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Sam is an experienced Family Law attorney, court-appointed Private Guardian ad litem, and Special Master. He is a past member of the Executive Committee of the Family Law section of the Utah State Bar and a frequent presenter and supporter at seminars for the Utah Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).
With many years spent as a Special Master and Guardian ad Litem, Sam has a deep understanding of court proceedings and litigation in every aspect of family law. He puts unprecedented focus on understanding and providing thorough information regarding an individual’s unique circumstances and is able to see through the weeds on cases to guide clients to a resolution. His work as a Guardian ad Litem allows him to deal with cases from the child’s perspective, giving him a deep understanding of issues dealing with child custody, estrangement, and alienation situations.
Sam has been recognized as a top family law attorney, including as one of Utah’s Legal Elite by Utah Business Magazine, and as a Mountain States Super Lawyer. He was also the recipient of the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year award by the Utah Chapter of the Federal Bar Association for his work on an international child abduction case.
“I do my very best to help people get through tough times. I am a family law attorney—which means I help people going through divorces and custody disputes. I try to help my clients focus on moving forward rather than dwelling in the past. I do my very best to guide clients through the Court process and am dedicated to preparing my clients for their case through honest, straightforward advice.”
Read about client’s experiences in working with Sam here:
Samuel J. Sorensen is a family law attorney, Private Guardian ad Litem, Special Master, and partner at Hawkes Quam, LLC. He represents clients in divorce, custody, parent-time, and other family law matters, bringing a steady hand, strategic judgment, and clear communication to some of the most personal and difficult moments in a client’s life.
Sam’s work in family law is shaped by a rare combination of advocacy, court-appointed service, and practical courtroom experience. In addition to representing clients, he has served for many years as a Private Guardian ad Litem and Special Master in Utah family law cases. Those roles have given him a deeper view of the issues that often drive conflict beneath the surface—children’s needs, parenting dynamics, estrangement, alienation concerns, high-conflict communication, and the practical realities families face when litigation becomes unavoidable.
Clients turn to Sam for honest advice, thorough preparation, and a clear path forward. He is known for cutting through noise and conflict, identifying the issues that matter most, and helping clients make informed decisions with confidence. His approach is direct, thoughtful, and resolution-focused: prepare carefully, communicate plainly, and keep the focus on helping clients move forward.
Sam is also an active leader and educator in Utah’s family law community. Through his service on professional boards and committees, as well as frequent presentations to attorneys, judges, and family law professionals, Sam contributes to important conversations about custody, Private Guardian ad Litem practice, Special Masters, co-parenting conflict, technology in family law, and the intersection of legal and mental health issues in domestic cases.
His work has earned recognition from peers and professional organizations, including selection as a Mountain States Super Lawyer and Utah Legal Elite by Utah Business Magazine. He also received the Pro Bono Award from the Utah Chapter of the Federal Bar Association for his work on an international child abduction case.
At the center of Sam’s practice is a simple commitment: helping people navigate difficult family transitions with clarity, preparation, and purpose.
