Samuel R. Gates
Sam’s clients value his practical advice and straight-forward solutions to complex problems.
Sam’s clients value his practical advice and straight-forward solutions to complex problems.
Samuel R. Gates (“Sam”) is a litigator and advisor who helps businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations solve complex problems, manage risk, and navigate high-stakes disputes. Whether counseling employers on workplace issues or representing clients in court, Sam is known for practical guidance, clear communication, and strategic advocacy.
Sam focuses his practice on employment law, business litigation, and higher education matters. He regularly represents clients in state and federal courts, mediations, appeals, and proceedings before government agencies.
Sam has substantial trial experience and has guided clients through every stage of litigation, including securing a favorable federal jury verdict and defending that result on appeal before the First Circuit.
Sam’s approach to litigation and counseling is practical and results-oriented. Drawing on his broad legal and business experience, he develops and executes effective strategies tailored to each client’s goals. Sam understands that legal disputes are often business problems first, and he takes the time to understand each client’s priorities and tolerance for risk. He combines sound legal judgment with an outcome-focused approach to help clients make informed decisions and pursue the best possible result.
Prior to joining the HRW Team, Sam was an associate at a Boston litigation firm. In that position, his practice focused primarily on the defense of cities, towns, and other public employers in tort, employment, and civil rights matters. Previously, Sam was a Trial Attorney at the Committee for Public Counsel Services, the public defender agency of Massachusetts, where he gained significant experience representing defendants in Massachusetts courts.