Samuel M. Zuidema
Associate
Sam focuses his practice on critical motions and appeals, drawing on his experience as a Seventh Circuit clerk to produce clear and persuasive written work product when it matters most. Sam has argued several appeals in federal court, routinely argues at the trial-court level, and serves as embedded appellate counsel at trial. He also has experience in other aspects of litigation, from initial case workup through jury verdict and beyond.
In state and federal courts, Sam has represented clients both big and small—as plaintiffs and defendants—in all manner of litigation. His work focuses primarily on products liability but has also covered complex disputes involving trade secrets, contracts, securities, trademarks, insurance, and other commercial disputes.
Sam maintains an active pro bono practice and has assisted Winston’s pro bono clients in a range of civil and criminal matters. For example, Sam was part of the team that secured a landmark settlement on behalf of Jewish college students who sued their public university for religious discrimination. Sam has also argued pro bono appeals that have resulted in favorable and precedential decisions in important areas of the law. During law school, Sam interned at the Liberty Justice Center, where he worked on various legal issues affecting Illinois small businesses.
Credentials
Education
Sam graduated summa cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Law, where he served as the managing articles editor of the University of Illinois Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif. He also won awards for excellence in writing and advocacy and received the “Best Oralist” award for his performance in moot court. After practicing at Winston for two years, Sam clerked for Judge Michael S. Kanne on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He then returned to Winston and has since focused his practice on making clear and compelling arguments on paper and from the podium. In addition to his practice, Sam is also an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois College of Law, where he coaches moot court.
Admissions
- Illinois
Clerkships
- USCA - Seventh Circuit for the Honorable Michael S. Kanne
Related Insights & News
- Note: Sam Zuidema, Raising Heller: Constitutional Scrutiny in a New Age of Second Amendment Rights, 2018 Ill. L. Rev. 813.
- Sam Zuidema, An Illusory Right? Revisiting Illinois’ Right to Keep and Bear Arms, 2018 Ill. L. Rev. Online 228.
- Mason W. Kienzle & Samuel M. Zuidema, Unjust Enrichment in Illinois: Uncommon Confusion Over a Common Claim, 2020 Ill. L. Rev. Online 53.
January 17, 2025
October 28, 2022
October 28, 2022
March 20, 2019