Samantha A. Shaw is a commercial and general civil litigator. Samantha's practice focuses on construction disputes, premises liability, landlord-tenant disputes, including evictions, consumer protection act claims, and contract disputes.
What do you like about your work?
I like that every day presents a different challenge and a different experience.
What do you consider your most significant career accomplishment to date and why?
I helped a client obtain summary judgement dismissal on a case that was impacting every aspect of his life. Although not related to his immigration status, the lawsuit had the potential of getting him deported. The lawsuit also caused him to lose his job and professional license. We got the lawsuit dismissed and got his license reinstated, which allowed him to stay in the country.
What is something you'd be happy doing every single day for the rest of your career?
I really enjoy discovery; both serving it and answering it. It helps me gain a broader view of the matter, the potential issues that may arise, and how to get in front of those issues.
When was the last time you said "no" to a client?
I say no to clients often. Sometimes clients come into conversations suggesting or requesting a certain course of action without necessarily understanding the potential downsides. I try to tactfully tell them that the suggested course of action is not a good idea while suggesting alternatives.
Are you an active member in any local, state, national, or international organizations?
I am a member of the Washington State Bar Association, the King County Bar Association, the Western District of Washington, the Eastern District of Washington, the New Lawyers Division of the King County Bar Association, and the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers.
Can you name any skills or personality traits that you think are needed in your kind of practice that might differ from other practices?
Civil litigators become experts at many different fields. Every case involves different scenarios and different facts and after spending time working on a case we often find that we have become extremely knowledgeable about a new field. For example, I could talk to you for hours about chimney flues.
What skills and experiences have you acquired that make you comfortable and qualified in your practice?
Getting experience in the court room has made me feel much more comfortable as a litigator. It has given me the ability to make decisions on my toes and the confidence to know those decisions were the right ones.