Newly-elected partner Sam Vitale is a litigation and family law attorney based in the Novi office. Sam represents both individuals and entities in a variety of matters, including construction litigation, shareholder oppression claims, breach of contract actions and property disputes. As a family law attorney, he helps clients with custody, parenting time issues and complex property matters.
Q: What attracted you to become a lawyer?
A: I went to law school for the diversity of opportunities it presented, without a true sense of the type of work I wanted to do. As I became more familiar with various legal practices, I was drawn to the challenge of litigation and the ability to be involved in protecting and defending the interests of clients.
Q: How did you decide to focus on your practice?
A: After law school, I was interested in becoming a litigator due to the writing and analysis it involved, and the opportunity it presented to be directly involved in solving clients’ problems. Over the years, I have been lucky to learn from lawyers that I really respect and admire, and I have primarily modeled my practice and specialties after those lawyers.
Q: What does client service mean to you?
A: Client service means seeing beyond the immediate legal needs of a case and focusing on the overall needs of a client. When you are able to focus on the financial or emotional stakes underlying a case, a more economical or efficient solution often emerges.
Q: What do you most enjoy about being a Varnum lawyer?
A: The lawyers at Varnum are true team players. Everyone is always willing to help and contribute their own experience to ensure that clients receive the best results possible.
Q: What is your proudest career achievement?
A: I served as the pro bono guardian ad litem for a young boy in foster care who was later reunited with his mother. He has continued to grow and thrive long after my involvement, and watching him develop into a successful young adult has been among the proudest moments of my career.