Samuel Edmunds’ journey into law began during his college years, where he was deeply involved in student activism, ultimately serving as the student body president and chair of the statewide student association. This role provided him with opportunities to lobby at the legislature and Congress, sparking his initial interest in law and politics. Inspired by the numerous politicians who were also lawyers, Sam decided to pursue a legal career.
After completing his undergraduate degree, Sam enrolled in law school intending to enter real estate or property law before pursuing a future in government. However, his path took a turn when he secured a job as a prosecutor at a firm that represented cities and handled criminal cases. Soon Sam realized he could better help people by defending those accused of a crime rather than prosecuting them, leading him to co-founding Sieben Edmunds Miller with Kevin Sieben.
Since the inception of Sieben Edmunds Miller, Sam has been dedicated to delivering the highest level of service to clients. Sam prides himself on being client-centered, ensuring that his clients have easy access to him as their lawyer and receive prompt, clear communication. Sam’s commitment to being approachable and responsive sets him apart in the field, providing clients with a supportive and reassuring legal experience.
A cornerstone of Sam’s approach is recognizing the humanity in every client. He firmly believes that a criminal charge should not define a person’s entire life. By treating clients with dignity and understanding, Sam helps them navigate difficult times and move forward positively.
Sam’s impressive resume includes serving as the president of the Minnesota State Bar Association for 2024-2025. He is also a Board-Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, an honor held by less than 3% of Minnesota attorneys that recognizes his success as a trial lawyer earning successful results for his clients.
He has also been named Attorney of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer in both 2018 and 2020, accolades that reflect his dedication and expertise. His 2018 award was a result of significant pro bono expungement work, including a high-profile case that involved an extensive appeal process. In 2020, he was recognized for his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, launching a pro bono expungement program to help individuals re-enter the workforce.
Sam is heavily involved in bar associations and professional organizations at both the state and national levels. He has served on the House of Delegates for the American Bar Association for 10+ years, working to influence policy and advocate for access to justice. Through his work, he strives to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to legal representation and the court system.
In addition to his professional achievements, Sam maintains a significant caseload of pro bono expungement cases through the Volunteer Lawyers Network. This dedication to providing free legal services to those in need underscores his commitment to giving back to the community and improving society.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time with his wife, Anna, and their five children. His hobbies include golfing, often with fellow lawyers, and scuba diving. An advanced open water diver, Sam has explored underwater sites around the world.
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Association Treasurer
- Assembly Member
- Board of Governors
- Elections & Appointments Committee – Past Chair
- Practice Management & Marketing Section – Past Chair
- New Lawyers Section – Past Chair
- Dakota County Bar Association – Past President
- Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota – Board of Directors
- Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice
- American Bar Association – House of Delegates
- American Bar Association Standing Committee on Continuing Legal Education
- American Bar Association Standing Committee on Specialization – Past Member
- Minnesota Supreme Court – Board of Legal Certification
- Minnesota Supreme Court – Board of Continuing Legal Education – Past Member
- Minnesota State Bar Foundation – Board of Directors
- Hennepin County Bar Association
- Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Douglas Amdahl Inn of Court
- American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division – Past Conferences Director
- Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation
- Fellow of the Hennepin County Bar Foundation
- President of the Minnesota State Bar Association, 2024-2025
- Named Attorney of the Year, Minnesota Lawyer 2018, 2020, 2025
- Named a Top Lawyer in Minnesota (Criminal Defense: Non White-Collar) by Minnesota Monthly magazine, 2022, 2024-2025
- Named a Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers Publication, 2023-2025
- Recognized as a North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association 2022
- Selected by The Best Lawyers in America (2021, 2022, 2025, and 2026 Edition)
- Selected by Super Lawyers as Rising Star, 2014 – 2020
- Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Minnesota State Bar Association 2015
- Award: ABA-YLD Outstanding Single Project, 2012 – 2013
- Named Up and Coming Attorney, Minnesota Lawyer 2010
Books
- Co-Author, The Minnesota Criminal Defense Guide. Self-published, September 2024.
Bench and Bar Articles as 2024-2025 MSBA President
- My year as state bar president, Bench and Bar, May 2025
- Defending the rule of law is part of our job, Bench and Bar, Apr 2025
- Taxing legal services is bad policy, Bench and Bar, Mar 2025
- In praise of district bars, Bench and Bar, Jan/Feb 2025
- Meet the MSBA’s new Commission on Access to Court Records, Bench and Bar, Nov 2024
- Pro bono work is part of our duty, Bench and Bar, Oct 2024
- Advocating for courthouse security screening reform for lawyers, Bench and Bar, Sept 2024
- Promoting fairness and impartiality: MSBA’s 2024 judicial plebiscite, Bench and Bar, August 2024
- MSBA President 2024-25: Samuel Edmunds, Bench and Bar, July 2024
Articles
- Commentary: Attorneys reflect on power of board certification, Minnesota Lawyer, October 2025
- Trump v. Rule of Law is a case that is riveting lawyers, judges and legal experts, MinnPost, May 5, 2025
- MSBA president calls on lawyers to defend rule of law, Minnesota Lawyer, March 2025
- Politics Friday: The 2024 election will determine who presides in Minnesota courtrooms, remember there are judges on your ballot, Minnesota Public Radio, October 2024
- Breaking the Ice: Leadership Appeals to New MSBA President, Minnesota Lawyer, September 2024
- New President Touts Collegiality Lawyers Can Find in Bar Association, Minnesota Lawyer, July 2024
- Edmunds is New MSBA President, Minnesota Lawyer, July 2024
- Here’s How Much Prison Time Derek Chauvin Faces, New York Post, April 2021
- Colleague Corner: Meet Samuel Edmunds, Bench & Bar of Minnesota, February 2021
- 2020 Attorneys of the Year: Kevin Sieben and Samuel Edmunds, Minnesota Lawyer, February 2021
- Sieben Edmunds Miller: Triple Advantage Advocacy, Attorney at Law Magazine, January 2020
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Attorneys of the Year: Samuel Edmunds, Minnesota Lawyer, February 2019
- Good Question: How Often Do Mistrials Occur, And What Causes Them?, WCCO CBS Minnesota, April 2014
Videos
- Sam Edmunds Discusses Derek Chauvin Case, Court TV, February 2021
Bar Admissions
- State of Minnesota
- State of Wisconsin
- U.S. District of Minnesota
Education
- William Mitchell School of Law
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Metropolitan State University
Free Case Evaluation
A Note From Sam…
I view my role as a criminal defense lawyer in a very holistic way. If someone is in trouble with the law, they sometimes might have deeper problems that we can address. I use my role as an attorney and advocate to get to the bottom of what’s going on, so that my client doesn’t have to call me again in the future.
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