lawyer

Education

Gonzaga University School of Law
– Juris Doctor, Cum Laude
Gonzaga Law Review, Articles Editor
University of Utah
– B.S. – Biology, Minor – Chemistry

Licensing

Utah State Bar
United States 10th Circuit Court of Appeals

Memberships and Board Positions

‍Family Law Section Member, Utah State Bar, 2010-present
Litigation Section Member, Utah State Bar, 2010-present
New Lawyer Training Program Committee Member, Utah State Bar, 2014-19
Park City Bar Association Board Member, Park City, UT, 2015-17
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) Member, 2018-present
Family Law Executive Committee Member, Utah State Bar, 2019-2023

Samuel J. Sorensen

Attorney, Partner


Sam is an experienced Family Law attorney, court-appointed Private Guardian ad litem, and Special Master. He is a past member of the Executive Committee of the Family Law section of the Utah State Bar and a frequent presenter and supporter at seminars for the Utah Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).

With many years spent as a Special Master and Guardian ad Litem, Sam has a deep understanding of court proceedings and litigation in every aspect of family law. He puts unprecedented focus on understanding and providing thorough information regarding an individual’s unique circumstances and is able to see through the weeds on cases to guide clients to a resolution. His work as a Guardian ad Litem allows him to deal with cases from the child’s perspective, giving him a deep understanding of issues dealing with child custody, estrangement, and alienation situations.

Sam has been recognized as a top family law attorney, including as one of Utah’s Legal Elite by Utah Business Magazine, and as a Mountain States Super Lawyer. He was also the recipient of the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year award by the Utah Chapter of the Federal Bar Association for his work on an international child abduction case.

“I do my very best to help people get through tough times. I am a family law attorney—which means I help people going through divorces and custody disputes. I try to help my clients focus on moving forward rather than dwelling in the past. I do my very best to guide clients through the Court process and am dedicated to preparing my clients for their case through honest, straightforward advice.”

Read about client’s experiences in working with Sam here: 

Awards

Utah Legal Elite, Utah Business Magazine, 2016-present
Mountain States Super Lawyer, Rising Star & Family Law, 2017-present
Pro Bono Award, Utah Chapter, Federal Bar Association, 2018



Presentations

DROs: What Every Family Law Attorney Needs to Know, Spring Bar Convention, St. George, UT (2011)

Ethics of Solo/Small Firm Practice, Utah State Bar, Salt Lake City, UT (2016)

Custody and Parent Time Issues During COVID-19, Utah AFCC Webinar (Sep. 2020)

PGAL Panel, Utah AFCC Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, UT (Nov. 2021)

Special Masters: Let Us Help You, AFCC Monthly Seminar (Feb. 2022)

Using Professionals in Mediation – PGALs, Special Masters, and Financial Professionals, Family Law Section CLE (Mar. 2022)

Family Law Presentation to District Court Judges, Utah State Courts, Salt Lake City, Utah (April 2022)

PGAL Panel, AFCC Spring Symposium, St. George, UT (Apr. 2022)

Special Masters, AFCC Fall Seminar, Salt Lake City, UT (Oct. 2022

Guest speaker, LawX Course, BYU Law School (Jan. & Apr. 2023)

Top 10 Things PGALs Want You to Know, Spring Bar Convention, St. George, UT (March 2023)

When Family Law and Mental Health Professionals Meet: Nightmare or Dream Team?, AFCC Spring Symposium, St. George, UT (Apr. 2023)

Handling Stock Options in a Divorce Case, Utah State Bar Summer Convention in Sun Valley, Idaho (July 29, 2021)

Reviews for Sam

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From my very first meeting with Sam, to his presence at my mediation sessions, to further meetings to conclude my divorce case, Sam was extremely caring, smart, knowledgeable and an excellent listener. His professionalism was top notch and I couldn't have chosen a better attorney to guide and support me throughout the process. Also, his legal assistant Amanda was on top of everything, so kind and always able to take my calls or emails when needed. I am very grateful to Sam for his representation and continued support in my life.

–Alexandra

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Sam handled my case with experience and attention to detail. The opposing party attempted to overwhelm everyone before/during/after trial with large amounts of incorrect/inaccurate information. Sam quickly processed the details and replied with calm and logical responses. At trial, the opposing party provided false testimony. During cross examination Sam provided documented information that exposed the lie. As the opposing party read the document aloud in the courtroom and then realized the contradiction in the testimony, there was an extended period of silence. This was a priceless moment. I am glad I documented everything and hired Sam.

–Jess

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Going through a divorce, especially with children, is difficult and overwhelming. Sam and his team were professional, knowledgeable, reasonable, and always kept my daughter at the forefront of all conversations. His paralegal, Amanda, is incredible. I would email or call obsessively with random (and sometimes crazy) questions. She was always so soothing and helpful. I really cannot say enough great things about this firm. If you are thinking about or going through a divorce, contact Sam. He will give you the truth about "what happens next". Another noteworthy item is the response from Sam and his team. All emails were responded to promptly and with questions answered. This is paramount especially during a custody dispute. PS-He is absolutely incredible during mediation...even the mediator was surprised at the effectiveness and promptness of Sam and his filings. Take the first real step in Divorce and hire Sorensen Law Group. You will be thankful you did.

–-Ashley

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Working with Sam was a great experience. Right from our first consultation, I knew that I had chosen the right lawyer. He is very quick to respond and was great about answering my questions. I was so happy to have someone with his knowledge, experience and expertise to make sure that my best interests, both short and long term, were first and foremost. Many times his insights helped me to avoid problems down the road, problems that were not apparent to me. He was well prepared and helped me feel confident and calm throughout the process. He also did extra research that really helped out. It was great knowing that my case was getting all the attention it needed. I'm glad that I had an attorney like Sam on my side. I felt confident that he was ready and able to fight as hard as needed to get the best outcome for me. I highly recommend Sam, and will not hesitate to use him again if I need his services.

– Matt

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