Samuel D. Block

Associate

Samuel D. Block defends clients involved in a broad array of complex and high-stakes employment class actions, particularly those arising under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). From the motion to dismiss stage through trial, Sam represents benefit plans, plan sponsors, and ERISA fiduciaries in disputes involving excessive fees, investment strategy, forfeitures, tobacco surcharges, denial of disability benefits, and other types of ERISA claims. Sam also defends employers in misclassification class actions, arbitrations involving claims of discrimination, and trade secret and noncompete injunctions.

Sam’s practice involves a significant amount of pro bono work. He has briefed and argued an immigration case in front of the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, winning a remand for his client and later winning a withholding of removal in front of the immigration judge. In addition, Sam successfully defended a school at trial in a contract dispute.

He previously worked for the City of Chicago in the Mayor's Office Fellowship Program. During law school, Sam served on Harvard Law School's Board of Student Advisers and was a finalist for the 2015 Ames Moot Court Competition.

Harvard Law School, 2016, J.D., cum laude
Northwestern University, 2013, B.A., summa cum laude

Illinois
US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
US District Court for the Western District of Michigan
US District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
US District Court for the District of North Dakota
US District Court for the District of Colorado

Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Chicago (2023–2025)

Recommended, Labor and employment: ERISA litigation, The Legal 500 US (2022)

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