Samuel Whalen
Litigation Associate
There are two types of attorneys in this world: ones that care and ones who don’t. Sam cares. Sam wants to protect you. Sam Whalen is a criminal defense attorney dedicated to protecting the rights, reputations, and futures of the individuals he represents. He understands that this is an exercise in trust because as an attorney he holds your future in his hands. He has steady hands because he’s been there before and has been successful many times.
He understands that a criminal charge can create immediate uncertainty and stress, affecting not only the accused but their family, career, and standing in the community. Sam approaches each case with steady judgment, disciplined preparation, and a clear commitment to safeguarding the presumption of innocence. He believes effective criminal defense begins with careful listening. Every case has its own facts, pressures, and human dynamics. Sam takes the time to understand each client’s circumstances and develops a strategy tailored to those specific needs. He values clear communication and ensures his clients understand the legal process, their options, and the path forward.
Personal Background
Sam earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Slippery Rock University. His academic focus strengthened his analytical thinking, research skills, and understanding of institutional systems. These are qualities that continue to inform his legal practice. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University, graduating Cum Laude.
Following law school, Sam served as an Assistant Public Defender in Erie County. In that role, he represented individuals facing a wide range of criminal charges and handled a substantial caseload in a fast-paced courtroom environment. He litigated suppression issues, negotiated resolutions, and prepared cases for trial, went to trial and fought for people just like you. That experience provided him with firsthand insight into how prosecutors build cases and how evidence can be scrutinized and challenged.
His time as a public defender reinforced his belief that constitutional protections are meaningful only when defended vigorously. It also sharpened his ability to assess legal and factual weaknesses in the government's case and to approach negotiations and courtroom proceedings with preparation and focus.
At The McShane Firm, Sam applies that experience within a collaborative environment that emphasizes professionalism, preparation, and proactive communication. He is committed to being accessible to his clients and ensuring they are informed at every stage of their case.
Outside the Office
Outside the office, Sam maintains an active lifestyle through running and strength training. He enjoys studying history and following Pittsburgh sports teams. The discipline and competitive focus he brings to these interests reflect the same qualities he brings to his legal practice: preparation, resilience, and sustained effort.
Sam is proud to stand alongside individuals who need a steady advocate during challenging moments and to work diligently toward protecting their rights and future.I was just facing serious charges for a dui with my child in the car .. I was wrongfully charged because of a prescription medication I have been on for years , after the stressful search for representation of this case I finally talked to Katy mcshane on the phone and I made that choice that day , she was kind compassionate and most importantly she believed in me . Shortly after I hired the mcshane firm Kate's paralegal Andrea Robinson contacted me and has been supportive kind and uplifting the ENTIRE step of the way ! I had my preliminary hearing today and Katy was aggressive with a touch of compassion and knowledge with that perfect combination and the way she fought for me until the very end of the hearing lead to the results of CASE DISMISSED at the preliminary!! I am so unbelievably greatful for these amazing women and this amazing law firm i will never forget these ladies or this lawfirm for saving me believing I me and having my back . I recommend this firm 1 million percent you wont be disappointed, for a second time offender to getting case dismissed at the preliminary , thats unheard of . They are the true definition of super attorneys , if you have an upcoming DUI case I suggest you RUN to the mcshane firm asap . thank you again mcshane firm ! You changed my life yesterday !
From Google Business
I am currently still involved with a case in which The McShane Firm is handling and I am overwhelmed with their professionalism and the care they have shown me. Andrea and attorney Katherine McShane are prompt with returning calls, have always answered any questions with expert knowledge and placed an ease to my tension. Honestly can say I will refer to others with utmost respect and gratitude.
From Google Business
Let me please start by saying I NEVER do these reviews because I am not sure of the validity of them. I can assure you- this one is for real! The McShane Firm LLC-Noting short of AMAZING!!!!!!! I was in a NO WIN situation and Katy and her team- NAILED IT!!!!!!!! I am now sleeping at night, I can think of things other than the case that was daunting and "The team" is still in contact with me and we are done!!!! My name has been cleared of wrong doing and all has been dismissed! I Can not say enough about the amazing results that I achieved SOULEY because of this teams efforts!!!!!!!!
