Samuel David Berns

Sam Berns has been practicing law in Placer County and throughout Northern California since 2010. As a criminal defense attorney, Sam has achieved positive results for his clients both in litigation and through settlement. His case load ranges from DUI to murder and everything in between. Sam communicates openly with his clients and believes the best way to represent someone is not to make decisions for them, but to help them make the most informed decisions possible for themselves.

Sam also has a wide breadth of knowledge on land use and business issues, especially related to the new commercial cannabis laws in California. Sam has worked closely both directly with municipalities and with individuals and advocacy groups to help pass commercial cannabis ordinances. He can help his clients stay ahead of the ever-changing cannabis law landscape, is intimately familiar with the upcoming local and state regulations, and is very proactive in putting his clients in a position to succeed early.

Sam has a passion for advocacy and a strong desire to do what is right. Sam regularly volunteers at high school mock trial competitions in Placer and Sacramento Counties, and also frequently works with legal aid attorneys at Legal Services of Northern California. He began his career as an advocate long before he entered law school, designing and teaching a know-your-rights class for inner city youth as far back as 2005 and volunteering at three different public defenders’ offices prior to becoming a lawyer. He also works with several medical marijuana industry groups, and has contributed to a documentary film about three strikes law reform.