Samir Sarna

Samir Sarna

4.9
Rating: 8.6

Licensed for 15 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Pittsburgh, PA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

332 5th Avenue, 1st Floor, Pittsburgh, PA

About Samir

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 15 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 2011

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC

332 5th Avenue, 1st Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222

Worgul., Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC - Harrisburg Office

600 N 3rd St., Ste B, Harrisburg, PA, 17101

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Samir Sarna's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

62 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 17 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by JJ | February 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Litigation

Had to Fire Him!

My wife and I hired this attorney to assist us with our case. At first, he was fine and stayed engaged,. However, after some time it was difficult to contact him. He showed up late for the first hearing, then sent someone else (without our knowledge) in his place for the second hearing. He submit...ted motions without first reviewing content with us which contained inaccurate information that caused delays on the entire process. He also submitted an incorrect motion that also caused additional delays. He was very difficulty to get ahold of and when he did respond it was short remarks via email. I had to contact his legal assistant many times to get answers. We ended up firing him and going with someone else at another firm. We are so happy we did. Just wish we would have done that sooner - it would have saved a great dela of time and money! The case was won by our new attorney and we were successful. I WOULD NOT recommend this attorney at all. There are so many choices out there. Do your homework before you hire this firm. Yes, there are some good comments online about this firm. We were fooled by some of those comments as well......unfortunate that we did! Don't be fooled!

Samir Sarna

Replied last February 23, 2024

The facts surrounding this representation are as follows: The individual voicing this complaint was not my client. Without breaking confidentially, I represented his wife. She was charged with DUI and fleeing from the police. It was a second offense. The district attorneys office in Allegheny doesn’t typically negotiate on fleeing charges. However I was still able to get the fleeing charge dismissed despite this policy. This is because I used my training, experience, and legal acumen to point out deficiencies in the commonwealth’s case that led them to agree to withdraw the fleeing charge. The client was then eligible to accept a mitigated sentence that included house arrest instead of the MANDATORY jail time. And yet, the client’s husband was still not satisfied. Somehow he thought we would be able to avoid the mandatory house arrest bc he had previously planned to retire, sell the family home in Allegheny county (where house arrest would have to be served) and take an RV across the country with his wife; which violates house arrest and probation. I explained to both my client and her husband that I would try but it was not included in our fee agreement or contract, as I was technically only obligated to represent his wife through sentencing. Any allegation that I failed to communicate effectively is simply untrue as I gave them my personal cell phone, as I do with all my clients, which is a service that many other attorneys do not provide. I was available throughout the pendency of the case, and as I tell all my clients, I don’t change my number but I ask them to be respectful of my personal time and the frequency of communication. This client’s husband harassed my staff, and continued to ask unreasonable questions despite my repeated explanations of the status of the case. I achieved a very favorable outcome for my client and my client never expressed any dissatisfaction with my communication, services, or the ultimate result in this case. For the sake of making a clear record, I also note that I was not fired. I represented my client through sentencing and that’s where our contract ended. The husband, however, just expected work done that I did not agree to do for free. The husband never even offered to pay for services after the contract ended and is now upset bc I wouldn’t work for free. Anyone questioning my abilities or my firm’s work product is welcome to check the hundreds of other google reviews that we have received in the last decade +.

Posted by Marcus | January 07, 2021 | Hired Attorney

Marcus and Joanne Davis

Me and my wife have never been in trouble with the law before other than a couple of speeding tickets. The incident we had was very traumatic for both of us. We contacted your firm and right away we were put at ease that we were in good hands. Samir has been very attentive to both of us. The same goe...s to the friendliness of Ashley. I will always use and recommend my family and peers to use your firm

Posted by Alex | September 07, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

I recommend Samir Sarna/Worgul Lawfirm

Samir was responsive in a quick timely manner to every question/concern and request I threw his way. He was well prepared for my case and got me the absolute best possible scenario when the outcome was decided, which was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I worked with a few people at Worgul duri...ng the process as well in regards to information about my case. They kept me up to date on times, changes, etc. I highly recommend Samir and the Worgul Law Firm.

