PRO
Steven Robert Samples
also known as Steve Samples
About Steven
Biography
I believe that trying a case to a jury is the best part of my job. That belief is the basis for the entire way I handle cases at Samples Ames. When our firm accepts cases, I am evaluating the prospects of that case in front of a jury. I size up the case, and I also size up the client. I always ask myself if a jury will relate to my client, and our firm often conducts focus groups before we accept the case.
Big case or small case, it doesn’t matter. For me, it all comes down to whether I have a good case for a jury. Sure, we settle many cases in our firm. But that’s because the client receives an offer that the client wants to take. Make no mistake, an attractive settlement offer only comes because the opposing party recognizes the jury appeal of the case and understands that our firm has positioned the case for trial. When our clients choose to accept a settlement offer, they do so because they truly have an option to go to trial. That option is only available when a firm handles its cases with that goal in mind.
Trial law is a second career for me. In 1996, I left my prior job as in investment banker and went to law school at Baylor University in Waco. I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&M in 1982 and 1986, so before law school, Waco was just the place where I got off of I-35 and onto Highway 6. But I really enjoyed my time in Waco, and I enjoyed my time at Baylor. While there, I was selected as the Justice Jack Hightower Scholar and was selected for membership in the Order of the Barristers and the Baylor Law Review.
Since 1999, I have only worked with firms that focus their practice on contingent-fee plaintiff’s litigation. From 1999 to 2003, I worked with Tom Hall and Mike Freden at Hall & Freden in Fort Worth. In 2003, I moved to the Noteboom law firm in Hurst, and stayed there through the end of 2013. In 2014, I left to start my own firm, and that firm is now called Samples Ames PLLC.
I grew up in Dallas and Carrollton, but I live in northeast Tarrant County. Our firm has offices in Fort Worth and Carrollton, and I live right in the middle. I tend to spend most of my time in Tarrant County, and my partner, James Ames, is generally in the Carrollton office.
Our caseload keeps us pretty busy, but I enjoy two hobbies. I used to travel extensively in my prior career, and I picked up an appreciation for architectural photography. Wherever I go today, I generally have a camera with me. And since I was in college, I have always had at least one Australian Shepherd in the house. Around 2010, I started competing with my dogs in obedience. That turned out to be a great hobby, and I was really proud when one of my dogs was ranked in the national top-10. That experience in learning how a dog should be handled is helpful to me as me represent dog-bite victims, which is a growing practice area in our firm.
Practice Areas
10
Practice Areas
26 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
30%-45%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Texas for 12 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
Online Presence
Other places you can find Steven online.
Steven Robert Samples's Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 client review from Avvo
Posted by Mark | February 1, 2014
I'm glad I hired Steve Samples.
Hiring Steve Samples was the best thing I did in my case. I had very bad burns from a gas well that blew west of Fort Worth. I called lawyers from TV and billboards, but they were going to send me to some other lawyer without telling me why I should go there. Then one told me to go to Steve and ex...
Steven Robert Samples's Lawyer Endorsements
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Steve has phenomenal research skills and knows the nuances of personal injury law. He has a keen eye for detail and obtains great results for the clients he represents."
"Keen attention to detail with exceptional client service. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Steve has very unique abilities to quickly evaluate and analyze complex legal cases. I have been fortunate to represent client with potential seven figure recoveries, and would not think of proceeding to far in their cases, without either consulting, or hiring Steve!"
"Steve can successfully litigate a case at the trial court level and he is also a skilled Appellate writer if you find yourself needing to write an appeal. Steve stays abreast of current legal opinions very well. Many lawyers have questions about nuances in the law - Steve has the answers."
"Steve is, quite simply, brilliant. He loves a challenge and is the best legal writer with whom I have worked."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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"I endorse this lawyer."
"Steven is a skilled and dedicated lawyer who fights hard to get his clients the best results. He is an asset to the profession."
"Attorney Samples is a well respected member of the legal community. His tireless advocacy for his clients and mastery of legal principles has earned the respect of his colleagues and clients alike. I highly endorse this lawyer."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"Mr. Samples is generous enough to share his legal knowledge on sites like Avvo. Apart from being kind, he is also a passionate, intelligent, and skilled attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Steven. He is well versed in the law and an asset to the legal community."
"Top notch attorney, who provides excellent legal service and successful representation. I happily endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Steven. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Personal injury lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
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Criminal defense lawyer
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Car accident lawyer
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Experience
Honors
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
1999
Professionalism Award, State Bar of Texas
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Attorney, Samples Ames PLLC
1900 - Present
Member, Samples Ames, PLLC
2003 - 2013
Appellate Director, Noteboom
1999 - 2003
Briefing Clerk, Hall & Freden, L.L.P.
1996 - 1999
Chief Financial Officer, Atlantic Capital Advisory Corp
1990 - 1996
Vice President, First Union Corporation
1986 - 1990
Assistant Vice President, Barnett Banks, Inc.
Associations
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Victory for Plaintiff
Victory for Petitioner
Victory for Plaintiff
Education
1999
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
M.B.A.
1982
B.S.
Speaking Engagements
2006
2003
Changing Liability Profiles
Publications
2005
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Steven earned significant contribution points in 2014.
Legal Answers
Can I sue a past employer for defamation of character for violating my confidentiality and privacy rights?
09 Sep 2014
Can I sue my own insurance company if I'm hit by an uninsured driver and I suffer injuries.?
16 Aug 2014
Can I sue car maker for known problem but no recall?
13 Jul 2014