Samuel E. Cooley, born Fulton, Kentucky; admitted to the Florida Bar, 2007.

Education:  Vanderbilt University (B.S. Magna Cum Laude 2004); Stetson University College of Law (J.D. 2007).

Member:  The Florida Bar; American Bar Association; Hillsborough County Bar Association.

Following his graduation from law school, Mr. Cooley worked as a Hillsborough County Assistant Public Defender representing criminal defendants in juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony proceedings. He litigated eighteen jury trials to verdict and was recognized for outstanding pro bono and community services activities.

While at Stetson Law, Mr. Cooley served as an Associate Justice to the Moot Court Board. He won oral advocacy and best brief awards while competing in the Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition and the E. Earle Zehmer Workers' Compensation Competition. He was also a Teaching Fellow and the Fifth Circuit Lieutenant Governor of the ABA's Law Student Division. Based on these accomplishments, Mr. Cooley was the inaugural recipient of the Stephanie A. Vaughan Award for Excellence in Advocacy.

Mr. Cooley joined our firm in October 2009, and he practices in the appellate division.