ABOUT SAMANTHA
GET TO KNOW:
SAMANTHA COPELAN
A dedicated attorney, community advocate, and proud wife and mother, Samantha was born and raised right here in Lee County, Alabama.
Samantha's passion for making a difference has driven her decision to run for District Court Judge and serve our community in this position.
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Samantha is a proud graduate of Beauregard High School and Auburn University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. It was during her time at Auburn where she discovered her deep interest and appreciation of the law while interning for the Honorable Jacob Walker, III. Samantha later obtained her juris doctorate from Thomas G. Jones School of Law.
LEGAL EXPERIENCE:
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After learning from and working at many of Lee County's best law firms she decided to open her own law practice in Opelika, Alabama, in September 2022. She has practiced various areas of law such as juvenile law, family law, small claims, evictions/ejectments, criminal prosecution and defense as well as property and probate matters. Notably, she played a vital role in the establishment of the Lee County Drug Court and has served in pivotal positions that have given her a broad range of experience such as Felony Contract Defense Attorney, Defense Attorney for Lee County Child Support Court, and Prosecutor for the City of Auburn. Samantha is also a certified guardian ad litem.
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VOLUNTEER WORK:
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Samantha's dedication to community service has been a lifelong commitment. Inspired by her mother's involvement in United Way fundraising and other civic organizations, Samantha has made service an integral part of her life. Her genuine love for her community motivates her to go above and beyond in every endeavor she undertakes.
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Samantha's involvement in community service extends far and wide as she has been an active member of the Lee County Bar Association since 2010, where she currently serves in her second term. Samantha was a part of the prestigious Leadership Lee County Class of 2013, and she was recognized as a member of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce 20 under 40 Class of 2013. Her commitment to service is further exemplified by her involvement in the Opelika Rotary Club since 2014. She was honored with the Rotarian of the Year award and received a Paul Harris Fellow from the Opelika Rotary Club.
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As a dedicated Rotarian, Samantha has volunteered her time and efforts for numerous initiatives. She has actively participated in events such as the Back to the Dawg House Football Camp, BurgerWars (benefiting Food Bank of East Alabama), 100 Trees for 100 Years Project, Rotary Radio Day, BigHouse Swimsuit and Towel Drive, OurHouse Halloween costume drive, and Christmas sponsorships of local families. Samantha has also supported the Jean Dean RIF program, promoting literacy among children.
In 2014, Samantha co-created the satellite Happy Hour Rotary Club and served as its inaugural leader. She also contributed her expertise as a member of the Alabama Pro Bono Task Force from 2013 to 2015. Samantha's dedication to giving back led her to become a board member of the BigHouse Foundation in 2019, supporting children and families in foster care.
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Samantha's exceptional legal skills have earned her recognition as a SuperLawyer in 2020, a testament to her expertise and commitment to her clients. Additionally, she has been actively involved in the Auburn Chamber of Commerce as a board member since 2022.
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PERSONAL LIFE:
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Outside of her professional pursuits, Samantha is happily married to Ed, and together, they are proud parents to two wonderful children. Samantha and Ed are thankful to have the opportunity to raise their family in Lee County. As a family, they enjoy attending athletic events, engaging in church activities, and many other local events. Samantha's dedication to the community is exemplified by her continuous support of recreational leagues, programs, and schools since opening her own practice.
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As devoted members of First Baptist Church of Opelika, Samantha and her family find solace and inspiration in their faith. They are grateful for the opportunities they have to contribute to their community and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
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Explore Samantha's website to learn more about her legal services, community initiatives, and why she is running for District Court Judge of Lee County, and don't forget to vote March 5th, 2024!