Sam is a partner in the litigation department, and a member of the real estate, construction, land use and environmental litigation practice group. He concentrates his practice on commercial litigation, with a particular focus on real estate-related litigation. Sam has handled a broad spectrum of litigation matters in his practice area, including mechanics' lien disputes (both defending against and prosecuting liens), commercial construction disputes, land development and other land use matters, disputes regarding land sale contracts and restrictive covenants, administrative matters before the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, and a wide variety of other commercial contract disputes.
Sam has written and spoken on various land use and construction lien-related topics.
Representative Matters
Represented multi-state developer in suit challenging constitutionality of zoning ordinance amendments drastically restricting development of lakefront property.
Represented real estate broker and mixed-use development firm in connection with fraud and misrepresentation complaint filed with North Carolina Real Estate Commission; representation resulted in dismissal of all charges.
Represented developer in prosecution of suit for specific performance of contractual option to purchase property.
Represented owners of SouthPark, Charlotte's premier retail mall, in a suit brought by a neighborhood group opposing rezoning decision permitting a $100 million expansion of the mall.
Represented subcontractors in lien and payment bond enforcement actions in connection with luxury hotel project.
Represented developer in suit brought by subsequent purchaser alleging fraud and misrepresentation relating to condition of property at the time of sale.
Publications, Presentations and Awards
"Self-Administered Arbitration: Something Worth Considering?" Under Construction, publication of the American Bar Association's Forum on the Construction Industry, March 2007
"Key Features of the Revised Uniform Arbitration Act ('RUAA')," co-authored with Theodore A. Kaplan, Change Order, publication of the Construction Law Section, North Carolina Bar Association, November 2006
"Removing 'Lingering' Mechanics' Liens in North Carolina: Existing Options and a Simple Suggested Solution," Change Order, publication of the Construction Law Section, North Carolina Bar Association, June 2006
"Does the Landlord's Payment of a Tenant Improvement Allowance Enable the Tenant's Contractors to Lien the Landlord's Property?" Change Order (official publication of the NCBA Construction Law Section), June 2004 and North Carolina Lawyers Weekly, August 16, 2004
"Growth Moratoria Don't Hurt Owners: Supreme Court." Co-authored with Roy Michaux, The Business Journal, May 13, 2002
"Land Development in the Carolinas: Real Estate, Construction and Land Use Litigation in North and South Carolina," seminar presentation, June 27, 2002
Professional, Civic and Community Involvement
Professional: Mecklenburg County Bar Association: Volunteer Lawyers Program Committee; Lawyers Teaching Justice; Devonshire Elementary School, Tutor. |