Samantha M. Kirby

Samantha M. Kirby is Chair of Goodwin’s Financial Services group and co-chair of its Banking and Consumer Financial Services practice. She counsels financial institutions, fintech firms, and corporate boards on regulatory compliance, SEC reporting, governance, and strategic transactions, including mergers and acquisitions across the banking and financial services sectors.

Samantha holds a J.D. and a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, both earned in 2001. She graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College in 1997 and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She is admitted to practice in Massachusetts, New York, and the District of Columbia.

Drawing on deep experience before federal and state banking regulators—including the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and OCC—Samantha advises on complex, high‑profile bank transactions. Her work spans de novo bank charters, bank holding company formations, mutual‑to‑stock conversions, and mergers of equals, showcasing her transactional expertise and strategic leadership in the financial services sector.

Samantha’s regulatory work also includes advising limited-purpose trust banks and fiduciary service providers. She regularly supports institutions managing collective investment funds, helping them navigate operational and compliance risks within complex regulatory frameworks. Her fintech focus includes clients operating in the evolving crypto space.

Samantha M. Kirby has been recognized nationally by Chambers USA since 2013 for Banking & Finance, and since 2020 for Financial Services M&A. She was also recognized in The Legal 500 US 2025 for excellence in Financial Services Regulation. Her leadership extends to her role as co-chair of the Banking Law Section of the Boston Bar Association.

Samantha frequently speaks at legal and financial conferences hosted by groups such as the American Bankers Association and regional banking associations. Her insights into strategic planning and governance are widely sought after in the industry. Known for her deep regulatory knowledge and deal-making acumen, she remains a trusted advisor to leading financial institutions across the country.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Goodwin Procter LLP
• Co-chair, Boston Bar Association, Banking Law Section
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• Massachusetts
• New York
• District of Columbia

Education

• Georgetown University Law Center
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Georgetown University
  MS in Foreign Service
• Wellesley College
  BA with Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Badges