Thomas G. Sampson Sr.’s Biography: Life, Achievements and Impact
1946 – July 3, 2025
Thomas (“Tom”) G. Sampson Sr., Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins LLP, was a towering figure in the Atlanta legal community and a source of enduring pride for the city’s Black community. For more than five decades, he embodied excellence, integrity, and advocacy—breaking barriers, mentoring generations, and shaping the course of justice in Georgia and beyond.
Born into a family deeply rooted in the law—his father, the late Daniel George Sampson, was a law professor and Dean at North Carolina Central University—Tom’s journey reflected the determination and achievement that defined the African American professional rise of the civil rights era. A proud graduate of Morehouse College (B.A., 1968) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law (J.D., 1971), he also studied at the London School of Economics and was a member of the Society of International Business Fellows. Returning to Atlanta in 1971, Tom co-founded what would become one of the South’s most respected Black-owned law firms, building a practice known for championing the rights of clients from all walks of life.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Tom earned a national reputation in personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury litigation. He represented the City of Atlanta and the State of Georgia in major litigation, secured record-setting verdicts—including multiple recoveries exceeding $10 million—and successfully defended Fortune 500 corporations. His professional milestones include:
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers (2022)
First African American inducted into the Georgia Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates
Listed in The Best Lawyers in America annually since 1993
Charter Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
Recognized as a Georgia “Super Lawyer” every year of its existence
Recipient of the Bennie Trailblazer Award from Morehouse College (2006)
Inducted into the Gate City Bar Association Hall of Fame (2002) and the National Bar Association Hall of Fame (2014)
Lifetime Achievement Award, Daily Report (2016)
Beyond his legal victories, Tom was a civic leader whose influence touched government, nonprofits, and community institutions. He served as Special Assistant to the Attorney General for the State of Georgia, President of the Gate City Bar Association, President of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, and member of the Atlanta Judicial Commission. He lent his expertise to organizations including the Carter Center, the Atlanta Urban League, and Senior Citizens Services of Metropolitan Atlanta. As an Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgia State University and instructor at the Atlanta College of Trial Advocacy, he mentored countless attorneys—many of whom went on to become prominent leaders in their own right.
Tom’s life and career stand as a testament to the resilience, brilliance, and leadership of not only Atlanta’s Black legal community but the overall legal community as a whole. His achievements are woven into the city’s history, his mentorship has shaped its future, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to break barriers and pursue justice with courage.
Practice Areas:
Personal & Catastrophic Injury
Premises Liability
Wrongful Death
Medical Malpractice
Education:
Morehouse College, B.A., 1968
London School of Economics, Member, Society of International Business Fellows
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, J.D., 1971
Bar Admissions:
Georgia (1971)
North Carolina (1971)
GOODBased on 18 reviewsMarcus Hawkins2025-05-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great lawyer firm. I used them for my slip and fall case, along with my vehicle accident case. Both cases were very successfulJonathan Okomo2025-05-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing group of attorneys, helped me understand everything, every step of the way. Im very pleased with the resultssade sullivan2025-04-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an incredible experience with TKST Law. Maryama and her team were absolutely amazing, professional, supportive, and truly dedicated. Mohammad did an outstanding job during my negotiations and helped me get even more than I expected. I’m beyond grateful for their hard work and highly recommend them!Jennifer Lynn Duncan2025-01-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'm sharing this review on behalf of a friend who is too distraught to post it themself. I have documentation of proof of all of this in case the company wants to refute any of it... I am extremely disappointed with the service I received from Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins, LLP. After working with them for two months, I still have no solutions or progress toward settling my case. From the beginning, I was only connected with a paralegal (Maryama Swindell) who seemed unable to move my case forward. While she was vacationing in Spain, I was suffering over the holidays - losing my job & home from a fatal accident. Despite repeated attempts to get in touch with an actual attorney who could assist me, I was consistently met with excuses or delays. I felt like my case wasn’t taken seriously, and there was a lack of communication and transparency throughout the entire process. I trusted this firm to provide the legal expertise and support I needed because they were referred to me, but instead, it felt like my time was wasted. If you are looking for a firm that will actively work on your case and keep you informed, I would NOT recommend Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins, LLP. Unfortunately, my experience left me feeling frustrated and without the legal resolution I was seeking and I had to fire them to find another law firm.Bill Bigsby2024-07-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Horrible law firm. I personal would never use them for any representation. Staff is rude and unprofessional.J.Gilman2023-04-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I served as a juror on a case that Woody tried and he did a great job. From the beginning, he basically ran the courtroom, was very engaging, personable, and all the jurors liked him. Kristal was also impressive and it was a pleasure to watch them work.Paula Coleman2021-10-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent legal services!!