Attorney Bio
With more than four decades in practice, Sam McHard is a pillar of experience, strategy, and integrity in the legal field. Known for his sharp analytical mind and steady presence in complex matters, Sam’s legal career has spanned numerous jurisdictions and thousands of cases—earning him a reputation as a trusted advocate and respected mediator throughout the Gulf South and beyond.
Originally from the Midwest, Sam earned his B.A. from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, before attending Northwestern University School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor. A distinguished scholar, Sam is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and has built a career defined by professionalism, deep legal knowledge, and a commitment to justice.
Sam began his legal career in Illinois in 1976 and went on to be admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (1983), the U.S. Supreme Court (1985), and later in Iowa (1999) and Mississippi (2001), as well as the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition to litigation, Sam has also cultivated a respected practice in mediation, helping parties resolve disputes efficiently and equitably.
In 2001, Sam relocated to Mississippi, where he founded what would go on to become McHard Anderson. Since then, he’s been an integral part of the firm’s growth and reputation, handling civil litigation across a wide range of areas while mentoring the next generation of attorneys.
Sam is a member of the Mississippi, Iowa, Illinois, and Texas Bar Associations, as well as the Mississippi Association for Justice, American Association for Justice, and Texas Trial Lawyers Association. His professional affiliations reflect both the depth and geographic range of his career.
Beyond the courtroom, Sam is a man of many interests. He owns and operates a hobby farm, which serves as both a personal passion and a welcome retreat from the demands of legal life. He’s also the owner of a wedding and event venue, where his love for community and connection finds a different kind of expression. Sam is the proud father of three children, and values the balance of family, work, and meaningful service. Whether litigating, mediating, or tending to his farm, Sam approaches every endeavor with the same quiet resolve and thoughtful leadership that have defined his legal career for more than 45 years.