Eastern District of Kentucky
- United States Court of Appeals: Fourth Circuit
Professional Memberships
- Lawrence County Law Library, Legal Resources Board, Member (2016-2025)
- Lawrence County Bar Association, Member (2015-Current)
- Officer (2007-2013)
- President (2013)
Languages
- English