Samantha K. Sondag

Samantha Sondag assists clients with a broad range of commercial and complex litigation matters. Sam brings substantial experience in state and federal court to her work, from motion practice and e-discovery management through trial. A zealous advocate in court, Sam also strives to resolve disputes outside of litigation when feasible.

In her legal practice, Sam frequently handles high-stakes litigation. She was instrumental in mounting a defense for a client sued for alleged unlawful trade practices in multiple states, secured a favorable decision in an international arbitration concerning a dispute over a substantial acquisition, and has successfully defended clients in multiple securities fraud class actions. She also represents clients in matters involving access to public records and related issues, and regularly assists in the defense of ADA website accessibility claims.

Sam maintains an active pro bono practice, including representing asylum seekers in affirmative and defensive proceedings.

Sam’s professional achievements are highlighted by her inclusion in Best Lawyers^®: Ones to Watch in America for Commercial Litigation and Corporate Governance and Compliance Law. She has also been recognized as a Rising Star in Business Litigation by Oregon Super Lawyers^®.

Education

University of California, Berkeley School of Law, J.D., 2015

University of California, Berkeley, B.A., Rhetoric, with high honors, 2010; Dean’s Honor List; Phi Beta Kappa

Admissions

Oregon

Washington

United States District Court for the District of Oregon Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

• Member of trial team that obtained €640 million award for fraudulent inducement and breach of contract arising from international acquisition. Litigated claims in multi-day arbitration and successfully defended award in subsequent appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Member of team that represented energy drink company through multiple trials concerning consumer protection claims brought by Attorneys General in several states.
• Obtained summary judgment against security fraud claims filed in Oregon federal court arising from statements relating to earnings projections. Secured dismissal of class action filed in California district court concerning publicly traded company’s disclosure of legal proceedings.
• Representing North Dakota electric cooperative in civil lawsuit involving claims of excessive rates, contractual breach, and statutory violations.
• Represented buyer of Minnesota wind facility in post-purchase dispute concerning seller’s alleged entitlement to continuing payments.
• Secured dismissal of lawsuit alleging that technology company violated Florida’s Security of Communications Act by allegedly “tracking” users’ movements on its website.
• Counseled companies in wide variety of industries facing claims of website inaccessibility brought under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Represented news organization in successful petitions for disclosure of state and county medical examiner records concerning deaths resulting from Oregon’s historic June 2021 heatwave.
• Filed amicus brief on behalf of a coalition of news organizations in case involving Idaho Department of Correction’s refusal to disclose public records regarding lethal injection drugs used by the State to carry out death penalty.
• Representing church challenging local regulation limiting operation of soup kitchens in lawsuit asserting claims under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act and First and Fourteenth Amendments.
• Represented inmate in action against Oregon Department of Corrections concerning, among other things, denial of necessary medical care.

Insights & Presentations

• “Accessible Websites and Applications—ADA Compliance and Trends” (co-presenter), Oregon State Bar Technology Section, Portland, OR, June 15, 2021
• “ADA Website Compliance” (co-presenter), Oregon State Bar Technology Section, Portland, OR, November 10, 2016

• Included in Best Lawyers^®: Ones to Watch in America (Commercial Litigation, Corporate Governance and Compliance Law), 2021–present
• Listed among Rising Stars (Business Litigation), Oregon Super Lawyers^®, 2021–present
• Stoel Rives Andrew Guy Pro Bono Award, Recipient, 2018

Civic

• ACLU of Oregon, Cooperating Attorney, 2016–present
• Berkeley Law trial and moot court competitions, Judge, 2016–present
• We the People High School Constitutional Competition, Coach, 2021–present
• Berkeley Law Partners in Leadership Campaign, former Firm Captain