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Samuel A. Hornak

Senior Attorney
fax +1 412.394.2555

Samuel Hornak represents corporations, governments, and individuals before federal and state courts in a variety of legal issues, from commercial contractual disputes to real estate development and tenancy matters.

Sam has extensive courtroom and mediation experience, including successful first-chair advocacy through trial verdict and on appeal. He often secures the efficient and creative resolution of disputes without resorting to litigation in a courtroom setting, both through formal resolution techniques and the implementation of business solutions to litigation problems.

Entrepreneurs and owners of closely-held corporations frequently turn to Sam for assistance in resolving complicated disputes relating to ownership, control and expansion. Real estate developers and landlords also look to Sam for assistance in disputes with their tenants, contractors, and regulators. Sam also maintains an active practice representing public and private operators of major toll roads and transportation infrastructure around the country.

Sam’s commercial litigation practice involves a variety of matters relating to breaches of contract, unfair trade practices, and property damage claims. He also assists with major corporate restructurings and workouts, in bankruptcy court and through the appointment of receivers. Sam is also experienced in complicated real estate development and commercial foreclosure proceedings.

A significant portion of Sam’s practice involves municipal matters, when he frequently represents numerous municipal governments, agencies and authorities. A major part of this practice is advising governments on their obligations under open records laws, including Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Law. Sam’s active government practice also informs his frequent representation of private individuals and corporations finding themselves in contact with local, state, and federal governments.

Education

J.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 2011
A.B., Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 2008, History and Government

Recognitions

Pennsylvania Super Lawyers – Rising Star

Named among Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch for Litigation – Real Estate by Best Lawyers (2021-2024)

Named among Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch for Municipal Law by Best Lawyers (2021-2024)

Named among Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation by Best Lawyers (2022-2024)

Named among Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch for Education Law by Best Lawyers (2024)

Named among Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch for Litigation – Construction by Best Lawyers (2024)

 

Memberships

Former Chairman, Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project

Georgetown University Alumni Admissions Committee, Southwestern Pennsylvania

American Bar Association

ABA Forum on Communications Law

ABA Forum on Entertainment and Sports Industries

Allegheny County Bar Association

Board of Directors, Beverly’s Birthdays

State Bar Licenses

Pennsylvania

Court Admissions

U.S. District Ct., W.D. of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Ct., E.D. of Pennsylvania
Articles
  • Pennsylvania Law Weekly – Protecting Privacy While Enforcing the Public’s Right to Know: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Recent Balance Between Public Access and Student Privacy – July 2020