Jeanette Sharell Samuels

Jeanette “Sam” Samuels has a proven track record of fighting for justice.  A distinguished trial attorney, Sam has achieved a remarkable degree of success in state and federal courtrooms throughout the midwest.

As a first year associate, Sam was part of the litigation team that settled a case with the City of Chicago for $650 thousand, vindicating the rights of a family who had been harassed and mistreated by several members of the police department. Months later, Sam’s team settled another case for $100 thousand with the City of Chicago on behalf of a client who had been falsely arrested and maliciously prosecuted when police officers claimed the salt rocks they found in the cuffs of his pants was methamphetamine.

Since becoming licensed, Sam’s practice has focused almost exclusively on enforcing individual liberties, with a special emphasis on civil rights and police misconduct. Aware that discrimination permeates all areas of the law, Sam expanded her practice to represent criminal defendants. As the intersection between civil rights and sports has peaked, Sam’s team now works proactively to represent the interests of athletes by providing legal representation to emerging players, competitors, and coaches.

With the support of community leaders and friends, Sam founded Samuels & Associates, Ltd., to provide affordable, quality legal representation to Chicago’s underserved industries and communities. She was a member of Executive Board for the Cook County Bar Association, is on the Board of Directors for the Legal Aid Chicago, and provides pro bono legal advice to various Chicago-area community organizations and associations.

When not working, Sam regularly speaks to students and community organizations on a number of topics, including civil rights, voting, and the importance of social advocacy.