Posted by Rakesh | July 06, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Sex Crime

Excellent Lawyer for Sexual Misconduct Cases

I hired Samir some time ago for a college related matter, in which I was being investigated with sexual misconduct by Title IX. Initially, I was very scared and afraid as I myself knew that I had done basically nothing wrong but cases involving sexual misconduct are treated very harshly and cruelly a...gainst men and can cause even the most innocent college students to be kicked out of school, possibly registered as a sex offender, unable to pursue their dreams. When I came in for my free consultation, I noticed how Samir paid extremely close attention to every detail I gave him. You can tell that he really cares about his clients on a personal level and addresses the matter at hand very seriously. As we went on to talk about his fees, I did initially notice that his fees were very high, but when your future is on line, money comes second. As Samir and I fought through this case, every time I gave a text to Samir, he would respond within 5 minutes. Every time I sent an email to him, he would send one back within 5 minutes. Every time I sent a call to him and he did not pick up, he would text me back within that 5 minutes and we would arrange a call or a personal meeting later. Its amazing to work with someone who is always so consistent and well time managed. In addition, when it was time to write up my defense, and I submitted it for Samir to review, Samir sent me another edited copy with numerous edits, and these edits were so powerful and convincing that I was left amazed myself. In the end, the opposing side eventually had to say that there was not enough evidence for them to pursue charges on me. We had won the case. It goes without saying that if I had gone in that room without Samir beside me or any other excellent lawyer, I would have lost the case and essentially submitted an admission to guilt, and the reason for this is because there are just so many rules that you just do not know about how women are supposed to be treated, loved, touched, etc. The Title IX office essentially gave me a 50 to 60 page book about these rules to read. If you are a student like me in a Title IX case, I highly recommend that you think about taking Samir as your lawyer. These guys at the Title IX office are no joke. They are not your friends. If you say something wrong despite how small, you can throw your college dreams out the window. Samir is not there to play it; he's there to win it.

Posted by anonymous | June 15, 2018 | Hired Attorney

Samir Sarna is an excellent and a very professional lawyer to have on your side.

Samir, who was my attorney at Worgul Law Firm, was absolutely wonderful and helpful to the fullest extent. I never had to wait for a call back because he always answered the phone. Every question I had was answered promptly. I felt very comfortable with my case being taken care of by this law firm. ...

See All Client Reviews

Samir Sarna's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Samir
Julie A. Jones headshot
Julie Jones

Criminal defense lawyer | May 24

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse Attorney Sarna - he is well respected in the legal community and works diligently for his clients."

Austin Paul White headshot
Austin White

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Francis Rooney V headshot
John Rooney

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Samir is the real deal! Smair is smart, well prepared and aggressive. If you're looking for an attonrey who truly cares about his clients, and is not afraid to go to trial, call Samir."

Benjamin Joseph Gobel headshot
Benjamin Gobel

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Samir Sarna is an excellent trial attorney and litigator. His results speak for themselves, as he consistently and significantly exceeds the expectations of his clients and his peers. I do not hesitate to recommend Samir to anyone in need of an attorney in Pittsburgh or throughout Western Pennsylvania."

Adam Michael Bishop headshot
Adam Bishop

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Samir is a talented criminal litigator who puts his clients first."

Matthew Thomas Ness headshot
Matthew Ness

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Co-worker

"Attorney Sarna is, without reservation, one of the best young criminal defense practitioners in the Western Pennsylvania region. He is a true professional who fights for his clients with and unrivaled zeal and dedication to their needs. Having worked with him closely, I have personally observed his compassion for each and every client that has walked through our doors and assisted them with every moment of the challenges they face. It is a true honor to share the profession of the practice of law with such a talented and consummate professional."

Andrew Glenn Rothey headshot
Andrew Rothey

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Samir is not only a very smart young lawyer, but he quickly gained a ton of experience working in complex, multi-defendant drug and violent crime cases while at the Office of Conflict Counsel. He's also a great guy."

