Samuel C. Craig

Samuel C. Craig is an associate attorney in Johnson Pope’s St. Petersburg office whose practice focuses on tax law, estate planning, business transactions, and tax-exempt organizations. Drawing on his advanced education in taxation and his passion for helping clients understand complex legal concepts, Sam works with families, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, family offices, and closely held businesses to develop practical solutions that align with their long-term goals.

As a tax attorney, Sam understands that many clients are unfamiliar with the laws and regulations that impact their personal and business planning. He enjoys translating complicated tax and legal issues into clear, actionable guidance so clients can make informed decisions with confidence. Whether he is advising a family on wealth transfer strategies, helping a business owner navigate tax considerations, or assisting a nonprofit organization with compliance matters, Sam focuses on providing thoughtful counsel tailored to each client’s objectives.

Sam’s practice spans a variety of transactional and planning matters, allowing him to collaborate with clients at important stages of growth, succession, and charitable giving. He particularly enjoys helping clients structure plans that preserve assets, support future generations, and advance philanthropic goals while remaining compliant with evolving tax laws and regulations.

Clients and colleagues describe Sam as methodical, thoughtful, and detail-oriented. He approaches every matter with careful analysis and a commitment to helping clients understand not only what the law requires, but how legal planning can help them achieve their personal, business, and charitable goals.

Representative Matters

• Business Formation & Growth Planning. Advises entrepreneurs and closely held businesses on organizational, transactional, and tax-related considerations associated with business operations and growth.
• Estate & Wealth Transfer Planning. Assists families with estate planning strategies designed to preserve wealth, facilitate generational transfers, and achieve long-term family objectives.
• Tax-Exempt Organizations & Charitable Planning. Counsels nonprofit organizations and charitable initiatives on compliance, governance, and tax-exempt matters, including organizations in the early stages of formation and development.
• Tax Planning & Compliance. Advises individuals, families, and business owners on federal and state tax issues, helping clients understand complex tax laws and implement practical planning strategies.

Bar Admission

• Florida, 2024

Education

• University of Florida Levin College of Law LL.M. in Taxation, 2025
  • Book Awards: State and Local Taxation, Procedures in Tax Fraud Cases
• Stetson University College of Law J.D., 2024
  • • Order of the Barristers,
    • High Grade Distinction (Multijurisdictional Tax Seminar)
    • Business Law Society, President
    • Trial Team, Member
    • Dispute Resolution Board, Member
• Stetson University B.B.A. in Economics, Business Administration, 2021

Awards & Recognition:

▪ National Order of the Barristers, 2024
▪ Alan and Marcia Gassman Endowed Scholarship
▪ Team Champion, Best Advocate, and Best Direct Examination, Capitol City Challenge, 2023 (Mock Trial)

Community & Professional Organizations

• The Florida Bar – Tax Section, Member
• Petersburg Bar Association – Young Lawyers Division, Member

Outside of the Office:

Outside of work, Sam enjoys distance running. As a former Division I cross-country athlete in college, he continues to train regularly and is always looking forward to his next race. When he is not running, he enjoys spending time on the golf course and taking advantage of Florida’s outdoor lifestyle.