Sam has practised law in Wellington for 40 years and specialises in trust law, property law, and business acquisition and financing.

He also advises many not-for-profit organisations and charities. He is a director of several private companies and a trustee of charitable trusts, both large and small.

In the wider community, Sam is Vice President and Honorary Solicitor of Stagecraft Theatre, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Prisoners Aid and Rehabilitation Trust, and Chairman of the Wellington City Mission. He was a Samaritans volunteer for 15 years and for nine years was Chair of the Committee of Management of the Wellington Branch.