Samantha is a member of Vinson & Elkins’ Appellate section. Her practice focuses on constitutional issues and complex commercial disputes.
Prior to joining Vinson & Elkins, Samantha served as a law clerk to the Honorable Ferdinand F. Fernandez of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht of the Supreme Court of Texas, and the Honorable Jane N. Bland of the Supreme Court of Texas. She graduated first in her class from Loyola Law School, where she served as Technical Editor of the Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review.
The following is a list of representative matters in which Samantha has assisted.
(D.D.C.) – Successfully moved to dismiss lawsuit challenging ongoing operation of a major interstate oil pipeline
(N.D. Tex.) – Currently representing midstream pipeline company in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of an administrative enforcement proceeding brought against it by PHMSA
(Tex. Dist. – Harris Cnty.) – Representing construction company in a seven-figure breach of contract dispute
(U.S.) – Co-drafted certiorari- and merits-stage amicus briefs on behalf of an immigration services provider regarding the applicable standard of review for whether a set of undisputed facts demonstrate persecution
(C.D. Cal.) – Successfully enforced website terms to compel arbitration in a putative consumer class action against a major media company
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Client Alerts
Texas Business Court Quarterly Update – Q3 2025
In the third quarter of 2025, the Texas Business Court has continued to release opinions that impact businesses operating in Texas and beyond.
October 20, 2025 • V&E Texas Business Court Quarterly Update
October 20, 2025 • 15-minute read
Client Alerts
Local Insight: The New Rules of the Texas Business Court Explained
On March 1, 2025, the Texas Business Court (the “Business Court”) implemented new local rules aimed at enhancing the efficiency and fairness of business dispute resolutions. Key changes include new provisions involving exchanging benches, supplemental jurisdiction waivers, corporate disclosure requirements, streamlined discovery dispute procedures, the concept of a Mediation Wheel, and a new guideline for the use of artificial intelligence. These rules, unanimously approved by all ten judges, mark a significant shift in the Business Court’s operational framework.
April 14, 2025
April 14, 2025 • 6-minute read
Client Alerts
On February 7, 2025, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice James D. Blacklock asked the Supreme Court Advisory Committee (the “Committee”) to “study and make recommendations on eliminat[ing] [ ] the Court’s current practice of requesting merits briefing before deciding a petition for review.”1 The Court further requested that the Committee “propose draft rule amendments accomplishing this objective.”2 Given the Court’s stated objective of eliminating the current practice, these changes appear likely on the horizon. This rule change could significantly impact appellate practice in Texas, and practitioners and parties should stay informed and prepared for these developments.
March 11, 2025
March 11, 2025 • 4-minute read
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