Spotlight: Sam Yebri (‘03)
Tell us a little about your time at Yale.
I was in Ezra Stiles and a Political Science major, Class of 2003. With Brian Wallach, I co-founded a campus political publication called The Politic (https://thepolitic.org/) after the 2000 presidential election. I was a member of the SAE fraternity and active at Yale Hillel.
When did you move to LA? Are you from LA?
My family and I moved to Los Angeles when I was a year old as refugees from Iran. I feel very blessed to be an Angeleno.
What have you been doing since graduating (professionally, personally, etc.)
Most importantly, my wife Leah and I have 4 small children under the age of 8. Professionally, after graduating from USC Law School, clerking for a federal judge, and working at two major law firms, I started my own litigation firm in 2010, Merino Yebri LLP. I have also been active in the community, serving on the boards of Bet Tzedek Legal Services, the Jewish Community Foundation, and the Anti-Defamation League. I have also served as a Los Angeles City Commissioner and on City Attorney Mike Feuer’s Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.
Favorite LA spots?
I bleed Dodger Blue so my favorite LA spot is clearly Chavez Revine, the home of Dodger Stadium. More locally, I love Diddy Riese for ice cream and The Bigg Chill for frozen yogurt.
Favorite New Haven pizza?
Sally’s, for sure.
Have you stayed connected to Yalies / the Yale community in LA? How?
I am fortunate to have a group of Yale friends in LA, including a couple of us who were in a bowling league together before we had kids. I have also reconnected with many Yalies in recent years as part of I AM ALS (www.iamals.org), an inspiring and impactful patient-centric movement to cure ALS founded by my classmate, dear friend, and hero, Brian Wallach.
How has your Yale experience helped you contribute to the LA community?
Above all else, my Yale experience inspired me to always try to be of service and make a difference. To that end, I recently announced my candidacy for Los Angeles City Council to represent the 5th District (which covers much of the Westside plus Encino). We are off to an incredible start in terms of fundraising and endorsements, with many Yalies around the country stepping up to help. I look forward to working with Yalies throughout Los Angeles to tackle the many challenges facing our great city. I can be reached at sam@samyebri.com, and you can learn more about me and help support our campaign at www.SamForLA.com.
