Samantha Shaps

Associate

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Focused, diligent, and hands-on, I combine rigorous research with practical judgment to help clients navigate complex legal issues with clarity and purpose.

Samantha Shaps is an associate in the firm’s Employment and Litigation Groups, where she represents clients in a range of employment and commercial litigation matters. Her practice includes employment disputes, breach of contract claims, trade secret litigation, and professional liability matters. She works with clients across industries to address complex legal and business challenges.

Samantha assists clients through all stages of litigation, including case assessment, legal research, motion practice, discovery, and trial preparation. She brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to complex legal issues and works closely with clients to develop practical strategies tailored to their objectives.

Samantha earned her J.D. from SMU Dedman School of Law, cum laude, where she co-founded the Legal Analysis, Writing & Research Center. She received her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin, graduating with high honors.

Outside of Work

Samantha enjoys horseback riding, traveling, creative writing, discovering new music, and brewing her own espresso.

  • Employment
  • Intellectual Property
  • Litigation, Disputes, Appeals
  • Technology & Innovation
Education
  • SMU Dedman School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2025; Editor-in-Chief, SMU Science and Technology Law Review; Co-Founder, Student Director, Legal Analysis, Writing & Research Center; Teaching Assistant for Legal Research, Writing, and Advocacy for Professor Heather Stobaugh; Best Brief Winner, Jackson Walker Moot Court Competition; Negotiation Champion, Board of Advocates
  • The University of Texas at Austin, B.J., with high honors, 2021

Clerkships

  • Judicial Extern, Honorable David L. Horan, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
  • Associate Member of the State Bar of Texas and Clinic Chief, SMU Criminal Clinic
  • Corporate Legal Counsel Extern, Mary Kay Inc.
  • Law Clerk, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
Bar + Court Admissions
  • Licensed in Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District, Texas
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