Sam Engelson
About
Originally from Plano, Texas, Sam Engelson joined Leventhal Swan Taylor Temming PC as an Associate Attorney in March 2024, bringing nearly a decade of experience in employment and civil litigation. Sam earned his Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Kansas in 2014 before obtaining his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Law in 2017.
Sam began his legal career in 2018 with a boutique plaintiff-side employment law firm, where he practiced in both Chicago and Denver for more than six years before joining LSTT. During that time, he developed a strong reputation and extensive experience in wage and hour litigation, representing employees in disputes involving unpaid minimum wages, overtime, commissions, bonuses, tips, and other compensation-related issues.
Sam primarily focuses his practice on employment litigation, including wage and hour disputes, retaliation claims, whistleblower matters, FMLA and Colorado FAMLI Act claims, severance negotiations, and non-compete and non-solicitation matters. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in employment and business-related disputes and handles matters ranging from individual claims to complex multi-plaintiff, class, and collective actions.
Over the course of his career, Sam has litigated and resolved nearly 200 wage and hour cases and has recovered millions of dollars in back wages and damages for his clients. He has significant experience litigating claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Colorado Overtime and Minimum Pay Standards Order (COMPS Order), Colorado Wage Act, and related laws. His clients span a wide range of industries, including construction, hospitality, retail, health care, trucking, private security, auto services, property management, beauty services, and office and corporate environments.
Known for his collaborative and personable approach, Sam prides himself on building strong relationships with clients, opposing counsel, court staff, and colleagues alike. He understands that employment disputes often create significant stress and uncertainty for individuals and families, and he is committed not only to achieving strong legal outcomes, but also to helping clients feel supported throughout the process. Sam believes that treating people with respect and maintaining open communication are strategic advantages that ultimately help achieve the best possible results.
Sam is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Colorado, the Supreme Court of Illinois, the United States District Courts for the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois and the District of Colorado, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He was also recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2024.
After spending eight years in Chicago, Sam and his wife relocated to Colorado with their two daughters and two dogs to be closer to family. Outside the office, he enjoys cooking, collecting sports memorabilia, spending time in the Colorado mountains, and making memories with his family.
Achievements
- Rising Star - Illinois Super Lawyers, 2024
Education
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- J.D. - 2017
- University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
- B.S. - 2014
Bar Admissions
- Supreme Court of Illinois
- Supreme Court of Colorado
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