Ryan Harrison James headshot
Ryan James

Criminal defense lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Edward Waltman headshot
Michael Waltman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Samir is the consummate professional. In the legal field, it's often said that a good attorney knows the law, but a great attorney knows the judge. This is often mistaken to mean that a great attorney plays golf with the judge on the weekend, but what it really means is that a great attorney knows his audience. I can say without hesitation that Mr. Sarna is an attorney that knows his audience, and in our community of criminal defense attorneys, there's no greater weapon."

Michael D. Litman headshot
Michael Litman

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Dominic Pometto headshot
Joseph Pometto

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I worked with Samir on criminal defense matters and, in addition to being a great mentor, he provides personal and professional services to all of his clients. I endorse Samir Sarna."

Frankie C. Walker II headshot
Frankie Walker

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Fearless defender of the constitution. I endorse Samir without reservation."

Andrew Oliver Stiffler headshot
Andrew Stiffler

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 24

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. Samir Sarna is very well respected in the legal community. Samir responds to clients' needs and gets results. I recommend this lawyer."

David Seth Zuckerman headshot
David Zuckerman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Samir is a skilled trial attorney who treats both his clients and opposing counsel with class and dignity. He handled a probation violation hearing for me, and was able to achieve the desired result - the client's release from jail."

Ryan Matthew Tutera headshot
Ryan Tutera

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Benjamin Jacob Steinberg headshot
Benjamin Steinberg

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Co-worker

"Samir Sarna is a professional, knowledgeable, and passionate attorney. He treats his clients with the same respect he does his colleagues. I highly recommend Mr. Sarna to handle criminal defense matters with diligence, compassion, and competence."

Michael Paul Petro headshot
Michael Petro

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Renee L. Mielnicki headshot
Renee Mielnicki

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robert E. Mielnicki headshot
Robert Mielnicki

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.Samir is hardworking and appears to really enjoy the practice of criminal law.I have seen him in action and I am impressed."

Michael Worgul headshot
Michael Worgul

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"Attorney Sarna began his career doing contract work for me. I was impressed by how quickly and efficiently he picked up the information. He is currently working through one of the best training programs for trial advocacy in Western Pennsylvania. I have no doubt that when he completes the program he will be a rising star in the legal community."

View All Endorsements
William John Theisen headshot
William Theisen

Criminal defense lawyer

Phillip Carlos Hong-Barco headshot
Phillip Hong-Barco

Criminal defense lawyer

James F. Bogatay headshot
James Bogatay

Family lawyer

Anne Marie Mancuso headshot
Anne Mancuso

Criminal defense lawyer

Julie A. Jones headshot
Julie Jones

Personal injury lawyer

Ryan A. Mergl headshot
Ryan Mergl

Criminal defense lawyer

Kenneth Jay Haber headshot
Kenneth Haber

Criminal defense lawyer

Austin Paul White headshot
Austin White

Litigation lawyer

John Francis Rooney V headshot
John Rooney

Criminal defense lawyer

Benjamin Joseph Gobel headshot
Benjamin Gobel

Medical malpractice lawyer

Adam Michael Bishop headshot
Adam Bishop

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Thomas Ness headshot
Matthew Ness

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew Glenn Rothey headshot
Andrew Rothey

Medical malpractice lawyer

Michael Edward Waltman headshot
Michael Waltman

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael D. Litman headshot
Michael Litman

Criminal defense lawyer

Ronald W. Hayward headshot
Ronald Hayward

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Dominic Pometto headshot
Joseph Pometto

Landlord or tenant lawyer

Frankie C. Walker II headshot
Frankie Walker

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew Oliver Stiffler headshot
Andrew Stiffler

Criminal defense lawyer

Janine Emily Smith headshot
Janine Smith

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.6 (Excellent)

Honors

2017

Legal Excellence Award, Salute to Legal Excellence

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Partner, Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC

2011 - 2013

Associate Counsel, Allegheny County Office Of Conflict Counsel

Associations

2013 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2013 - Present

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2012 - Present

Allegheny County Bar Association

Member

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Member

Education

2010

University of Pittsburgh School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2007

Roger Williams University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution