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Samuel Richard Clawson Jr.
also known as Sam Clawson, Sam Clawson Jr
About Samuel
Biography
A native of Charleston, Sam graduated from Porter Gaud School and matriculated to the University of South Carolina, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, as a history major and political science minor. He remained at the University of South Carolina for law school, where he received the CALI award for academic excellence in Products Liability and obtained a Juris Doctorate. Sam moved to New York City following law school to continue his education at New York Maritime College, where he graduated with honors with a Master of Science in International Transportation Management and Merchant Marine deck officer’s license.
Sam has sailed deep sea as a deck officer on unlimited tonnage vessels for leading international container liner Maersk. He currently holds United States Coast Guard licenses as a Second Mate Any Gross Tons Oceans and as a Master Not More Than One Hundred Tons Near Coastal. Sam has also served as an Adjunct Professor in the Naval Science Department at The Citadel, instructing senior Naval ROTC cadets in terrestrial navigation and the nautical Rules of the Road.
Sam has been licensed since 2008 and practices in the areas of admiralty, maritime, dram shop, liquor liability, liquor licensing, negligent security, hospitality industry, premises liability, specialty commercial, personal injury and general litigation. His education and experiences prior to working as an attorney have allowed him to develop a unique insight into these practice areas.
Sam practiced for a number of years at Clawson & Staubes, LLC, a leading multi-state insurance defense firm, giving him significant insight into how insurance companies handle claims. He co-founded Clawson Fargnoli, LLC in 2017 and now represents only plaintiffs in personal injury cases, with a focus on litigating claims involving serious bodily injury or death arising in the context of boating and personal water craft accidents, dram shop / liquor liability accidents and daycare facility abuse and neglect, prescription errors, major trip and falls, motor vehicle accidents and wrongful death.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
40%-40%
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in South Carolina for 17 years
State: South Carolina
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Clawson Fargnoli & Utsey, LLC
The Presqu’ile House, 2 Amherst Street, Charleston, SC, 29403
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Samuel Richard Clawson Jr.'s Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Ben | November 29, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
top star for sure
I met Mr Clawson while he was working on a case for me and handled everything with the respect and knowledge of my case that was top notch. He and his staff kept me up to date on everything I recommend Him and his staff if you need them
Posted by Paula | February 5, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Lawyer
I highly recommend Sam and Christy. They worked so hard for my husband and I and supported us during the worst time in our lives. No matter how many questions we asked, they were there to answer them. Everyone in the office is so patient and welcoming. Hands down, the best lawyers in the state!
Posted by Bianca | August 11, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly recommend
I highly recommend Sam and Christy. They have done such an amazing job helping me and my family get through a tough time. I can’t Thank them enough
Posted by Daniel | January 2, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Very Good Lawyer
I have worked with and against Sam on several cases. Not only is he an effective and innovative litigator, but a great person as well. I would recommend him as an attorney.
Posted by Christopher | January 31, 2016 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER FOR BOATING ACCIDENTS
I have known Sam many years. He is an extraordinary individual who possesses a lot of talents. Perhaps most importantly, he is the "go to" attorney when an unfortunate accident happens on the waterways in South Carolina. Maritime law is a tricky and not well understood specialty. You will be well ser...
Samuel Richard Clawson Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Sam does an excellent job and leaves no stone unturned."
"Sam is an excellent lawyer who has been opposing counsel on several of my cases. Sam is highly intelligent, a strong advocate for his clients and admirably professional in his conduct. He strives for excellence and from my experience always delivers."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sam is intelligent, diligent, personable, and professional. He is a capable adversary with whom I enjoy interacting."
"I had the pleasure of working with Sam Clawson Jr. as opposing counsel on an insurance dispute. I knew that Sam was very respected by other attorneys as a great lawyer and tough advocate for his clients. After working with him, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved. Sam is a tough, knowledgeable, and attorney, and I would absolutely refer one of my own clients or family members to him and trust that he will represent them with the personal attention they deserve."
