Sam also worked part-time for the NSW Judicial Commission, where he co-authored a study on the use of imprisonment in Australia which has subsequently been cited by the High Court.

After graduating from the University of New South Wales with first-class honours in 2008, Sam has now settled into the litigation and dispute resolution team at Blake Dawson, with the majority of his time spent on a multimillion-dollar negligence claim.

Despite the dispute already having a seven-year history, Sam has helped draft lengthy affidavits, submissions for senior counsel on complex legal questions and analysis of evidence in case with more than 700 tendered documents.

"Commercial practice - and litigation in particular - provides an ideal training ground for a young lawyer to develop their professional skills. Novel legal issues and innovative solutions are a daily diet for commercial litigators," says Sam.

He also has a passion for pro bono legal work, having advised disadvantaged clients facing eviction or seeking compensation claims. He has also made a submission to a parliamentary inquiry on intellectual disability and mental health issues.

He believes that pro bono work contributes to the development of young lawyers' professional and people skills which can then be applied in commercial practice and that it is also an important social justice initiative.

"It can often be difficult for people from disadvantaged backgrounds to enforce their rights and protect their interests. Pro bono legal work is especially important during an economic downturn when everyone is doing it tough," he says.

Supervising partner Peter Voss says Sam has quickly demonstrated many of the necessary attributes for success. "He is technically strong - marshalling and communicating complex legal principles and factual situations clearly and succinctly. He is proactive, analytical and creative. He is efficient and great to work with," he says