Samantha Rhoades Valenzuela
Partner
An Experienced Advocate for the Wiregrass Community
Samantha Valenzuela (formerly Samantha R. Sellers) brings over a decade of experience in Social Security Disability/SSI and Bankruptcy Law to her clients in the Wiregrass area. Her commitment to individualized, compassionate, and high-quality legal representation is rooted in her desire to provide meaningful support to local clients who need legal expertise in challenging financial situations. After practicing in large law offices for many years, she saw an opportunity to bring her experience and dedication directly to the people of her home region.
A Journey That Began in Dothan
Samantha’s journey began in Dothan, Alabama, where she was born and raised. She graduated from George W. Long High School in 1997 and Troy University, Dothan, in 2001. Passionate about helping others through the law, Samantha enrolled in Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in Montgomery, where she received her Juris Doctorate in 2005. After passing the Alabama State Bar that same year, she began her legal career, gaining valuable experience in prominent law firms that prepared her for the responsibility and privilege of opening her own practice. Through these years, she not only developed a strong legal foundation but also learned how essential it is to provide clients with attentive and empathetic service.
Building a Client-Centered Practice
During her tenure with Sellers Law Firm and Dansby Law Firm, Samantha represented thousands of clients, learning first-hand the needs and expectations of individuals facing legal challenges. Her dedication to client-centered service became her guiding principle, and her knowledge of bankruptcy and Social Security Disability law deepened. Samantha also gained widespread recognition through her work on “Law Line,” a quarterly legal segment on Montgomery’s CBS station, WAKA, where she offered free legal advice to the community. She was also invited to appear on “The Beasley Allen Report” on WSFA, Montgomery’s NBC station, as a Social Security expert, further establishing her as a respected voice in the field.
Commitment to Professional Excellence
Samantha’s dedication to professional excellence is reflected in her involvement with several legal organizations. She is a proud member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA). She is licensed to practice in all state courts of Alabama and in federal courts, including the Middle and Southern Districts of the Federal District Court, the Federal Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Her certifications as a Guardian ad Litem, Arbitrator, and Mediator, along with her training in Alternative Dispute Resolutions, enable her to offer a full spectrum of services tailored to meet her clients’ needs.
Community Commitment Through Pro Bono Work
As a member of the Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program, Samantha is committed to giving back by offering free or reduced-cost legal services to those in need. Her pro bono work is a testament to her belief that quality legal representation should be accessible to all members of the community.
