Leadership in Law profile: Alix L. Samara

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), May 1, 2007

Alix Samara never had any doubt the legal profession would be the career for her. She had been fascinated by the law and lawyers since she was a child.

After graduating with honors from Southern Methodist University with a double major, she went on to earn her juris doctorate from The George Washington University Law School in 2002. She began her legal career as an associate with Andrews Kurth LLP before joining the Oklahoma City law firm of Hartzog Conger Cason & Neville in 2004. Samara practices in the areas of estate planning and estate controversies and litigation.

She is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association where she has served on the board of its Young Lawyer's Division and also is a member of the State Bar of Texas.

A 1998-'99 Rhodes Scholar nominee, Samara went on to claim the title of East Coast Regional Champion in the 2000 Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA) Student Trial Advocacy Competition. She also was named George Washington Law School's Outstanding Trial Court Board Member in 2002.

In her spare time, Samara volunteers her time with the Oklahoma County Medical Residents Physician's Alliance where she currently serves as president. She also is project manager for Junior League of Oklahoma City and just completed her term as secretary of the Oklahoma Children's Health Foundation.

She considers her role in organizing the project to improve literacy for children in emergency foster care for the Junior League of Oklahoma City as her most significant public service accomplishments.

Samara said her parents were a major influence in her life.

"They have exemplified the balance between having a career, giving back to the community and raising a family," said Samara, who in March became a mother for the first time and looks forward to strive to effectively balance a rewarding legal career with a happy family life.

Education:

B.A., Poltical science and Corporate communications, Southern

Methodist University

J.D., The George Washington University Law School

Spouse: Shea

Children:

1-month-old Claire

First job:

Lifeguard

Favorite type of food:

Seafood

Favorite type of music:

Top 40

Favorite vacation spot:

Beach in the Caribbean or Mexico

Hobbies:

Travel, movies

Pets:

A Maltese named Caesar