Sam Adam, Jr. - Attorney to Some of the Most Controversial Personalities in Contemporary Day

There are many adjectives used to describe the powerhouse that is Sam Adam. Attorney, father and son; he's aggressive, even controversial; but he's ethical and fights fiercely for his clients. As every good lawyer knows, it's not what others believe about you as long as you're keeping loyalties to your clients and making them a priority in the court's and jury's eyes. He's had quite the career in the spotlight, too. The attorney who successfully defended R. Kelly, the R&B incredible talent, in 2008 against charges of child pornography and other charges was only just beginning to find his stride. It's his current case, however, that's causing him to lose his appetite, sleep and concentration. That's because his current client is former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich. Make no mistake - Adam is treating this as though it's as much a fight for his life as his client's life. Then again, it's exactly that approach that keeps him in big demand, not only in Illinois, but around the country.
 

The charges against Blagojevich run the gamut and include charges of corruption, attempting to sell a public office as well as crimes committed during the course of the Chicago Cubs sale. This case is as big, if not bigger, than R. Kelly's 2008 trial. Still, Adam is confident. He is quoted as he was leaving the Dirksen Federal Courthouse that he'd ''given the best performance he could for his client...I just hope it was enough''. His goal, he said, was to ensure the jury knew ''simply that Rod Blagojevich was not a corrupt man''.


Always one for flair, Adam enjoys references to what the press has dubbed ''The Sam Adam Show''. He's been known to spout biblical references, and quite accurately, as well as the occasional interjection of how much each case means to him on a personal level while presenting closing arguments. While most lawyers agree they find themselves emotionally involved in many of their cases, there are few who so willingly and humbly own up to the human trait. This is one reason he's so well respected both by his peers and in his community.

Adam's received a B.A. in History at the University of Wisconsin at Madison in 1995. From there he pursued and received his J.D. from the same college in 1998. When asked the final determining factor that led him to choose law, his answer is clear and simple: it was his father's influence. It was almost as if he were destined for the legal sector.

With a strong sense of family, Adam says his inspiration came from watching his father and another mentor, R. Eugene Pincham, who was a human rights activist, practice law in the courtroom. He even fondly remembers being allowed to sit on Judge Pincham's lap as he heard cases. Adam, Jr. is a father and son in a close family that values the American legal system. Take note: this is one lawyer we're going to be seeing for many years.

Author's note: At press time, news broke that the Blagojevich jury was likely hopelessly deadlocked on at least 22 of the 24 charges Blagojevich has been charged with. It's unclear at this time what, if any, direction the judge will provide the jury as it continues its deliberations.