Get to know... Samuel Dobre

April 3, 2026

By: Samuel G. Dobre

Sam Dobre is a competitor—whether in the courtroom or beyond. His drive to win is unmistakable, and it shows in everything he does. Whatever the venue, from the soccer field or pickleball court to the courtroom, and every other arena of life’s playing field, Sam is hardwired to compete—and to win.

It’s this spirit - this drive - that has gotten him to where he is today. But channeled within that passion is the commitment he holds deeply for the relationships in his life, both personal and professional. This balance is what makes Sam “him,” and there’s a litany of friends, family and clients alike who will attest: he cares, and he cares fiercely.  

It is this powerful mix of competition and devotion that has propelled Sam in his litigation career. He represents employers in high-stakes labor and employment matters, including wage and hour class actions, employment discrimination and retaliation claims, and disputes over employment agreements, restrictive covenants and non-compete clauses. Sam approaches every case with the same intensity and focus. “I make it a point to master the facts of each matter,” he says. “My goal is always to provide my clients with the best advice - whether that means pursuing a resolution that works for both parties or litigating aggressively when necessary.” Strategy is central to everything he does, and competitive negotiation is always part of achieving the best outcome.

But what does that strategy look like in practice? For Sam, it starts with a deep dive into the facts—what he calls putting on his “investigation hat.” He asks himself: What happened? Was there a legal violation by the employer? Was company policy breached? Where does the responsibility lie? What documentation do we have to explain it? Sam enjoys this process because it allows him to advise on litigation risk, compliance strategies, and potential outcomes. Nothing begins until he initiates his investigation.

At the same time, Sam is mindful that case work can become repetitive, and that juggling multiple matters can lead to a depersonalized, even “robotic,” approach. The tendency, he notes, can be to move quickly from one matter to another—jumping right into specific legal questions with clients without first forging the human connection that drives winning strategies. It is in resisting that tendency that Sam’s approach stands out. Above all, he values investing in people. Competition and diligence are critical in his work, but the relationships he builds are what ultimately drive his success.

Sam was drawn to labor and employment law because it touches nearly every aspect of the workplace and offers a meaningful opportunity to make an impact. As he explains, every employer can benefit from counsel—whether managing day-to-day issues, navigating new or existing laws, or defending claims. Running a business is hard enough on its own. In jurisdictions like New York, where wage and hour laws are highly technical and employee-friendly, even well-intentioned employers often need guidance to navigate the law. For Sam, the greatest satisfaction comes from helping clients avoid litigation altogether, particularly where they are generally compliant but may have overlooked a technical or procedural detail.

Sam’s New York roots have shaped both his personal and professional life. He was raised on Long Island by his father, an epidemiologist, and his mother, a medical malpractice defense attorney. As an undergraduate at Binghamton University, he majored in philosophy, politics, and law with a minor in history, and even briefly considered a career in medicine.

Ultimately, it was his mother’s profound influence that led Sam to attend Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law —her alma mater, where she was a member of the school’s third graduating class. He particularly admired her work representing health care providers and facilities, helping them navigate their practices and handle malpractice-related matters. While family legacy was meaningful, Cardozo’s location in the heart of New York City was another major draw. “The city is one of the best places to meet interesting people and expand your network,” he says. Sam lived in New York City for ten years before returning to Long Island with his wife, Lauren, following the birth of their daughter in 2025.

Sam sees humanity in every case, while his competitive spirit ensures he is always working to achieve the best outcome for his clients. That balance—passion and care, competition and connection—is what truly makes Sam “Sam.”