With more than 20 years’ experience as a legal secretary, Sherry Samford has spent her entire career connecting attorneys and their clients and serving as “the glue” strengthening relationships inside and outside a law firm. Sherry’s career began at Lewis and Roca in 1994. Thinking back, she considers herself incredibly fortunate to have been mentored along the way by a number of highly skilled lawyers and paralegals.

“Those professionals literally took me under their wing and taught me so much of what I know today,” Sherry recalls. “I feel so lucky, because without that very first position, I truly believe there’s no way I would be where I am today.”

Among the attorneys who took an interest in Sherry’s career was Fred Petti. The two met back in 2002 and have worked together ever since, including the last 9 years in the boutique firm environment that characterizes Petti and Briones.

Says Sherry: “Large firms can be great, but I love the way we’re able to grow relationships with our clients in a more customer-service-driven, smaller firm. I’ve never been treated as “personnel” at our firm and I’m proud that we never treat our clients as profit centers or a nuisance. It’s great to see how with every case we can make a difference for people.”

Away from the office, Sherry loves spending time with her husband, Lon, and her son, Kyle. Oh, and with the family dogs, Holley and Samson.

The next time you call Petti and Briones, you’ll likely hear Sherry’s pleasant voice. Why is she so happy? “It’s a great feeling waking up in the morning and not dreading the job you’re going to,” she explains. “I truly enjoy the people I work with. That makes coming to work every day less stressful and a whole lot of fun.”