Sam is an attorney in Pemberton's Detroit Lakes office.  Having grown up in Fergus Falls , he is the third generation of Rufer attorneys to work at Pemberton, Sorlie, Rufer and Kershner. He has a general practice, with emphasis on civil litigation.  Sam has an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, construction work experience, and extensive experience in a wide variety of legal disciplines.  With such a background, he is able to provide full legal analysis on a wide variety of claims for corporations and individuals.

Sam has been a guest lecturer at the Minnesota Institute of Legal Education's "Fire!" seminar regarding Frye and Daubert expert-admission issues.  He has also been a speaker at the Midwest regional conference of the National Association of Subrogation Professionals.

Sam graduated from William Mitchell in St. Paul , MN cum laude where he was a national finalist in the 2002 Tax Moot Court competition and William Mitchell's chosen representative for the regional negotiation competition.  For his undergraduate studies, he graduated from St. John's University in Collegeville , MN .


Sam is a qualified civil neutral mediator and arbitrator under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice.  He is admitted to practice in Minnesota State Court and U.S. District Court for the State of Minnesota .  He is a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, the National Association of Subrogation Professionals and the Minnesota State and Federal Bar Associations.  His certifications include Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) and National Propane Gas Association certification.

Sam and his wife Moriya enjoy traveling, curling, and golfing.