About Samantha

Samantha Giudici has experience representing management in areas that span all facets of employment, including litigating disputes, federal and state agency inquiries and audits, and advice and counsel regarding compliance at the local, state, and federal level.

Areas of Expertise

Wage and Hour Compliance

Represents employers in wage and hour litigation for claims of unpaid wages, minimum wage, and overtime

Experienced in conducting in-house wage and hour audits of employer pay practices and job classifications to determine if employer’s current practices are in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act

Provides advice and counsel regarding compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws

Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

Represents employers in discrimination and harassment claims under Title VII and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and claims of retaliation under various state and federal employment laws at the local, state, and federal agency levels and involving state and federal litigation

Family and Medical Leave Act

Advice and counsel regarding compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act and representation in defense of claims of violations of the law and regulations

Higher Education

Represents colleges and universities in appeals of student disciplinary decisions to the District Courts of Appeal and violations of Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Unemployment Appeals

Represents employers in appeals of unemployment decisions made by the Agency for Workforce Innovation

Regularly provides representation in Unemployment Telephonic Appeals Hearings, appeals to the Unemployment Appeals Commission, and appeals to the Florida District Courts of Appeal

Previous Experience

Prior to joining Alexander DeGance Barnett, Samantha spent 2 1/2 years with a litigation firm where she represented both management and employees in labor and employment matters. Her primary areas of focus related to Title VII discrimination and harassment, family and medical leave, disability discrimination, non-competition litigation, wage and hour compliance and enforcement, as well as unemployment appeals.

Honors & Distinctions

• Contributor to the Florida Employment Law Letter, 2009 - 2011
• Florida Contributor to 50 Employment Laws in 50 States, 2007 - 2011
• Florida Coastal School of Law Mock Trial Team Member
• Regional Finalist, Employment Law Mock Trial Competition
• Regional Finalist, National Trial Competition

Memberships

• The American Bar Association
• The Florida Bar Association
• Jacksonville Bar Association
• Jacksonville Women’s Lawyers Association
• Jacksonville Young Lawyers Association

Admissions

• The Florida Bar
• U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Speaking Engagements

• “Understanding the FLSA,” University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, March 2011
• “How to Win an Unemployment Telephonic Appeals Hearing,” Daytona Beach, FL and Jacksonville, FL, April 2011

Education

• Florida Coastal School of Law, J.D.
• Appalachian State University, B.S., summa cum laude, Political Science

Community Involvement

• Jacksonville Juniors Volleyball Association

Outside of the Office

A former collegiate athlete, Samantha enjoys staying active, particularly playing volleyball. She competes in both indoor and beach volleyball tournaments, making it a year-round habit.