Sam Strantz recently graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Although he has several areas of interest, Sam is excited to pursue a career in civil litigation, appellate advocacy, and labor and employment law.
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Sam grew up in a small house as an only child. Although his family was lower middle class he had extremely supportive proud parents. He was selected by the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation as one of 16 top balanced men to participate in the Tragos Quest to Greece. This ten day, all-expenses-paid trip included discussions of the Socratic method of teaching in the Agora where Socrates taught, competitions in the original Olympic stadium, and a ritual study in the Delphi after learning about the about the Mysteries of Eleusis.
During law school, Sam was an Articles Editor for the Tennessee Law Review, an At-Large Representative for the Student Bar Association, a Leadership Board Member of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society, and a Member of the Knoxville Bar Association. Sam was also The Shrankel Scholarship Recipient, earned Dean's List High Honors, and was a participant in the Advocates' Prize Competition.
Additionally, Sam was a student lawyer for The University of Tennessee Advocacy Clinic, where he assisted indigent clients with evictions and juvenile criminal charges. He also as a Summer Associate for The Law Offices of Ben M. Rose, PLLC, a Legal Intern for the International Paper, and a Summer Associate for Baker Donelson.
Sam received his undergraduate degree in Economics, magna cum laude, in May of 2012 from the University of Memphis. During this time, Sam was a Tragos Quest to Greece Scholar, a Provost Scholar, and a Ruck Leadership Scholar. He also was Chapter President and VP of Recruitment for sigma phi epsilon, an Up 'til Dawn Morale Captain, a Frosh Cam Counselor, and a Campus Tour Guide.
When Sam has free time, he likes to compete in long-distance running marathons, play drums and guitar, go hiking, play ultimate Frisbee and critique films and music. He also is a fan of college basketball and the NBA.
Sam's Future Aspirations
Why did Sam go into law? "As president of my fraternity, I had to represent my chapter in the best light to the University anytime things went awry, as they often can with a group of 18 22-year-old males. During those hearings, I developed a love for advocacy and decided to go to law school."
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What are Sam's legal aims and aspirations? "I want to be one of the best litigators in West Tennessee, eventually make partner, and ultimately teach at a law school."
When asked about his key strengths and skills that he would like to leverage to advance his legal career, Sam said, "My personable nature. I can relate with anyone and love being around people. I am also an extremely hard worker when I have a goal or result in mind."
Life's Obstacles and Community Service
Has Sam faced any obstacles in his life? He explained:
"After I graduated college and before going to law school, I applied for a job that would have been a huge opportunity. I had the job all but secured, but because I had yet to mature and become a true professional, I made an inappropriate joke during my final interview. Because of that, I was not offered the job and told to "grow up." It was truly an eye opening experience that I'll never forget."
Where did Sam derive his confidence? "From my relationships with my parents, girlfriend, and other friends. I feel that I can make any situation a good time, and that keeps my confidence high."
What makes Sam stand out from his peers? "Simply put, while others say, "I'll get to that tomorrow," I ask myself, "How can I get that done today?"
Is Sam involved with community service? He is a Counselor with the Muscular Dystrophy Association Summer Camp, a member of the Peace Jam College Corps, a Volunteer with Youth Aids. In the past he has participated in Memphis City Beautiful, ran a 5K for Ronald McDonald House, and was a Morale Captain with the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. While serving as a Morale Captain, Sam developed fundraiser ideas and raised $110,000 through the University of Memphis.
Personal Philosophy
What is Sam's favorite quote? His favorite quote is by Winston Churchill, who said: "History will be kind to me for I intend to write it."
Please see this article to find out if litigation is right for you: Why Most Attorneys Have No Business Being Litigators: Fifteen Reasons Why You Should Not Be a Litigator
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Sam's legal role models are George T. "Buck" Lewis from Baker Donelson Memphis and Atticus Finch.
