Austin Attorney Sam Johnson, Son of Texas Supreme Court Justice, Dies Over Weekend

AUSTIN, TX — Sam Johnson, a widely respected attorney with the Loewy Law Firm and son of the late Texas Supreme Court Justice Samuel D. Johnson Jr., has died. He passed away over the weekend, according to colleagues close to the family.

A prominent figure in the Austin legal community, Johnson was known not only for his skill as a trial lawyer but also for the integrity, warmth, and mentorship he brought to every case and client. His sudden passing has left a deep void across Texas legal circles, where he had built a career defined by ethical advocacy and steady leadership.

Johnson practiced for years in commercial litigation and legal malpractice defense, earning the trust of clients and the respect of peers in a profession where both are hard-won. At Loewy Law Firm, he played a vital role in complex legal matters, often guiding clients through difficult disputes with quiet confidence.

“Sam was more than just a brilliant lawyer—he was a man of character,” said a colleague at Loewy. “He listened. He supported. He believed in justice, and he carried that belief into every courtroom.”

His legal legacy was deeply shaped by his family background. His father, Justice Samuel D. Johnson Jr., served as both a Texas Supreme Court Justice and a federal judge—but those close to Sam say he forged his own path, never relying on his name, always letting his work speak for itself.

Colleagues describe him as a calming force in a high-pressure field. Former clients said he made them feel seen and heard. And younger attorneys credit him with helping shape their early careers through quiet mentoring and thoughtful guidance.

“He never looked down on new lawyers,” said one Austin attorney who had shadowed him early in her career. “He invited us in, answered our questions, and showed us what professionalism should look like.”

At a time when the legal profession often struggles with burnout and cynicism, Johnson was widely viewed as an example of what the field could be at its best. His passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes, with attorneys from across Texas taking to social media to honor a man who had become a steady presence in the state’s legal landscape.

The Loewy Law Firm released a statement mourning the loss, calling Johnson “an irreplaceable part of our team and a trusted voice in our profession.”

Memorial service details have not yet been made public, but the family is expected to announce plans in the coming days.

Sam Johnson is survived by loved ones and an extended professional community that admired him deeply. In honoring his life, many have pointed not just to the cases he won, but to the way he treated people—with fairness, humility, and quiet strength.

As Austin reflects on the loss of one of its most respected attorneys, one sentiment continues to echo: Sam Johnson didn’t just practice law—he elevated it.