From Google Business
Katy McShane was just what the Dr order when it came to my PFA case. Usually my nerves would be bad for anything court related, and I went into it feeling confident at ease. She is worth every penny spent!!!
From Google Business
I called the McShane firm for a charge that was put out on me during my past life 4 years ago. I avoided it for that long out of fear when I finally decided to answer for it I called McShane firm and they connected me with Corey Fahnestock and paralegal TyNiesha. They were absolutely excellent and helped me out every step of the way. Something that was mandatory punishment turned into something not so bad at all. I appreciate them so much they fought and rooted and supported me the entire way. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. TyNiesha was amazing all the e-mails and phone calls I’d make to her sometimes out of anxiety of the unknown she understood and was very patient. Corey helped me out so much and rooted for my family and I. I recommend this firm to anyone and everyone who needs counsel. Being in the system for as long as I have ive always had the worst experience. This one i can say was not that way at all. Im forever grateful for this firm and Corey. Thank you guys you’ve helped my family and I so much. Anyone debating on hiring an attorney call the McShane firm and look no further. They take care of their clients
From Google Business
From Clients
I was just facing serious charges for a dui with my child in the car .. I was wrongfully charged because of a prescription medication I have been on for years , after the stressful search for representation of this case I finally talked to Katy mcshane on the phone and I made that choice that day , she was kind compassionate and most importantly she believed in me . Shortly after I hired the mcshane firm Kate's paralegal Andrea Robinson contacted me and has been supportive kind and uplifting the ENTIRE step of the way ! I had my preliminary hearing today and Katy was aggressive with a touch of compassion and knowledge with that perfect combination and the way she fought for me until the very end of the hearing lead to the results of CASE DISMISSED at the preliminary!! I am so unbelievably greatful for these amazing women and this amazing law firm i will never forget these ladies or this lawfirm for saving me believing I me and having my back . I recommend this firm 1 million percent you wont be disappointed, for a second time offender to getting case dismissed at the preliminary , thats unheard of . They are the true definition of super attorneys , if you have an upcoming DUI case I suggest you RUN to the mcshane firm asap . thank you again mcshane firm ! You changed my life yesterday !
From Google Business
I am currently still involved with a case in which The McShane Firm is handling and I am overwhelmed with their professionalism and the care they have shown me. Andrea and attorney Katherine McShane are prompt with returning calls, have always answered any questions with expert knowledge and placed an ease to my tension. Honestly can say I will refer to others with utmost respect and gratitude.
From Google Business
Let me please start by saying I NEVER do these reviews because I am not sure of the validity of them. I can assure you- this one is for real! The McShane Firm LLC-Noting short of AMAZING!!!!!!! I was in a NO WIN situation and Katy and her team- NAILED IT!!!!!!!! I am now sleeping at night, I can think of things other than the case that was daunting and "The team" is still in contact with me and we are done!!!! My name has been cleared of wrong doing and all has been dismissed! I Can not say enough about the amazing results that I achieved SOULEY because of this teams efforts!!!!!!!!
From Google Business
Katy McShane was just what the Dr order when it came to my PFA case. Usually my nerves would be bad for anything court related, and I went into it feeling confident at ease. She is worth every penny spent!!!
From Google Business
I called the McShane firm for a charge that was put out on me during my past life 4 years ago. I avoided it for that long out of fear when I finally decided to answer for it I called McShane firm and they connected me with Corey Fahnestock and paralegal TyNiesha. They were absolutely excellent and helped me out every step of the way. Something that was mandatory punishment turned into something not so bad at all. I appreciate them so much they fought and rooted and supported me the entire way. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. TyNiesha was amazing all the e-mails and phone calls I’d make to her sometimes out of anxiety of the unknown she understood and was very patient. Corey helped me out so much and rooted for my family and I. I recommend this firm to anyone and everyone who needs counsel. Being in the system for as long as I have ive always had the worst experience. This one i can say was not that way at all. Im forever grateful for this firm and Corey. Thank you guys you’ve helped my family and I so much. Anyone debating on hiring an attorney call the McShane firm and look no further. They take care of their clients
From Google Business
From Peers
From Google Business
From Google Business
From Google Business
From Google Business
From Google Business
