I completed my undergraduate education at Augusta State University. During my time there, I was a member of the Augusta State University baseball team, where I was a three-time team captain, a two-time Male Student-Athlete of the Year award winner, and also set a NCAA record with a 47 game hitting streak. I was elected Student Body President and received the Senior Service Leadership Award, recognizing outstanding service to the university and the community. Following my time at Augusta State, I played professional baseball in Europe. I attended law school at Michigan State University and graduated in the top 10% of my class. I was also a member of the school’s arbitration and negotiation teams, and played on the school's club ice hockey team.
Upon graduating, I had the privilege to work as a law clerk for The Honorable John M. Ott, Chief Superior Court Judge for the Alcovy Judicial Circuit (Walton and Newton counties). While working for Judge Ott, I gained valuable experience handling domestic relations cases, which included divorce, child custody, child support, and adoptions. After my clerkship, I accepted a position as an Assistant District Attorney in the Alcovy Judicial Circuit. During my time with the Walton County District Attorney’s Office, I prosecuted over 600 felony and misdemeanor cases and had numerous jury trials, obtaining convictions including murder, child molestation, and aggravated assault.
In January 2015, I joined Foster, Hanks & Ballard as an associate practicing primarily in the areas of domestic relations and criminal defense.
In July 2016, I was appointed Associate Magistrate Judge of Oconee County and was one of the youngest serving Judges in the State of Georgia. Following the completion of my initial term in December 2016, I was reappointed to serve Oconee County for another four-year term. Since taking the bench in Oconee County, I have had the honor of sitting as a Superior Court Judge by designation handling criminal jury trials and temporary protective orders. In September 2017, I was hired by the City of Walnut Grove in Walton County, Georgia to be its Chief Municipal Court Judge.
I'm a member of the State Bar of Georgia and also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, United States District Court of the Northern District of Georgia, United States District Court of the Middle District of Georgia, Supreme Court of Georgia, and the Georgia Court of Appeals.
I was born in Marion, South Carolina and moved to Watkinsville, Georgia in 1997. I'm married with three children and a golden retriever. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, and cheering on the Michigan State Spartans, Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Braves, and Atlanta United.
Practice areas
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
GA | Active Member in Good Standing | 2010 | 12/21/2020 |
Legal answers | 1 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Best Law Firm | The Walton Tribune | 2015 |
Senior Service Leadership Award | Augusta State University | 2005 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Hanks, Ballard & Barth | 2019 - Present |
Municipal Court Judge | City of Walnut Grove | 2017 - Present |
Associate Magistrate Judge | Oconee County Magistrate Court | 2016 - Present |
Municipal Court Solicitor | City of Walnut Grove | 2015 - 2016 |
Indigent Counsel | Walton County Magistrate Court | 2015 - 2017 |
Associate | Foster, Hanks & Ballard, LLC | 2014 - 2019 |
---|---|---|
Assistant District Attorney | Walton County District Attorney's Office | 2012 - 2014 |
Staff Attorney | The Honorable John M. Ott, Chief Superior Court Judge, Alcovy Judicial Circuit | 2010 - 2012 |
Law Clerk | Foster & Harmon P.C. - East Lansing, Michigan | 2008 - 2009 |
Law Clerk | Robert W. Hunter, III, Attorney At Law - Augusta, Georgia | 2004 - 2005 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
State Bar of Georgia, Unauthorized Practice of Law, District 10 Committee | Vice-Chairman | 2017 - Present |
Western Judicial Circuit Bar Association | Member | 2016 - Present |
National College of DUI Defense | Member | 2015 - Present |
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2015 - Present |
Ocmulgee Circuit Bar Association | Member | 2015 - Present |
Walton County Bar Association | Member | 2010 - Present |
---|---|---|
Northeast Georgia Officials Association | Member | 2009 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
The Augusta Chronicle | Former Augusta State Star Works Hard to Accomplish Goals | 2014 |
The Walton Tribune | Trial Begins for Parents Accused in Death of Child | 2013 |
Athens Banner-Herald | Barth Making His Mark | 2005 |
The Augusta Chronicle | ASU Catcher Excels on Field, Classroom | 2004 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Michigan State University College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2009 |
Augusta State University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2005 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
FIrst Pitch Dinner & Fundraiser | Being a Student-Athlete and Life After Baseball | 2016 |
Law Day 2014 | Serving on a Jury: The Right and Duty of a Citizen | 2014 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
State of Georgia v. Jami Lea Jones | Guilty Verdict for Malice Murder - Conviction Upheld by Georgia Supreme Court |
State of Georgia v. Louis David Jones | Guilty Verdict for Malice Murder - Conviction Upheld by Georgia Supreme Court |
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Robbie Ballard, Family Attorney on Apr 20, 2017
Relationship: Co-worker
I have known Sam since the start of his legal career in Walton County. Having first met him during his service to our chief superior court judge, I have been able to watch his career develop from law clerk to a highly effective criminal prosecutor and then into private practice representing clients in both civil and criminal matters. Sam's experience as law clerk and criminal prosecutor gave him the opportunity to expertly hone his litigation skills both inside and outside of the courtroom. He is adept at identifying the legal challenges that lie ahead for his clients and preparing their cases for the best possible outcome. I have litigated cases against Sam during his years as a criminal prosecutor and with him since he moved into private practice and have always been impressed with his competence, dedication, and knowledge of the law.
