About Sam
Sam Bonney is a attorney based in Waterloo, New York, with over 50 years of experience in personal injury, estate planning, probate, and real estate law. He earned his Juris Doctor from Albany Law School in 1974 and has been admitted to practice in New York State since 1975. Throughout his career, Sam has represented clients in various courts, including County Court, Family Court, New York State Supreme Court, and the Court of Claims. He has also successfully argued appeals in the Appellate Division and the Court of Appeals. In 2021, Sam retired from active practice, transitioning his focus to estate planning, probate, and real estate matters.
He is a member of the New York State Bar Association’s Elder Law Section, Trusts and Estates Section, and the Real Estate Section. Additionally, he served as the past president of the Seneca County Bar Association. His extensive litigation experience includes cases in personal injury, medical malpractice, and real estate disputes. Sam's commitment to the community is evident through his involvement in various local organizations. He was a founding member of Finger Lakes Zero Waste and served on its board of directors, playing a pivotal role in environmental conservation efforts.
For over two decades, he taught legal ethics to police trainees at the Finger Lakes Law Enforcement Academy in Canandaigua, New York. His pro bono services have been recognized by the Finger Lakes Volunteer Lawyer Service and Legal Assistance of the Finger Lakes. Before his legal career, Sam served in the United States Navy as a member of a Construction Battalion, known as the Seabees, during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he attended Albany Law School, graduating in 1974. He joined the Bonney and Nicit Law Firm in 1975, where he practiced until his retirement in 2021.
His dedication to the legal profession and community service has left a lasting impact on the Finger Lakes region. Sam resides in Geneva, New York, with his wife, Mary Lee Bourbeau. They have two adult sons, Luke and Greg. In his retirement, Sam enjoys spending time with family and friends, engaging in outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, and participating in sports like golf and pickleball. He remains active in local community initiatives and continues to support various charitable organizations in the area.
