Jeanette "Sam" Samuels
Sam graduated from the University of Nebraska in 2010 and received her J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2013. An experienced litigator, she is licensed to practice in the federal courts of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Jeanette specializes in civil rights, concentrating on the areas of police brutality, employment discrimination, and wrongful convictions.
Her notable cases include Campbell v. City of Chicago, a class action seeking a consent decree to oversee the Chicago Police Department; People v. Jason Van Dyke, wherein she disqualified the Cook County State’s Attorney and had a special prosecutor appointed for the murder of Laquan McDonald; and People v. Russell Walker, wherein she successfully petitioned for a certificate of innocence after proving police planted drugs on him nearly 20 years prior.
Sam has received numerous awards for her prowess as an attorney. In 2015, she received the Junior Counselor Award and Centennial President’s Award from the Cook County Bar Association; in 2016, she was named Top 40 Under 40 by the National Black Lawyer, received the Cook County Bar Association Meritorious Service Award, and the Advocacy & Leadership Award from the National Bar Association; in 2017, she was named Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff’s Attorney by the National Trial Lawyer; in 2018, she received the Early Achiever Award from the University of Nebraska Alumni Association; and in 2019, she received the R. Eugene Pincham Award from the Cook County Bar Association.
In 2020, Sam became a FIBA and WNBA-certified agent to provide the passionate advocacy that marginalized athletes deserve but, too often, lack.
"Breaking Down the Van Dyke Case"
"Civil rights suit alleges police mistreatment as payback for earlier lawsuit"
"Civil rights suit alleges police mistreatment as payback for earlier lawsuit"
Our attorneys are recognized as legal experts in the local community. Here, Principal Attorney Jeanette "Sam" Samuels breaks down the Van Dyke case.
"Civil rights suit alleges police mistreatment as payback for earlier lawsuit"
"Civil rights suit alleges police mistreatment as payback for earlier lawsuit"
"Civil rights suit alleges police mistreatment as payback for earlier lawsuit"
When police target citizens, we don't act as a shield. We're the sword of justice that fights back!
"Woman alleges cop repeatedly raped her in ’80s"
"Civil rights suit alleges police mistreatment as payback for earlier lawsuit"
"Retired CPD detective draws complaints alleging misconduct including witness coercion"
Inspired by Oprah's "Me, Too" speech, our former client went public with her claims to hold police accountable and rewrote the law to make sure others wouldn't be a victim.
"Retired CPD detective draws complaints alleging misconduct including witness coercion"
"High school football dad dressed as referee, roamed sidelines to influence son's playoff game"
"Retired CPD detective draws complaints alleging misconduct including witness coercion"
"A City Divided : Race, Fear and The Law in Police Confrontations"
"High school football dad dressed as referee, roamed sidelines to influence son's playoff game"
"High school football dad dressed as referee, roamed sidelines to influence son's playoff game"
"High school football dad dressed as referee, roamed sidelines to influence son's playoff game"
"High school football dad dressed as referee, roamed sidelines to influence son's playoff game"
"High school football dad dressed as referee, roamed sidelines to influence son's playoff game"
"Aldermen Back $500,000 Settlement For Family Of Romello Palmer, Who Died In Police Custody"
"Aldermen Back $500,000 Settlement For Family Of Romello Palmer, Who Died In Police Custody"
"Aldermen Back $500,000 Settlement For Family Of Romello Palmer, Who Died In Police Custody"