Overview

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

Experience

Complex Commercial Litigation and Trial Experience

  • Obtained €640 million award for fraudulent inducement and breach of contract following multi-week internation arbitration and successfully defended award in Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
  • Represented energy drink company in multiple trials concerning consumer protection claims brought by Attorneys General in several states.
  • Defends healthcare companies in lawsuits involving contractual, statutory, and common law claims.
  • Represents North Dakota electric cooperative in civil lawsuit involving claims of excessive rates, contractual breach, and statutory violations.
  • Represents power company in jury trials for damages involving claims of negligence, nuisance, trespass, and inverse condemnation.
  • Defends companies in wide variety of industries facing claims of website inaccessibility brought under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • Represents commercial landlords and tenants in lease disputes.
  • Secured dismissal of lawsuit alleging that technology company violated state statute by allegedly “tracking” users’ movements on its website.

Constitutional and Public Records Litigation

  • Obtained summary judgment for church challenging ordinance limiting operation of soup kitchens in lawsuit involving claims under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act and the First and Fourteenth Amendments.
  • Successfully petitioned for disclosure of state and county medical examiner records relating to Oregon’s historic June 2021 heatwave on behalf of news organization.
  • 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.
  • Represented inmate in action against Oregon Department of Corrections concerning, among other things, denial of necessary medical care.

Securities Litigation

  • Secured 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.

Insights

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

Recognition

  • 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

Affiliations

Civic

  • We the People High School Constitutional Competition, Coach, 2021–present
  • ACLU of Oregon, Cooperating Attorney, 2016–present
  • Berkeley Law trial and moot court competitions, Judge, 2016–2022
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