The William D. Browning Chapter of the Federal Bar Association is saddened to learn about the passing of Dee-Dee Samet on July 14, 2026. 

Dee-Dee is an original Charter Member (1996), a former Chapter President (2004-2005), and served as an at-large member on the Executive Board for nearly thirty years. For over a decade, Dee-Dee single-handedly organized the annual Legends event which honors southern Arizona legal legends. Dee-Dee helped create this Chapter and has been a mainstay in its leadership. To say that she will be missed is an understatement. 

Dee-Dee also impacted the legal community at-large. She served as president of the Arizona State Bar in 1999-2000, the third woman to hold that position. She served as a member of the Arizona State Bar Board of Governors and the Arizona State Bar Foundation Board, as president of the statewide Arizona Women Lawyers Association and the Pima County Bar Association. In 2021, the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law, awarded Dee-Dee a Lifetime Achievement Award for her distinguished and exemplary career, contribution to the legal profession, support for public causes and law reform, and commitment to the pursuit of justice. Dee-Dee graduated from the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law in 1963. She was a State Bar of Arizona member since 1964 and a federal practitioner in the District of Arizona since 1974.

We will remember her passion, energy, thoughtfulness, and overall leadership that has profoundly advanced our Chapter. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Samet family.