"I've known Sam a long time and there is no brighter lawyer, no harder work, and no finer gentleman practicing law in South Carolina. Sam and I have worked on a number of cases together, and each time his commitment to his client, professionalism, and results-oriented approach shine through. If you need top-shelf personal injury representation, Sam's your guy."
"Sam exhibits exemplary leadership skills, is forward thinking, and is wise behond his years. Sam will take care of you and work diligently to help you reach your goals. You're in good hands."
"Sam Jr. is an excellent litigator specializing in personal injury cases and maritime law. He is very thorough and professional and a great asset to the Charleston legal community. I highly recommend and endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Sam for twenty years and can attest to both his keen intellect and diligent work ethic. He is a true gentleman and represents his clients with the utmost legal abilities and ethical standards. He is honest, determined, and dependable and very dedicated to obtaining the best results for his clients."
"I have worked against Sam in several cases where he represented the defendants and insurance carriers. I find Sam to be a fine lawyer and honest lawyer, who serves his clients well."
"I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer. In this city, we have such a need for qualified and experienced maritime lawyers. Sam has taken his education and experience to the practice of law. He would be a valuable person to retain for any injury on the waters around Charleston."
"Sam has become the "go-to" lawyer in Charleston for Admiralty and Maritime litigation. He comes from a legal family with deep roots in the law. I would highly recommend Sam to my friends and family, and without a doubt, I receives my highest endorsement."
"Sam is a great attorney who is very knowledgeable regarding personal injury law. I have known Sam for several years and can attest to both his legal experience and ethical character. I wholeheartedly endorse him as a personal injury attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked closely with Sam for several years. During this time, I have been impressed by Sam's work ethic, attention to detail, and aggressive representation of his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sam is arising star in the Charleston Maritime Law Bar. Sam combines his extensive maritime knowledge and experience with solid legal talent and background. He routinely appears as chief counsel in high-value maritime cases. If you are in need of quality experienced maritime counsel look no further than Sam."
"I enthusiastically endorse Sam as he is well known as an experienced litigator while enjoying a well earned reputation for candor. Having experience as both a claimant's and a defense attorney, he has unique insight into the effective and efficient handling of cases. Not only does he come from a long line of litigators but he is backed by the collective wisdom and resources of an established Charleston litigation firm."
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Experience
Honors
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2006
Academic Excellence - Products Liability, CALI
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Trial Laywer, Clawson Fargnoli, LLC
2011 - 2013
Deck Officer, Maersk Line Limited
2010 - 2011
Adjunct Professor, The Citadel The Military College Of South Carolina
2008 - 2017
Attorney, Clawson & Staubes, LLC
Associations
2010 - Present
Nautical InstituteMember
2010 - Present
Maritime Association of South CarolinaMember
2010 - Present
Propeller Club of CharlestonMember
2010 - Present
South Carolina Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Charleston County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Berkeley County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Hartle v. McAllister's Deli
Settled for $375,000
Ezzell v. Verticle Access
Settled for $500,000
Harlte v. Rivertown Country Club
Settled for $325,000
Education
2010
State University of New York, Maritime College at Ft. Schuyler
MS - Master of Science
2010
State University of New York, Maritime College at Ft. Schuyler
Merchant Marine Deck Officer License
2007
University of South Carolina School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
University of South Carolina
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2020
Navigating the Stormy Seas: Government Liability Litigation
FOIA as a Discovery Tool and FOIA Litigation
2010
Naval ROTC Instructional
Navigation and Collision Avoidance
Publications
2020
South Carolina Lawyer
Litigating High Speed Vehicle Pursuit Cases
2019
South Carolina Association for Justice
Tips from the Other Side
2015
Professional Mariner
When Meeting, Take Care to Assess Other Vessel’s Bearing, Course
2013
Professional Mariner
Starboard Quarter Approach: don't assume you know what the other vessel is thinking
2013
2013
Seaways
Introducing the SEEMP: What does the introduction of the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan mean in practice
2012
2012
Seaways
MARPOL Should be Trained in STCW's Mandated Rest Hours Before U.S. Implementation
2012
Seaways
Mandated Rest Hours: the compliance conundrum
Languages
English