Samuel Patrick Nielson

Samuel Patrick Nielson

also known as Sam Nielson

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 15 years

Employment and labor Lawyer at Laguna Hills, CA
Practice Areas: Employment & Labor, Wrongful Termination, Discrimination, Sexual Harassment

25255 Cabot Road, Suite 202, Laguna Hills, CA

About Samuel

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Contingency

40%-45%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 15 years

State: California

Acquired: 2010

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Elite Employment Law APC

25255 Cabot Road, Suite 202, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653

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Samuel Patrick Nielson's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

8 Client Reviews

5 star (8)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | November 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly Recommended Employment Lawyer

I had full confidence in Sam throughout the entire process. He maintained contact me with throughout the process to update me on the steps that were being taken and where we stood. Every question I had was answered clearly and I would highly recommend anyone with employment related questions and c...oncerns to contact Sam. He is extremely knowledgeable and I had full confidence in him every step of the way.

Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Helpful review

Sam was kind, thoughtful, honest and prompt. Really appreciated his openness and willingness to quickly review my situation and provide direction and recommendations.

Posted by Jonn | May 8, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional Employment Attorney—Highly Recommended

Sam Nielson at Elite Employment Law guided me through two separate employment disputes, including a retaliation and unpaid‑overtime case, and delivered outstanding results each time. From our first call he replied within minutes, laid out a clear game plan, and kept me updated at every step with cand...id, jargon‑free explanations. Sam anticipated the other side’s tactics, negotiated assertively, and always framed options around my goals and risk tolerance. Beyond his legal skill he showed genuine empathy, routinely checking on my well‑being and making the process feel manageable. Billing was transparent and fair—no guesswork, no surprises. The final outcome exceeded my expectations and left me feeling empowered. If you need an employment attorney who blends sharp strategy, responsiveness, and sincere client care, hire Sam. I’ve already referred friends and will go straight to him for any future employment issues.

Posted by anonymous | January 27, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional Guidance in Complex Settlement in Big Tech

I hired Sam to assist with a challenging settlement issue involving a large technology company, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. From the start, he provided clear guidance, set realistic expectations, and demonstrated deep knowledge of the legal process. His strategic approach and att...ention to detail ensured that my interests were well-protected, and he navigated the complexities of the case with confidence and professionalism. Sam’s communication was always timely, and he made a stressful situation much more manageable. I highly recommend him for anyone needing a knowledgeable and results-driven attorney, especially in high-stakes negotiations.

Posted by Andrew | August 18, 2024 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Samuel's free advice helped me

Sam provided free consultation regarding job law. His advice was spot on and relevant to my situation. I took notes and ask him to proofread them. He made several corrections and made sure I understood the law and the strategy. He told me that I didn’t have a strong case, but recommended actions I co...uld take to protect myself. Later when I needed a lawyer that specialized in Disability Law, he recommended a competent firm. Sam is a very good lawyer that is honest and cares about people, even when they are not paying the bills.

See All Client Reviews

Samuel Patrick Nielson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Samuel
Jacob A Stewart headshot
Jacob Stewart

Employment and labor lawyer | Jun 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sam is intelligent, professional, and easy to talk to. I would have no reservations referring clients to him."

Lorenzo Esteban Herrera headshot
Lorenzo Herrera

Discrimination lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Co-worker

"Sam is an exceptional attorney who has in depth knowledge of all aspects of labor and employment law. He has the ability to evaluate a case from the outset and map out an effective plan to reach the outcome most advantageous for his clients. Whether it is reaching a settlement or taking a case through trial, Sam is an attorney that I would feel confident having on my side."

Bruce G Lee headshot
Bruce Lee

Employment and labor lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Co-worker

"Sam is a dedicated, thorough and skilled advocate. I admire his legal acumen and professional handling of difficult matters. I endorse this lawyer."

Marisa Keely Commerford headshot
Marisa Commerford

Employment and labor lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sam is a passionate and zealous advocate for his clients. He is extraordinarily diligent in all aspects of his practice, and his professionalism permeates both sides of the table. Absolute pleasure to work with."

Don David Sessions headshot
Don Sessions

Employment and labor lawyer | Dec 27

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Sam is a very effective advocate for his clients, especially with his big national firm experience, his clerking for local federal judge Andrew Guilford and his leadership on the Executive Committee of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Orange County Bar Association."

View All Endorsements
Marcus Renehan Schlundt Bodien headshot
Marcus Bodien

Employment and labor lawyer

Dane Eric Lystrup headshot
Dane Lystrup

Wrongful termination lawyer

Kristin Anne Webb headshot
Kristin Webb

Employment and labor lawyer

Elham Reza Rabbani headshot
Elham Rabbani

Unknown lawyer

Lorenzo Esteban Herrera headshot
Lorenzo Herrera

Unknown lawyer

Britten David Sessions headshot
Britten Sessions

Patent application lawyer

Bruce G Lee headshot
Bruce Lee

Employment and labor lawyer

Edye Ann Hill headshot
Edye Hill

Employment and labor lawyer

Don David Sessions headshot
Don Sessions

Wrongful termination lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2021

Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2020

Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2019

Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2018

Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2017

Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2016

Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2016

Top 40 Under 40, The National Advocates

2015

Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2015

Top 40 Under 40, The National Advocates

2014

Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2013

Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2013

Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services, State Bar of California

2009

Jurisprudence Award, University of Iowa College of Law

Work Experience

2011 - 2013

Associate, Crowell & Moring LLP

2010 - 2010

Judicial Extern to the Honorable Andrew J. Guilford, U.S. District Court, Central District Of Calif.

Associations

2016 - 2020

J. Reuben Clark Law Society

International Labor & Employment Law Section Chair

2015 - 2016

Orange County Bar Association, Law and Education Committee

Co-chair

2015 - 2016

J. Reuben Clark Law Society (Orange County chapter)

Board of Directors

2013 - 2015

Orange County Bar Association, Law and Education Committee

Secretary

2013 - 2016

J. Reuben Clark Law Society (Orange County chapter)

Member

2012 - 2016

Orange County Bar Association, Labor and Employment Committee

Member

2011 - 2013

Association of Business Trial Lawyers (Orange County chapter)

Member

2011 - 2012

Federal Bar Association

Member

2011 - 2016

Orange County Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section

Member

2011 - 2013

Public Law Center

Volunteer Attorney

Sample of Legal Cases

Kelly v. Rowland Unified School District

$220,000

Unpaid Commissions and Hostile Work Environment (male)

$590,000

Age discrimination

$325,000

Disability discrimination

$300,000

Retaliation for complaints about discrimination

$600,000

See More Legal Cases

Education

2010

University of Iowa College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2007

Brigham Young University

BS - Bachelor of Science

N/A

University of South Carolina

PhD - Doctorate

Speaking Engagements

2016

J. Reuben Clark Law Society Annual International Conference

Trends in Employment Law

2015

OCBA Last Dash

Ethics and Mediation (Program Chair)

2015

OCBA Labor and Employment Section Meeting

Recent Developments in California Employment Law

2015

OCBA Labor and Employment Section Meeting

California Employment Case Updates

2014

OCBA Last Dash

Ethics and Mediation (Program Chair)

2014

OCBA Last Dash

Employment Law Basics (Program Chair)

2014

OCBA Labor and Employment Section Meeting

California Employment Case Updates

2014

OCBA Annual Tribue to a Legal Giant Salute to Chief Justice Earl Warren (Program Chair)

2011

OCBA Labor and Employment Section Meeting

Recent Developments in California Labor and Employment Law

Publications

Languages

English

French

Avvo Rating

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