Samantha Smart

About Samantha Smart

Sam Smart is an Junior Partner at Luks, Santaniello, Petrillo, Cohen & Peterfriend. She practices auto liability, premises liability, wrongful death, negligent security, trucking, and general liability defense.Sam has also practiced criminal law. During her time as a criminal defense attorney she focused on both general and complex criminal litigation emphasizing DUI defense, administrative hearings, and appeals. She has handled everything from a municipal ordinance to a first degree felony punishable by life. Sam was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. She attended Boston University, where she worked as the mascot, Rhett while attending classes. After graduation in 2009, she started law school at Florida Coastal School of Law. During her time in law school, she was heavily involved in the trial team. She was a member of the executive board and competed in competitions every semester. While in law school Sam was a Certified Legal Intern with the Public Defender\'s Office. She was able to represent client\'s in court and participate in motions and trials. After graduating law school, Sam Smart worked for the Public Defender’s Office from 20••••14. She was the youngest Assistant Public Defender to have held the position of attorney at the office. During her time at the office she participated in many criminal trials and handled cases ranging from minor misdemeanor charges up to charges punishable by mandatory life sentences. Sam was quickly promoted to the felony division at the PD’s office. She was a mentor to new attorneys as well. She represented the Public Defender’s Office at many presentations teaching pro-bono attorneys the ins and out of criminal procedure. She is involved and concerned with her community and volunteers with various organizations.

Experience

1. Litigation Attorney

   Plata Schott Law

   Mar 2024 — Present · Jacksonville, FL, US

Education

• Florida Coastal School of Law

  Juris Doctor (J.D.), International and Comparative Law

  2009 — 2011

• Boston University

  Psychology, Psychology

  2006 — 2009

Skills

• Criminal Law
• Trial Practice
• Litigation
• Courts
• Hearings
• Dui Defense
• Appeals
• Legal Research
• Legal Writing
• Legal Advice
• Westlaw
• Civil Litigation
• Trials
• Lexisnexis
• Criminal Defense
• Motions