Legal pioneer changed Georgia’s courtroom forever
Thomas G. Sampson Sr. wasn’t just a brilliant lawyer — he was a builder. The co-founder of Georgia’s first Black-owned law firm, Sampson died on July 3, 2025, at age 79. In his lifetime, he helped rewrite who belongs in power. His biggest milestone? Becoming the first Black attorney inducted into the Georgia chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, a group once seen as unreachable for people like him.
From Morehouse to the courtroom
Sampson was a proud Morehouse graduate, class of 1968. He earned his law degree from the University of North Carolina in 1971. Armed with skill and purpose, he co-founded Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins, a firm that would become a powerhouse in Georgia’s legal and civil rights history.
For decades, he fought major civil cases and mentored young Black lawyers. Many of them say his presence in court gave them permission to believe they belonged there too.
A law firm with a purpose
His Atlanta-based firm became more than just an office — it was a launchpad for hundreds of Black legal professionals across the South. Sampson didn’t just argue cases — he built careers. He believed the courtroom should reflect the world we live in, and he worked to make that true.
Mayor Andre Dickens said it best: “Mr. Sampson didn’t just build a law firm — he built a legacy.”
Deep roots, wide impact
Sampson grew up in Atlanta and stayed grounded in service. He mentored attorneys, sat on civic boards, and gave back at every turn. He also loved his family deeply. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Jacquelyn, two children, and six grandchildren.
Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. called him “a towering figure in the legal community… whose legacy lives on through all of us who continue the work.”
A legacy that still leads
There’s no official word yet on funeral plans or cause of death. But Sampson’s work speaks loud enough. Courtrooms, boardrooms, and law schools across Georgia still carry the imprint of his steps. He didn’t just practice law — he reshaped the system.
