Samuel J. Abate, Jr.

Sam brought a collaborative and thorough approach to representing clients. He focused his practice on defending business clients in civil litigation, with an emphasis on the defense of pharmaceutical and medical device companies in product liability matters involving marketed products. He monitored the relevant scientific literature and has worked with expert medical witnesses in many fields.

Sam has long maintained an active pro bono practice, including taking a leading role in the Attorney for a Day Program at the Westchester Supreme Court, which provides counsel to homeowners in foreclosure actions. Sam also has worked with the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights on prisoner rights cases. In 2018, he was awarded Pepper Hamilton’s William R. Klaus Pro Bono Award in recognition of his sustained record of pro bono service. Active in volunteer and civic groups, Sam served as mayor of the Village of Ardsley in Westchester County, NY for more than eight years.

Sam is a member of the New York State Bar Association, where he serves on the electronic discovery and the social media committees of the Commercial and Federal Litigation Section; the American Bar Association; and the Westchester County Bar Association. He is also a member of the Defense Research Institute, where he serves on the Drug and Medical Device webinar committee.

Sam is a fellow of The Pepper Center for Public Service. The Pepper Center draws on the talents of the firm’s retired partners and senior attorneys to wrestle with tough problems facing our communities. Through the center, these attorneys study, analyze, and work to resolve problems that affect the lives of people in our communities.

• Best Lawyers in America®: Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (2019-2025)