Results driven and client focused are the emphasis of Jeffrey B. Sams’ practice.

Mr. Sams utilizes his nearly 40 years of experience litigating cases centering on unpaid debts and broken contracts in an effort to achieve efficient and cost-effective outcomes for his clients.  He serves as an of counsel attorney representing a diverse clientele including financial institutions, credit grantors,  construction companies, labor and material suppliers, subcontractors, landlords, and others who are owed money.  His legal acumen focuses on:

• commercial litigation;
• creditors’ rights and remedies;
• debt collection;
• construction law;
• probate litigation;
• alternative dispute resolution; and
• landlord/tenant law.

Prior to his current role, Mr. Sams was the owner of his own law firm.  This experience makes him acutely aware of the difficulties faced by business owners.  Stopping problems before they become problems is a major issue faced by businesses, so Mr. Sams regularly presents on debt collection law to educate clients on ways they can avoid litigation, and how to pursue litigation alternatives if needed.

Mr. Sams was born and raised in southeastern Ohio.  He earned his law degree from The Ohio State University in 1987 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Ohio University, awarded in 1984. He is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell.

As you may suspect of an OSU graduate, Mr. Sams is a Buckeyes fan, as well as Ohio University Bobcats, Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals. He and his wife enjoy hikes at many of the local Metro Parks and State Parks, as well as travelling, antiquing and spending time with their granddaughter.  They have two grown children, both of whom are also attorneys.

Experience

Some examples of Mr. Sams’ experience include successful representation in the following matters:

Financial Institutions and Insurers 

• American Savings Bank v Pertuset, Case No. 1:14-cv-321, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio. Represented bank in multiple court actions involving the defendants in obtaining monies from promissory notes and mortgages agreed to by the defendants.

• American Savings Bank v Wrage, Case No. 13CA3566, Ohio Fourth District Court of Appeals. Acted for a bank in a foreclosure case.

• Delaware Cnty. Bank & Trust Co. v. PMAC Lending Svcs. Inc., Case No. 2:15-cv-945, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio. Argued to keep the loan dispute case in Ohio court rather than California court.

• Kent v Huntington National Bank, Case No. 00AP-1389, Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals. Convinced appellate court the trial court erred in granting summary judgment to opposing party.

• Leonard v Georgesville Center, LLC, Case Nos. 13AP-97 and13AP-441, Ohio Tenth District Appellate Court. Represented bank in foreclosure action.

• MidState Educators Credit Union, Inc. v. Werner, Case No. 07AP-301, Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals. Advocated for credit union in matter involving collection on a defaulted loan.

• National Union Fire Ins Co v Hall, Case Nos. 17057 and 17224, Ohio Second District Court of Appeals. Represented insurer in recovery of monies due on promissory note.

• Oakley v The Citizens Bank of Logan, Case Nos. 03CA13 and 04CA25, Ohio Fourth District Court of Appeals. Represented bank in case involving breach in security agreement worth $1,000,000.

• The Citizens Bank of Logan v Hines, Case No. 12CA5, Ohio Fourth District Court of Appeals. Acted for bank in collection and foreclosure matter.

• WesBanco Bank, Inc. v Ettayem, Case Nos. 14AP-452 and 14AP-455, Ohio Tenth District Appellate Court. Represented bank seeking to recover monies owed by placing liens on lease payments from rental property.  

Manufacturing and Retail

• American Motorists Ins Co v Olin Hunt, Case No 00AP-1313, Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals. Acted for manufacturer against insurer’s attempt to reclaim monies paid to a third party.

• Columbus Equipment Company v. RKJ Enterprises, Case No. 5:14-cv-2389, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio. Represented heavy equipment dealer in obtaining judgment.

• Kirk Exc. and Constr., Inc. v. AYS Oilfield Case No. 2:14-cv-2097, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio and Kirk Exc. and Constr., Inc. v. Columbus Equipment Company Case No. 16-4114, U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Obtained access to funds paid to the court for distribution to creditors on behalf of heavy equipment dealer.

• Verco Industries v Fintastic, Case No. 9-98-17, Ohio Third District Court of Appeals. Defended manufacturer in case involving overdue account.

Construction and Real Estate

• Huntington Center Associates v Schwartz Kelm Warren & Ramirez, Case No. 00AP-35, Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals. Represented landlord in placing lien on assets where it had an equitable interest to collect over a million dollars in owed rent.

• McCormick v Luke Collison Drywall & Construction LLC, Case No. 2021 CA 00036, Ohio Fifth District Court of Appeals. Defended home builder against claims of owner while collecting balance owed to builder on construction contract.

• Piemonte v Malatesta, Case No. 12-CA-28 and 13-CA-14, Ohio Fifth District Court of Appeals. Defended buyer of real estate in breach of contract matter.

Technology

• Siemens Nixdorff v Accurate Keypunch, Case No. 96APG02-221, Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals. Advocated for technology company in appeal involving unpaid maintenance agreement.

Community/Professional Affiliations

• Columbus Bar Association
• Fairfield County Bar Association
• Ohio State Bar Association
• Pickerington North Mock Trial Advisor, 2007-2013
• Supporter of Earth Angel Super Cruise-In, Twig SW-5, Pickerington North Athletics and Band

Honors & Awards

AV rated by Martindale Hubbell.

Spotlight

Events & Speaking Engagements