Sam grew up in western South Dakota amongst the ponderosa pines and granite spires of the Black Hills. He moved east
to attend college at the University of Minnesota‐Twin Cities.  Sam focused his college studies on history and Russian
language and literature, which led to a five month study abroad program in St. Petersburg, Russia. After graduation, Sam
returned to South Dakota and obtained his J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law, graduating with
Sterling Honors. During law school, Sam worked as a graduate assistant to Professor Christine Hutton and served as the
Lead Articles Editor for the Great Plains Natural Resources Journal.  
Sam was employed as a law clerk for the First Judicial Circuit of South Dakota, assisting three circuit court judges and
one magistrate judge. Returning to his wife's native state, Sam started his own firm with a friend in St. Paul, MN, where
he concentrated his practice on civil litigation. Sam joined the Berry Law Offices team in June of 2011.
In his free time, Sam enjoys reading, rooting for the Twins, playing guitar, and exploring Minnesota's urban and natural
landscapes with his wife and dog.