Samantha McCoy

Biography

Samantha McCoy’s legal practice centers on representing insurance carriers in matters involving coverage disputes, first-party bad faith claims, and appellate litigation. She has extensive experience across a wide range of insurance policies, including those related to catastrophic losses, professional liability, workers’ compensation, and general liability. Her appellate work spans diverse areas such as personal injury, product liability, labor and employment law, and professional malpractice. Before entering the legal field, Samantha worked as a licensed mental health therapist, specializing in trauma-informed care—a foundation that continues to inform her client-centered, empathetic approach to legal advocacy.

In addition to her insurance and appellate practice, Samantha is dedicated to legislative advocacy for survivors of violence. Samantha has over a decade of experience lobbying on the state and federal level, successfully passing several laws in over five states, one federal bill, and a United Nations Resolution. Samantha an esteemed speaker and has presented at numerous conferences, podcasts, and professional forums—including engagements with United Nations delegates, members of the U.S. Congress, state and federal prosecutors, Title IX offices, and law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Education

St. Mary’s School of Law, JD, summa cum laude 2021
Syracuse University, Master of Social Work and Certificate of Advanced Study in Trauma-Informed Practice, 2017
Indiana University, Bachelor of Social Work, 2016

Admissions

Samantha is admitted to practice in Texas state courts, as well as the United States District Court for all Districts in Texas and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Affiliations

Samantha McCoy is an active member of the American Bar Association, where she serves as an Associate Editor on the ABA Young Lawyers Division Editorial Board. She is also deeply involved in the Austin legal community, holding leadership roles as an Associate Editor for the Austin Bar Association, Chair of the Law-Related Education Committee for the Austin Young Lawyers Association, and Affinity Bar Liaison for the Travis County Women Lawyers Association. Additionally, Samantha is a member of the Robert W. Calvert Inn of Court and was elected to serve on the Council of the Austin Bar Association’s Appellate Section.

Samantha has co-authored several articles on insurance law for Chambers and Partners and regularly contributes to ABA Young Lawyers Division publications. Her writing reflects her deep knowledge of insurance coverage and appellate practice, as well as her commitment to advancing legal education and professional development.

Recognitions & Awards

Recipient of the Texas Rising Star Award in Appellate Law, 2024 and 2025
Recipient of the Austin Woman “Women to Watch,” December 2024
Recipient of the Austin Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, 2025
Recipient of the Class of 1977 “Educating for Justice” Award
Recipient of the Alice Wright Franzke Feminist Award
Recipient of the St. Mary’s University Presidential Award