Sam has practiced criminal law his entire career. In 2008, he joined the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Louisiana where he represents a considerable number of Hispanic clients. He is death penalty certified by the State of Louisiana and handles death penalty cases for the office. Prior to becoming an AFPD, Sam was a member of the CJA panel while serving as an Assistant Public Defender in both Jefferson Parish and St. John the Baptist Parish. In 2006, he opened the Hispanic Legal Center, L.L.C., which was dedicated to representing Hispanic clients in a variety of legal matters.