Sam Ketchum
Sam Ketchum is an associate attorney at Kennedy & Graven and practices in the areas of municipal law, environmental law, land use, public utilities, and litigation. His practice is focused on representing cities, counties, townships, school districts, watershed districts, and other government entities. He is the assistant city attorney for several cities and supports all of the firm's local government clients.
Sam graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2017, with concentrations in environmental and energy law and civil litigation. Prior to joining Kennedy & Graven, he clerked in Hennepin County District Court. Sam also previously worked as a Student Director in the Law School's Civil Practice Clinic, in the general counsel's office of an international manufacturing company, and in the government relations departments of two local law firms.
Sam specializes in representing clients related to environmental law matters. This includes environmental law matters related to land use and zoning issues, public utilities, renewable energy projects, infrastructure, solid waste and recycling programs, environmental remediation, natural resources, and environmental review. Sam also represents the Suburban Rate Authority, a joint powers organization consisting of over thirty cities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, in public utility matters and policymaking.
Sam also represents government entities and officials in civil litigation matters. This includes litigation related to government liability, constitutional matters, land use disputes, public utilities proceedings, and enforcement actions. He has represented clients in matters before federal, state, and administrative courts.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys traveling, hockey, fishing, hiking, and cooking.
Education University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, Minnesota J.D. – 2017 National Moot Court Honors: Dean’s List; Dean’s Elite Scholarship; Certificate of Recognition, Law School Public Service Program Concentrations: Environmental & Energy Law and Civil Litigation
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota B.S. & B.A. – 2014 Honors: Dean’s List; Judge Earl and Mrs. Cecill Larson Scholarship; David and Janis Larson Scholarship Majors: Psychology and Political Science Minor: French Studies
Université Paul Valéry, Montpellier, France Advanced French Program - 2013
Bar Admissions Minnesota, 2017 U.S. District Court of Minnesota, 2022
Professional Associations and Memberships Minnesota State Bar Association, Member Hennepin County Bar Association, Member MSBA Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law Section, Member and Section Council Member Minnesota Association of City Attorneys, Member Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, Member
