Michael P. Sams

Michael P. Sams is a founding member and shareholder of Kenney & Sams, P.C.  He received an AV Rating, the highest rating for legal ability and professional ethics from The Martindale Hubbell National Law Directory.  In a survey state-wide, Boston Magazine named him a Massachusetts "Super Lawyer" in the area of construction law for 2004 and 2005. Boston Magazine also has named Attorney Sams a New England Super Lawyer from 2007 through 2012. This designation is limited to the top 5 percent of attorneys in the Commonwealth and New England.

He has successfully tried numerous cases before the Massachusetts Superior and District Courts, the United States Department of Labor, the Division of Administrative Law Appeals, and the Department of Industrial Accidents. He has successfully tried bid protest matters before the Attorney General's Office, and handled appeals before the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and the United States First Circuit.  Mr. Sams has arbitrated matters with the American Arbitration Association and the Office of Consumer Affairs. He also has mediated and arbitrated many cases with the various alternative dispute resolution agencies and independent mediators.

In addition to his litigation and trial work, Mr. Sams spends considerable time consulting with clients regarding risk management policies and procedures, as well as contract analysis and preparation, all to lessen the potential for future litigation. He writes and speaks frequently concerning trial and litigation skills including best practices in taking depositions, sound legal writing and Massachusetts evidence law.  Mr. Sams also has served as a faculty speaker to industry groups concerning matters such as risk management and claims investigation. Mr. Sams recently has spoken to industry and legal organizations including the Boston Bar Association, the Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association, The Massachusetts Bar Association, Construction Financial Managers Association, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Associated Builders and Contractors, and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.  He also has presented at both Build Boston and Residential Build Boston.

Areas of Practice

• Construction and Real Estate Litigation

• Business Litigation

• Insurance Law

• Employment Law

• Appellate Practice

• Personal Injury

Education

• University of Rhode Island – 1990, B.A. (magna cum laude)

• Northeastern University School of Law – 1994, J.D.

• Intern: Massachusetts Appeals Court

Bar & Court Admissions

• Commonwealth of Massachusetts

• United States District Court – Massachusetts

• United States Court of Appeals, First Circuit

Professional Associations/Memberships

• Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association (President 2012-2013; Secretary, Executive Committee & Board of Trustees Member, 2004-2011)

• Boston Bar Association (Co-Chair, Construction Law Committee, 2012-present; Education Committee, 2009-2011; Public Service Committee, 2008-2011; Co-Chair, Law Day in the Schools Program, 2004-2008)

• Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (Board of Directors, 2011-present; Faculty, “Prompt Pay” Statute Program, 2010; Faculty, Massachusetts Evidence Law, 2009; Chair, programs on Public Construction Law Reform, 2005 & 2008; Chair, programs concerning the Independent Contractor Statute and its impact on business, 2007 & 2008; Faculty, Deposition Workshop concerning proper deposition practice, 1999-2005)

• Gould Construction Institute (General Counsel, 2009-present; Chairman, Board of Trustees, 2007; Director, 2005-2008)

• Boston Inn of Courts (President, 2010-2011; Executive Committee, 2006-present)

• Defense Research Institute (Vice Chair, National Construction Law Seminar, 2012)

• Massachusetts Bar Association (Co-Chair Law Day, 2009-present; Civil Litigation Section, 2007-2008; Chair, Annual Legal Writing Program, 2004-2006)

• Construction Financial Managers Association (Board of Directors, 2006-present; Secretary, Executive Committee, 2007-2009)

• Northeastern University School of Law (Secretary, Board of Directors, 2012 - present; Alumni Board of Directors, 2010-2011; Co-Chair, Boston Regal Alumni Chapter, 2008-2010)

• Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, (Secretary & Executive Committee Member, 2007-2011; Board of Trustees, 2006-2012)

• University of Rhode Island (Co-Chair, Massachusetts Alumni Chapter, 2008-2011)