Attorney Profile
Growing up, Samuel Perkins listened to his father, an attorney, talk about various cases. Those stories exposed him early to the important, interesting and meaningful work involved in the practice of law. Sam was particularly intrigued by the extent to which the legal system depends on experts, especially those with backgrounds or experiences in science.
From intrigue to action, Sam pursued his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois with intent to use his knowledge in the legal profession. Upon earning his J.D. from Northern Illinois University College of Law, he became a registered patent practitioner licensed to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
During law school, in preparation for the modern legal system which has largely substituted court appearances and oral arguments for written submissions, Sam worked hard to become a clear and concise writer. In addition to drafting weekly research memoranda as a research assistant, he was a member of his law school’s law review. In that capacity, he edited the work of his peers and authored and published an article on copyright law. In his years as a law clerk to a federal judge, he put those skills to work on a daily basis while continuing to learn from some of the best legal writers in the profession.
Sam believes that great lawyers are a product of their experiences. Beyond persuasive writing, Sam contends that great lawyers must understand the way both judges and juries think. As a law clerk, he had the opportunity to counsel and advise a federal judge, to observe and assist in civil and criminal trials and hearings, and to speak with jurors following their verdicts. These experiences inform every decision he makes when advocating for clients.
Sam joined Quinn Johnston as an associate at the beginning of 2022. Prior to joining the firm, Sam was the senior law clerk for Hon. James E. Shadid in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, Peoria Division. By accepting a clerkship after law school, he was able to gain experience in a wide variety of practice areas, study the legal landscape of the region, and develop an understanding of the reputations of local attorneys and law firms. Sam’s decision to join Quinn Johnston was based in large part on the exceptional reputation Quinn Johnston enjoys in the local and regional legal community.
Sam grew up in Washington, Illinois and has lived in the Peoria area for most of his life. When he is not at the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their two canine companions.
Practice Areas
Education
- J.D., Northern Illinois University College of Law, Dekalb, Illinois, 2015
- Honors: Magna Cum Laude
- Research Assistant for Assistant Dean Yolanda King
- B.S., Integrative Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, 2012
Professional Publications
‘Fixing’ the First Sale Doctrine: Adapting Copyright Law to the New Media Distribution Paradigm, Northern Illinois University Law Review, January 2015
Admissions/Associations
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association