The legal realm and the Atlanta community at large are paying tribute to a remarkable figure, Thomas G. Sampson Sr., the co-founder of Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins LLP, Georgia's first and oldest Black-owned law firm. Sampson passed away on July 3, as confirmed by his family. His passing marks the end of a trailblazing era of legal service and civil rights advancement in the state, where his firm has been a cornerstone of the legal and civil rights history of Georgia, representing clients across multiple generations, as detailed by FOX5 Atlanta.
A graduate of Morehouse College in 1968 and the University of North Carolina in 1971 with a law degree, Sampson was a distinguished figure who earned the honor of being the first Black attorney inducted into the Georgia chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. While details surrounding his passing have yet to be disclosed, his legacy is being extensively honored by community leaders. He is survived by his wife Jacquelyn, with whom he shared 57 years, their two children and six grandchildren.
The City of Atlanta, through Mayor Andre Dickens, lauded Sampson as "a legal giant, civic trailblazer and proud son of our city." As reported by Atlanta News First, the mayor further stated, "Mr. Sampson did not just build a law firm – he built a legacy. He showed us what it looks like to lead with purpose, serve with integrity and make history while empowering others to do the same."
Sharing in the sentiment, Fulton County commissioner Marvin S. Arrington reflected on Sampson's towering presence and impact, stating, "Attorney Thomas Sampson, Sr. was a towering figure in the legal community, a servant leader in the Georgia Bar, and a mentor to many." Arrington recounted personal ties, citing his father's professional bond and friendship with Sampson that helped shape future generations of Black attorneys, including himself. As mentioned by FOX5 Atlanta, he emphasized Sampson's life as "a masterclass in leadership, dedication, and uplifing the community."
Funeral arrangements for Thomas G. Sampson Sr. have yet to be announced as the community continues to remember and honor his contributions to the legal field and the systemic change he championed for African-American professionals and the wider civil rights movement within Georgia and beyond.
