Sara Alexis Levine Abarbanel

Associate

Sara Alexis Levine Abarbanel

Associate

Sara Abarbanel represents companies in litigation in wage and hour matters as well as discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims. She advises clients regarding policy and litigation and also advises companies regarding compliance with California labor and employment laws. Working with a broad array of clients across all industries, Sara has diverse experience with litigation in both state and federal courts.

She is a member of the Labor & Employment Practice Group and the Innovative Technology Sector.

Prior to joining Foley, Sara worked in the California Attorney General’s Executive Office and the California Governor’s Office of Legal Affairs. Before attending law school, Sara worked with the Stanford Criminal Justice Center on research relating to California Public Safety Realignment.

Awards and Recognition

  • Received, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for Commercial Litigation (2024)

Pro Bono

  • Devoted to pro bono work, including First Amendment issues and family court matters.

Presentations and Publications

  • Co-authored, “Realigning the Revolving Door: An Analysis of California Counties’ AB 109 2011-2012 Implementation Plans,” Stanford Criminal Justice Center (2013).
  • Co-authored, “Reallocation of Responsibility: Changes to the Correctional System in California Post-Realignment,” SSRN, (2014).
  • Contributor to, “Voices from the Field: How California Stakeholders View Public Safety Realignment,” SSRN, (2014).
27 August 2024 Pro Bono

Foley Secures Landmark Victory for Pro Bono Client in Federal and State Cases

Foley & Lardner LLP is proud to announce a series of significant pro bono victories on behalf of the San Francisco Zen Center, culminating in a clean sweep across both federal and state courts.
12 August 2024 Labor & Employment Law Perspectives

California Supreme Court Affirms Single Comment Can Constitute Harassment and Addresses Standard for Retaliation

In a July 29, 2024, opinion, the California Supreme Court reaffirmed that a single use of a racial epithet can be severe enough to be actionable harassment under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
29 July 2024 Labor & Employment Law Perspectives

California Supreme Court Upholds App-Based Driver Worker Classification Statute

On July 25, 2024, the California Supreme Court issued an opinion upholding the statewide ballot measure that classifies app-based drivers as independent contractors.
29 April 2024 Labor & Employment Law Perspectives

DOL Increases Compensation Threshold for Exempt Employees

Starting July 1, 2024, employers must satisfy a higher salary threshold in order to consider employees as exempt from Fair Labor Standards Act overtime rules.
05 September 2023 Labor & Employment Law Perspectives

California Expands Liability Under the FEHA to Business-Entity Agents

On August 21, 2023, the California Supreme Court ruled that business-entity agents could be liable for violations of the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) with respect to individuals who were not their employees.
17 August 2023 Honors and Awards

Foley Attorneys Recognized in 2024 Best Lawyers in America

Foley & Lardner LLP proudly announced today that 236 of the firm’s attorneys across 20 U.S. offices have received recognition in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©.