Morris Wiltshire, Litigation Attorney on Apr 26, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Sam Barth is a lawyer with the right kind of experience, temperament and background. His experience as a prosecutor and law clerk for a local Superior Court Judge allowed him to understand the legal system and how it works from the inside. Sam was selected and confirmed as one of the very youngest Judges in Georgia and serves on the Magistrate Court Bench with distinction. I am proud to endorse Sam Barth and to recommend him to you. I know I can send clients to him for help and that they will be in very good hands.
Not only is Sam an excellent attorney, he's also just a great person in general. His unique background as a judicial clerk and a prosecutor is certainly a huge asset for his clients. I would recommend Sam to any of my friends or family members without hesitation.
Gregory Daniels, Family Attorney on May 5, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I have been opposing counsel in a number of cases with Mr. Barth. He is a professional and effective advocate for his clients. In my experience, Sam works hard to resolve cases amicably, and he is an aggressive litigator in those cases that cannot be settled. I highly recommend Sam to anyone who needs counsel in a family law matter.
Morris Wiltshire, Litigation Attorney on Apr 26, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Sam Barth is a lawyer with the right kind of experience, temperament and background. His experience as a prosecutor and law clerk for a local Superior Court Judge allowed him to understand the legal system and how it works from the inside. Sam was selected and confirmed as one of the very youngest Judges in Georgia and serves on the Magistrate Court Bench with distinction. I am proud to endorse Sam Barth and to recommend him to you. I know I can send clients to him for help and that they will be in very good hands.
William Pope, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 24, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sam Barth is a younger lawyer who has already distinguished himself among his peers. Sam excels at criminal defense and family law due to his strong work ethic and the experience he gained earlier in his career when he was a law clerk for a superior court judge. I am happy to endorse Sam Barth.
Michael Brown, Federal crime Attorney on Apr 24, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I have had the opportunity to be opposing counsel against Sam on several occasions. I have found him to be extremely smart and competent. He worked hard for his client to insure a positive result without injecting additional conflict into an already stressful situation. I have no hesitation in recommending Sam to anyone looking for competent representation.
Jeffrey Foster, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 24, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Utmost professional, great skills in the courtroom. He will shoot straight with you, whether you want him to or not!
Eric Crawford, Family Attorney on Apr 24, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sam is a great attorney, combining a personable demeanor with the legal pedigree and experience necessary to help his clients. I highly recommend him.
Walter Howard, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 21, 2017
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
He works very hard to obtain the best result possible for his clients.
Jeffery Rothman, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 21, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
You are in good hands with Sam Barth. Top notch lawyer.
Robbie Ballard, Family Attorney on Apr 20, 2017
Relationship: Co-worker
I have known Sam since the start of his legal career in Walton County. Having first met him during his service to our chief superior court judge, I have been able to watch his career develop from law clerk to a highly effective criminal prosecutor and then into private practice representing clients in both civil and criminal matters. Sam's experience as law clerk and criminal prosecutor gave him the opportunity to expertly hone his litigation skills both inside and outside of the courtroom. He is adept at identifying the legal challenges that lie ahead for his clients and preparing their cases for the best possible outcome. I have litigated cases against Sam during his years as a criminal prosecutor and with him since he moved into private practice and have always been impressed with his competence, dedication, and knowledge of the law.
Russell Wall, Litigation Attorney on Apr 13, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sam is an excellent attorney and I highly recommend him. He is professional, knowledgeable, and a "natural" in the courtroom. I would trust him with any of my own.
Gregory Debacker, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 13, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I referred a client to Sam Barth for a probation violation matter in Walton County. Sam was able to achieve the best possible result and the client's objectives quickly and efficiently. Sam delivered great service and the client was grateful for the referral.
Woodrow Ware, Family Attorney on Apr 12, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I first met Mr. Barth when helping the judge I worked for interview to replace me as his law clerk. We interviewed twenty or more applicants, and we both agreed that Mr. Barth was the obvious choice. Mr. Barth served our judge well, and then went on to be a diligent, hard-working assistant district attorney for our circuit. Now that he is in private practice, he has become an indispensable member of our local community of attorneys. He has been a pleasure to work with as opposing counsel, and has always been willing and eager to assist me however he could when I needed a favor. Most of all, Mr. Barth is an outstanding human being, and a man that I consider to be a great friend. I would trust him with my own legal matters, and would refer my closest friends and family to him without hesitation.
Marcy Hanks, Family Attorney on Apr 11, 2017
Relationship: Co-worker
Sam is an exceptional litigator and is determined to get the best possible outcome for all of his clients. He is an incredible asset to our firm.