Private Guardian ad Litem, State of Utah, 2016-present
Special Master, State of Utah, 2017-present
Judge Pro Tempore Salt Lake City Justice Court, Salt Lake City, UT, 2016-21
Judge Pro Tempore Summit County Justice Court, Park City, UT, 2016-21
Mountain States Super Lawyer, 2017-present
Pro Bono Award, Utah Chapter, Federal Bar Association, 2018
Utah Legal Elite, Utah Business Magazine
It’s Just a Phone, or Is It? Managing Technology to Reduce Co-Parent Conflict, AFCC 63rd Annual Conference, Seattle, WA (May 2026)
Custody Evaluations-Strategy, Process, and Best Practices, Timpanogos Legal Center, Lehi, UT (May 2026)
Is the PGAL Biased or are the Just Doing Their Job? Returning to the Core Principles of Effective Guardian ad Litem Practice, Utah AFCC Southern Utah Symposium, St. George, UT (Mar. 2026)
PGAL Panel, Utah District Court Judges’ Conference, Moab, UT (Mar. 2026)
Is the PGAL Biased or are the Just Doing Their Job? Returning to the Core Principles of Effective Guardian ad Litem Practice, Utah AFCC Annual Fall Conference, Salt Lake City, UT (Nov. 2025)
It’s Just a Phone, or Is It? Managing Technology to Reduce Co-Parent Conflict, Utah AFCC Annual Fall Conference, Salt Lake City, UT (Nov. 2025)
The New Rule 53A - Special Masters in Family Law Cases, Utah Alternative Dispute Resolution Section Conference, Salt Lake City, UT (Apr. 2025)
When Family Law and Mental Health Professionals Meet: Nightmare or Dream Team?, AFCC Spring Symposium, St. George, UT (Apr. 2023)
Top 10 Things PGALs Want You to Know, Spring Bar Convention, St. George, UT (March 2023)
Guest speaker, LawX Course, BYU Law School (Jan. & Apr. 2023)
Special Masters, AFCC Fall Seminar, Salt Lake City, UT (Oct. 2022)
PGAL Panel, AFCC Spring Symposium, St. George, UT (Apr. 2022)
Family Law Presentation to District Court Judges, Utah State Courts, Salt Lake City, Utah (Apr. 2022)
Using Professionals in Mediation – PGALs, Special Masters, and Financial Professionals, Family Law Section CLE (Mar. 2022)
Special Masters: Let Us Help You, AFCC Monthly Seminar (Feb. 2022)
PGAL Panel, Utah AFCC Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, UT (Nov. 2021)
Custody and Parent Time Issues During COVID-19, Utah AFCC Webinar (Sep. 2020)
Ethics of Solo/Small Firm Practice, Utah State Bar, Salt Lake City, UT (2016)
QDROs: What Every Family Law Attorney Needs to Know, Spring Bar Convention, St. George, UT (2011)
From my very first meeting with Sam, to his presence at my mediation sessions, to further meetings to conclude my divorce case, Sam was extremely caring, smart, knowledgeable and an excellent listener. His professionalism was top notch and I couldn't have chosen a better attorney to guide and support me throughout the process. Also, his legal assistant Amanda was on top of everything, so kind and always able to take my calls or emails when needed. I am very grateful to Sam for his representation and continued support in my life.
–Alexandra
Sam handled my case with experience and attention to detail. The opposing party attempted to overwhelm everyone before/during/after trial with large amounts of incorrect/inaccurate information. Sam quickly processed the details and replied with calm and logical responses. At trial, the opposing party provided false testimony. During cross examination Sam provided documented information that exposed the lie. As the opposing party read the document aloud in the courtroom and then realized the contradiction in the testimony, there was an extended period of silence. This was a priceless moment. I am glad I documented everything and hired Sam.
–Jess
Going through a divorce, especially with children, is difficult and overwhelming. Sam and his team were professional, knowledgeable, reasonable, and always kept my daughter at the forefront of all conversations. His paralegal, Amanda, is incredible. I would email or call obsessively with random (and sometimes crazy) questions. She was always so soothing and helpful. I really cannot say enough great things about this firm. If you are thinking about or going through a divorce, contact Sam. He will give you the truth about "what happens next". Another noteworthy item is the response from Sam and his team. All emails were responded to promptly and with questions answered. This is paramount especially during a custody dispute. PS-He is absolutely incredible during mediation...even the mediator was surprised at the effectiveness and promptness of Sam and his filings. Take the first real step in Divorce and hire Sorensen Law Group. You will be thankful you did.
–-Ashley
Working with Sam was a great experience. Right from our first consultation, I knew that I had chosen the right lawyer. He is very quick to respond and was great about answering my questions. I was so happy to have someone with his knowledge, experience and expertise to make sure that my best interests, both short and long term, were first and foremost. Many times his insights helped me to avoid problems down the road, problems that were not apparent to me. He was well prepared and helped me feel confident and calm throughout the process. He also did extra research that really helped out. It was great knowing that my case was getting all the attention it needed. I'm glad that I had an attorney like Sam on my side. I felt confident that he was ready and able to fight as hard as needed to get the best outcome for me. I highly recommend Sam, and will not hesitate to use him again if I need his services.
– Matt
