Janelle
Sampana

Janelle Sampana brings extensive experience to her civil litigation practice from clerking at both the trial and appellate levels of the federal judiciary, including for judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Her experience working in the federal judiciary has allowed Janelle to develop an astute ability to identify and craft winning arguments.

Before joining Larson, Janelle served as a law clerk to Ninth Circuit Judge Salvador Mendoza, Jr., District Judges Susan Illston and Trina Thompson, and Magistrate Judge Thomas Hixson. In those roles, she drafted opinions and orders, facilitated case management, reviewed jury instructions, resolved discovery disputes, and advised on a wide range of matters involving securities, intellectual property, civil rights, immigration, criminal law, and constitutional issues. Janelle was instrumental in developing chambers procedures, planning legal trainings and forums, and managing day-to-day operations.

Janelle was also previously an associate for a Northern California boutique litigation firm, where she represented technology companies in complex commercial disputes, assisted with white collar matters, and advised nonprofit organizations.

Janelle earned her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. During law school, Janelle participated in the Juvenile Justice Clinic, where she advocated on behalf of youth charged with felony and misdemeanor crimes. She investigated allegations, argued in court, and negotiated plea deals with prosecutors and conditions of release with probation officers. For her work, Janelle received the Juvenile Justice Clinic Alumni Public Service Award. Janelle also served as an editor for the Georgetown Law Journal and externed for the United States Attorney’s Office.

Janelle currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for East Bay Children’s Law Offices.

Higher Education Honors and Achievements

• The Georgetown Law Journal, Notes Editor