Samantha Carmickle is a Litigation Department associate who focuses her practice on real estate and construction litigation matters. Prior to joining Ballard Spahr, Samantha worked at a Chambers-ranked Minneapolis law firm, where she second-chaired two construction defect and mechanic’s lien trials, one of which resulted in a $2.6 million judgment in favor of her client.
Samantha also gained experience preparing and taking party depositions, arguing summary judgment motions, drafting briefs, coordinating complex global settlements, and negotiating construction contracts.
As Vice President of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction, Samatha leads presentations related to construction litigation and ensures compliance with rules and regulations applicable to the organization. She also develops and attends training and informational sessions for women in the construction industry.
Representative Experience
Representative Matters
- Represented a general contractor in connection with a lawsuit against a subcontractor that failed to provide adequate labor, failed to provide materials, and failed to keep the project free from liens. Defended against the subcontractor's counterclaims for breach of contract and tortious interference of contract. Second-chaired the trial of the matter and successfully obtained a total victory for client including a judgment of $2.6 million in damages, plus attorney's fees and costs.
- Represented several clients in actions to clear title to land.
- Represented real estate developer in a contract dispute in which a contractor represented himself as client's manager, and used that title to retain contractors and amend contracts on client's behalf without authorization, leading to litigation. Defendant against counterclaims for breach of the LLC's Operating Agreement, demand for accounting and records, and demand for liquidation and appointment of a receiver. Drafted a motion to dismiss those claims which resulted in defendant conceding and agreeing to voluntarily dismiss all claims against real estate developer.
Professional Highlights
Pro Bono Experience
Tubman Pro Bono Safety Project
Professional Activities
American Bar Association
Minnesota State Bar Association, Construction Law Section, Civil Litigation Section
Hennepin County Bar Association
National Association of Women in Construction, Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter
Minnesota Women Lawyers
Recognition & Accomplishments
Thomson Reuters, “Minnesota Rising Star,” Construction Litigation, 2025
Minnesota State Bar Association, North Star Lawyer, 2021
Board Memberships & Community Service
Vice President, National Association of Women in Construction, Chapter 164
Credentials
Education
University of Minnesota Law School (J.D., magna cum laude, 2020)
University of Wisconsin – Green Bay (B.S., summa cum laude, 2016)
Admissions
Minnesota
Wisconsin