Samuel Leist

Sam’s practice focuses on helping clients resolve disputes in a variety of industries before trial or arbitration becomes necessary. Where litigation is the best path forward, Sam guides his clients through every stage of the dispute, from discovery to motion practice to conclusion.

Prior to joining Barnes & Thornburg, Sam represented several of the nation’s largest insurance carriers in complex insurance coverage litigation arising under general liability, directors and officers, and professional liability policies. In addition, he handled matters involving claims of fraud and bad faith and provided strategic counseling to clients regarding potential liability and strategies for handling underlying liability matters. 

His litigation experience also includes resolving disputes in the fields of construction, design professional liability, and ERISA-regulated employee benefits. His clients have ranged from individuals to Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 corporations, and he has practiced in state and federal courts nationwide.  

While in law school, Sam served as the head coach of the University of Notre Dame Debate Team. He gained additional litigation experience serving as a legal extern for the National Immigrant Justice Center. In that role, he litigated a deportation trial in an Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) Immigration Court and secured a ruling granting asylum for a family of four.  Sam also worked as a legal intern in the Executive Office of the President in Washington, D.C., focusing on matters of international trade for the U.S. Trade Representative.