Samantha (Sam) Adams has once again been recognized as an exceptional litigator. She has been named a Benchmark litigation star and a Southwest SuperLawyer®, adding to her previous selection as one of the Top 25 Southwest Super Lawyers® in New Mexico (2016). With her extensive background in law, Sam focuses on representing businesses, government entities, and non-profit organizations in various litigation matters. Her expertise spans multiple industries, including insurance, employment, education, healthcare, and trucking.
However, Sam understands the importance of providing sound legal advice before cases reach the courtroom. She regularly counsels management members and board directors on issues such as insurance coverage, employer-employee disputes, contract negotiations, non-compete agreements, trade practices, and effective litigation prevention strategies.
With an AV® Preeminent rating, Sam Adams is highly regarded for her ethical standards and legal abilities. Benchmark Litigation has repeatedly acknowledged her as one of the Top 250 Women in Litigation in the United States and a Litigation Star in New Mexico. She is consistently recognized as a Southwest SuperLawyer® and was honored locally by New Mexico Business Weekly as a “Woman of Influence.” Sam’s commitment to her profession is evident through her involvement in esteemed organizations such as the New Mexico School of Law Alumni, Albuquerque Bar Association, Domestic Violence Resource Center, and the State Bar of New Mexico. Additionally, she serves as an Advisory Council member for the Southwest Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (SWIDA).
Sam’s client roster consists of both large and small entities, including Turner Enterprises, Donegal/Mountain States Insurance Group, the Board of Education of Albuquerque Public Schools, New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants, San Juan Coal Company, New Mexico Legal Aid, Domestic Violence Resources Center, New Mexico Community Capital, WESST Development, Century Administration, Remax Classic Realty, EMCORE Corporation, and High Desert Residential Owners Association.
Before pursuing a legal career, Sam worked as a senior claims representative for Farmers Insurance Company of Arizona, gaining valuable experience in handling insurance disputes. In addition to her law practice, Sam is an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law. She teaches courses on education law and employment law, covering topics like torts, civil procedure, constitutional law, civil rights, and alternative dispute resolution. Sam also provides continuing education instruction on important legal updates in the areas of human resources/employment, education, and business.
Education
- University of New Mexico – School of Law J.D. (May 2003), Cum Laude
- Order of the Coif – graduated in the top 10% of the class
- National Association of Women Lawyers – Outstanding Law Graduate (2003)
- Dean’s Award (2003)
- New Mexico Law Review – Manuscript Editor/Staff (2001-2003)
- National Moot Court Team Assistant Coach (2002-2003)
- National Moot Court Team Regional Finalist (2001-2002)
- Marquette University – B.A. in Psychology (May 1995)
Legal Experience
- Adams+Crow Law Firm, (June 2016-present) Managing Partner
- Modrall, Sperling, Roehl, Harris & Sisk, P.A. (June 2002-May 2016) Law Clerk, Associate, Shareholder
Other Legal Experience
- Adjunct Professor – University of New Mexico School of Law
- District Attorney Clinic – University of New Mexico School of Law (Oct. 2003-Nov. 2003)
- Senior Claims Representative – Farmers Insurance Company of Arizona (Nov. 1997-July 2000)
- Legal Assistant/Paralegal – Richard L. Everson, Attorney at Law, Milwaukee, WI (Nov. 1990-July 1992)
Related Experience
- Staff Manager – Marquette University Service Learning Program (Sep. 1993-May 1995)
- Grants Assistant – Marquette University Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (July 1992-Sep. 1993)
Bar Admissions
- New Mexico
- U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico
Publications
- “Qualified Immunity and ‘Factual Correspondence’ in New Mexico: The Tension between Formalism and Legal Realism,” 32 NMLR 439 (2002)
Community Service
- Fellow of the American Bar Association (2016)
- Second Judicial District, Emancipation Project (2016)
- Inn of Court Board of Directors
- UNM School of Law, Board of Directors (2006-present, Past President, 2012-2014)
- Second Judicial District, Volunteer Attorney Pool & LawLaPalooza (intermittently)
- Federal Court Pro Bono Panel
- Domestic Violence Resource Center, Pro Bono General Counsel (2014-present)
- Phi Delta Phi (2002-2003)
- Women’s Law Caucus President (Spring 2002-2003)
- Dismas House Volunteer (2001-2003)
- College Recruitment Outreach Volunteer (2002)
- High School Recruitment Outreach Volunteer (2003)
- Internship with HONOR, Honor Our Neighbor’s Origins and Rights, Writer/Advocate, Milwaukee, WI (Jan. 1991-May 1991)
- Students Enhancing Education, SEE, Milwaukee, WI, President/Advisor (Jan. 1992-May 1995)
Skills
- Verbal and written proficiency in Spanish
- Public speaking and public relations training
- Extensive diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging training
To learn more about Samantha Adams and her legal expertise, visit Garrity Traina.
