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

9 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (9) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Jonn | May 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

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 | February 16, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Wrongful Termination

Wrongful Termination Case Resolved

I had a wrongful termination case that was against a multinational corporation with a reputation for aggressively contesting lawsuits. After Sam heard my side of the story, he advised me of the pros and cons of continuing. He was undaunted at the prospect of going to trial in federal court if it got ...that far. He handled all the communications. I was kept informed of every step. Sam gave me advice and let me lean on his experiences to take all the correct steps. He found a mediator that was fair and unbiased. The case was resolved in less than six months. If I ever have to recommend someone who is compassionate yet tough enough to lay it on the line, it is Sam.

Posted by anonymous | January 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Wrongful Termination

Highly Recommend Sam

Sam recently negotiated a settlement from my previous employer for wrongful termination. Sam is not only skilled in his profession, but also a good human being that listens and communicates with his clients. I highly recommend Sam.

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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