Sam had a remarkable legal career whose influence impacted the practice of law throughout Orange County. Having graduated with an LL.B. from Stanford University in 1950, Sam’s legal career extended over 50 years of active practice. During that time, Sam employed and mentored dozens of young attorneys, several of whom became judges in Orange County. Sam was a premier litigator who combined a lengthy track record of success with the respect of his peers and opponents. As busy as he was, however, he was never too busy to assist a colleague with a tough case or to provide guidance to a young attorney seeking direction.

Indeed, it is Sam’s dedication to helping others and getting involved in the community that is a lasting part of his legacy. Sam was one of the founders of the Orange County Bar Foundation, a charitable organization through which Orange County attorneys come together to provide assistance to those in need in the County. Sam served as a director of the Foundation for 21 years (1980-2001), and was its president from 1990-1993. To this day, the top award given by the Foundation bears his name – and he was its first recipient – and the Foundation has a Capital Campaign dedicated to making an investment in the future of the County’s children named after him. Sam also served as the president of the Orange County Bar Association for two years (1970-1972), and received the OCBA’s highest award – the Franklin G. West Award – in 1993. He served as Orange County’s delegate to the American Bar Association from 1993-2001, and was an active member in the American Board of Trial Advocates, American Inns of Court, Fellows of the American Bar Association, and the Lincoln Club.

Those of us who have practiced with Sam cannot adequately state how much we miss his extraordinary wisdom, quick wit, giving spirit, and vast knowledge. His influence remains very much with Barnes Crosby today, as we as attorneys aspire to practice law like Sam.