Sam Baker is a Partner in Smith Currie Oles and formally Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker’s Seattle office. Sam possesses extensive experience in construction, government contracts and commercial litigation. His West Coast practice involves problem solving in virtually all areas of construction. A former officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sam has always represented contractors in evaluating and resolving disputes. With a degree in Building Technology, Administration, and Construction Management. Sam has an extensive understanding of the technical aspects of construction in applying the law. He assists in evaluating and resolving client disputes which often involve complex, multi-party cases. He has represented clients in transactions with public agencies as well as numerous federal agencies and private groups. Sam frequently appears in state and federal courts, and represents clients in arbitration and mediation.Sam earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington and a J.D. from the University of Montana. He was a founding member of the University of Washington Construction Industry Advisory Council, past Chairman of the Seattle Police Foundation Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Auction of Washington Wines.In 2006 Sam was inducted as the first attorney in the University of Washington Construction Hall of Fame and is the first attorney to hold the distinction of serving as a Director of The Beavers and Trustee of its Charitable Trust. In 2012, Sam was awarded the coveted Golden Beaver Award for Service and Supply, and in 2014 Sam was selected for membership in the National Academy of Construction, where he has served for several years as its general counsel.