Sarah is Co-chair of the Labor & Employment group and represents a variety of clients including financial institutions, utility companies, insurance brokerage firms, healthcare facilities, manufacturing companies and individuals in federal and state court, as well as administrative and arbitration proceedings. Sarah regularly advocates for employers in a wide range of matters involving, for example, claims of employment discrimination, harassment and retaliation, wrongful discharge, breach of contract and fiduciary duty, defamation, misappropriation of trade secret, wage and hour disputes, and the prosecution of non-compete agreements.
In addition to her traditional litigation practices, Sarah defends employers before administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (“CHRO”) and the Department of Labor (“DOL”). Similarly, Sarah represents clients in administrative proceedings before the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (“PURA”). Sarah advises and counsels her clients on issues concerning, among other things, compliance with state and federal law as well as orders from regulatory bodies, including but not limited to the EEOC, CHRO, and DOL, and PURA, and she provides practical advice on ways to minimize risk of litigation and administrative penalties.
Sarah frequently presents on current labor and employment law matters and trends. She conducts management training for clients on a broad spectrum of topics including harassment prevention, performance management, leaves of absence, accommodating employees with disabilities, and wage and hour compliance. Lastly, Sarah conducts investigations on workplace matters.
Sarah oversees Carmody’s summer associate program and formerly served as the Co-chair of Women@Carmody.
American Bar Association
Connecticut Bar Association
Waterbury Bar Association
New Haven Bar Association
Litigation Star, Benchmark Litigation – Labor & Employment, 2019-2024
Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America
Rising Star, Connecticut Super Lawyers® – Employment Litigation Defense, 2013-2023
Pro Bono Attorney of the Year, Lawyers for Children America, 2023
New Leader in the Law, Connecticut Law Tribune, 2015
Pro Bono Honor Roll, Connecticut Lawyer Magazine, 2011-2013
Trial counsel in a jury trial involving claims of tortious interference with contracts and business relations, conspiracy and violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. Jury rendered verdict for client on all claims.
Successfully represented employer in a jury trial involving current employee alleging sex discrimination and retaliation.
Obtained summary judgment in Connecticut Superior Court for employer on all claims involving alleged disability discrimination by former employee.
Obtained “no reasonable cause” finding following fact-finding hearing before CHRO on employee’s claims of alleged failure to accommodation a disability claim and retaliation.
Successfully represented manufacturing company at a fact finding before the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. CHRO issued a finding of “no reasonable cause” on former employee’s claims of sexual harassment and dismissed the matter.
Trial counsel in a 17-day bench trial in which the court found for client on claims of breach of contract, breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing and fraud and awarded client approximately $1.7 million, plus prejudgment interest.
Part of team that successfully represented franchisees against franchisor in arbitration on breach of contract and constructive termination claim and violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, resulting in an approximate $1.8 million arbitration award.
Obtained summary judgment in federal court on behalf of a manufacturing company in matter brought by former employee alleging race and color discrimination, constructive discharge and retaliation in violation of federal and state statutes.
Obtained summary judgment in federal court on behalf of financial institution in matter brought by former employee alleging race discrimination in violation of federal and state statutes.
Obtained summary judgment in state court on behalf of hospital in matter brought by former employee alleging breaches of human resources policies.
Obtained summary judgment in federal court on behalf of employer in two matters brought by former employees alleging disability and sexual orientation claims.
Obtained summary judgment in federal court on behalf of an international manufacturing company against a qui tam plaintiff alleging that violations of false marking statute.
Enforced covenants not to compete and non-solicitation, and non-disclosure agreements in state and federal court.
Represents clients in private and court sponsored mediations.
Negotiates and drafts settlement, severance and employment agreements.
Successfully defended employers in unemployment compensation hearings before the Connecticut Department of Labor.
Represents children in neglect and abuse matters pending before the superior court on a pro bono basis, including during trials on termination of parental rights.