Samantha Klein enrolled in law school with the intent of becoming an environmental lawyer. After passing the bar, she began volunteering with a nonprofit providing services to survivors of abuse. Her one day a week quickly became three. “I was hooked,” she said. “It was incredibly meaningful work and confirmed that family law was where I belonged.”
She has practiced family law ever since. “I get to help solve problems and guide clients through some of the hardest moments of their lives and make a real impact. I honestly cannot imagine doing anything else.”
AALM: You transitioned to the head of the family law practice at Withers a few years ago. Tell us about the decision to move and what drew you to Withers?
SK: I started my career at a top boutique family law firm in L.A. and had a great experience—smart lawyers, high-quality work, and a solid foundation. As my practice grew and the world got smaller, clients often had questions about taxes, real estate, corporate structures, or estate planning, and it was hard to get quick, reliable answers since we didn’t have those resources in-house. That’s what drew me to Withers. It is a full-service, international firm, so now I can pick up the phone and get trusted advice from colleagues in all those areas. It has made a huge difference in how I service my clients.
Taking on the role of head of the California family law practice at an international full-service law firm has opened up amazing opportunities, from working on cross-border prenups and custody disputes to speaking in Asia about California law. I wouldn’t have had those opportunities at a smaller firm. Leaving the boutique was a big move, but it was the right one.
AALM: As the head of the family law practice, what has been your focus as a leader?
SK: I joined Withers during COVID, which made it tough to connect with new team members. I had to be intentional about building community, so we leaned into video calls and started a weekly Friday meeting that’s become a big part of our team culture. Each week, we do “two words”—one for where you are, one for where you’re going. It’s simple but meaningful, and it gives us space to connect, reflect, and support each other. We also take time to give shoutouts and recognize when someone on our team has had a tough week, a unique experience or gone above and beyond.
AALM: Tell us about one of your mentors. How have you sought to mentor or support upcoming lawyers in family law?
SK: Laura Wasser has been my mentor since I started practicing, and she’s had a huge impact on me. She taught me that knowing the law isn’t enough—you have to understand people. Watching her manage clients with calm confidence really shaped how I work. As a mentor myself, I try to lead by example. I won’t ask my team to do anything I wouldn’t do—whether it’s staying late or having a tough conversation. I believe in giving my team real responsibility—letting them get in the courtroom, talk to clients, and handle the hard stuff. I always tell them to be clear, be respectful, and stick to the facts. No drama. It sounds funny but to me, mentoring is a little like being a mama hen: you support, guide, and then step back and let them fly.
AALM: You’ve said that while you’ve seen almost every situation in family law, you view each family as unique. Can you speak about that with us?
SK: Absolutely. While I feel like I have seen almost every legal issue (sometimes just once) in family law, every family is different. Some come in with sadness or guilt, some are worried about their kids, and many just want a peaceful way forward but don’t know how to get there. Some can communicate with their spouse, others can’t. Some have strong support systems, others feel completely alone. Every family brings a unique mix of emotions and history. That’s why I take the time to really listen and meet people where they are — so we can find a path forward together that feels right for their family, both legally and emotionally.
AALM: Are there any cases or families that really impacted you and how you practice law?
SK: Over the years, many families have left a mark on me, but one case stands out. I represented a father falsely accused of domestic abuse. Despite clear evidence in his favor—video, audio, everything—the case dragged on for years. His ex had also turned the kids against him, which was incredibly painful to witness. Through it all, he stayed calm, kind, and kept showing up. We kept at it, and eventually things started to shift. The kids slowly reconnected with their dad. There were smiles again. It wasn’t perfect, but it mattered. We still stay in touch. He sends photos from school plays and baseball games—reminders of why this work
is worth it. It’s not easy, but we do it with honesty and a real commitment
to doing what’s right.
AALM: Looking ahead, what more do you hope to accomplish in your career? What’s the next milestone?
SK: I just want to keep growing and keep getting better at helping clients. If I’m being honest, finally getting a handle on my inbox (it’s
out of control!) would be an accomplishment. Big picture, I’m really excited to keep building the practice. Withers has amazing family lawyers in California, Singapore, Hong Kong, UK, and New York. It is a total powerhouse. I’d love to keep adding great lawyers and taking on interesting work. It really feels like there’s nothing our team can’t do, and that keeps me inspired.
AALM: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
SK: Yes—just this: being a lawyer is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also hard work. And in the middle of all the deadlines, it’s easy to let your own family fall to the bottom of the list. Don’t let that happen. Chaperone the field trip. Eat dinner with your kids. Show up for the moments that matter. There will always be more emails, more to-dos, more late nights if you let them, but your kids are only little once. Our families deserve to come first too.
For more information, visit withersworldwide.com.
