Samantha Breakstone is a Senior Associate at Slater Slater Schulman and a seasoned attorney for survivors of sexual trauma. Passionate about giving her clients a voice, Samantha is a fierce advocate and counselor.

Samantha has dedicated her entire career to providing survivors a safe and empowering environment in which to share their stories. Samantha understands that trust is a precious commodity, and she tailors her practice to the genuine needs of each client. There is no “one size fits all” approach to her success.  

Prior to the firm, Samantha worked for five years as a Felony Trial Assistant District Attorney in the Special Victims Bureaus and Human Trafficking Unit of the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. Though proud of her work, Samantha saw a void in the criminal justice system that prevented her from consistently delivering the justice her clients deserved. In 2018, Samantha shifted her practice from criminal law to civil litigation to begin supporting survivors on a more personal level. 

Samantha most recently served as a sexual trauma attorney at a prominent personal injury and medical malpractice firm in New York City, assisting survivors of sexual trauma in seeking justice against hotels and other entities that profit from sex trafficking rings. A special victim’s prosecutor at her core, Samantha continues to draw upon her past in criminal law to advocate furiously in the civil realm; her knowledge of both sides of the law and an unparalleled ability to investigate complicated cases provides a steady advantage for her clients.   

Outside of the firm, Samantha has authored two papers on Elder Law (2012, 2013) and an original scientific research article in the Journal of Fish Biology (2009). She is a former employee of the renowned Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where she worked as a Clinical Bioethicist, coordinating with medical teams on building relationships with trauma survivors across disciplines.  Professionally, Samantha is a member of the American Bar Association and the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association. She has lectured to other attorneys on subjects such as mass torts and has appeared on television in many cities discussing sexual abuse cases.  

Samantha graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in dual majors, both Psychology and Medicine, Health, and Society, together with a full minor in Art History from Vanderbilt University, before receiving both her J.D. and an M.A. in Clinical and Research Bioethics from Case Western University. Samantha joined the Slater Slater Schulman team in 2021, drawn to its fearless practice of doing whatever it takes to support its clients. Samantha is admitted to practice in New York, and is also admitted to the practice in the United States Supreme Court as well as the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

ASSOCIATIONS

• American Bar Association
• Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association

ADMITTED

• New York State Bar
• United States Supreme Court
• United States District Courts, Eastern District of New York

• Sexual Abuse

• Juris Doctor Degree- Case Western University
• Masters’ Degree in Clinical and Research Bioethics– Case Western University
• Dual Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Medicine, Health, and Society, together and Minor in Art History– Vanderbilt University