R. Saffin Parrish-Sams

About R.

R. Saffin Parrish-Sams is a trial lawyer, who solely represents plaintiffs (injured parties) in civil litigation. Her primary practice areas are in workers' compensation, wrongful death, workers compensation bad faith, and other personal injury litigation matters. Saffin has been working in civil litigation for over 20 years, and her clients benefit from her experience working with both plaintiffs and defendants. Early in her career Saffin worked for the very same insurance companies that she now litigates against. This makes her uniquely qualified to handle even the toughest of injury cases. Parrish-Sams knows how to depose medical professionals to get the information needed for a successful case. An experienced trial lawyer, Saffin is adept at identifying the strengths of a case and working to build strong arguments to advocate for her clients. Self-proclaimed "legal nerd", Parrish-Sams is the attorney other lawyers turn to with questions regarding Iowa's Workers' Compensation System and case citations. Widely considered an expert in her field, Saffin is a Past President of the Iowa Association for Justice and winner of their Public Service Award in 2014. Saffin earned her undergraduate degree in Finance from the Henry B. Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa in 1993. She returned to Iowa City to earn her Juris Doctorate, with Distinction, from the University of Iowa College of Law and passed the Iowa bar in 1998. Parrish-Sams is licensed to practice law in the Iowa State Courts, the Federal District Court for the Southern and Northern Districts of Iowa, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Professional Memberships and Offices:American Association for JusticeAmerican Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Foundation FellowIowa Association for Justice - Past President (2019 to present)President (2018)President Elect (2017) - First Vice President (2016) - Parliamentarian (2015) - Board of Governors (2012 to present) - Workers' Compensation Core Group (2007-2015) - Justice in Deed Committee (2016 to present) - Legislative Committee (2018 to present)Iowa Association of Workers' Compensation Lawyers - Board of Governors (2010 to 2016) - CLE Committee Chair (2010 to 2011)Iowa Foundation for Justice - Board of Directors (2016 to present)Iowa State Bar Association - Workers' Compensation Section Counsel (2016 to present) - Mentorship Program Volunteer (2015 to present)Infinity ProjectJustice for All PAC - Board of Trustees (2005 to 2010)Polk County Bar Association​ Married to Eric and mother of four sons in their twenties, Saffin enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, gardening and being active outdoors.

Practice Areas

Workers Compensation Insights

When to Hire a Workers Comp Attorney: 7 Signs You Need One

Wondering when to hire a workers' comp attorney? Seven clear signs — from a denied claim to permanent restrictions — that mean it's time to get representation for your work injury.

Education

• The University of Iowa, Juris Doctor, graduated 1998
• The University of Iowa, Bachelor's - Finance (Henry Tippie College of Business), graduated 1993

Bar Admissions

• Iowa, The Iowa State Bar Association, 1998

Languages