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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).
July 14, 2025 In the News

Foley Attorneys Explore Lessons Learned from Repealed Sick Leave Law

The ever-changing landscape of sick leave laws in the U.S. — both in number and scope — is a constant reminder to employers that they must remain vigilant, and constantly assess and update their benefits policies.
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March 31, 2025 Labor & Employment Law Perspectives

“No Robo Bosses Act” Proposed in California to Limit Use of AI Systems in Employment Decisions

A new bill in California, SB 7, proposed by State Senator Jerry McNerney, seeks to limit and regulate the use of artificial intelligence decision making in hiring, promotion, discipline, or termination decisions.
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January 21, 2025 Labor & Employment Law Perspectives

Trump Orders Hiring Freeze and Return to Work for Federal Employees

As part of the myriad executive orders issued by President Trump in the hours after his inauguration, two focus on the number and location of federal employees.
The White House is seen from a distance, surrounded by green lawns, trees, and hedges—a landmark familiar to those in corporate law offices or engaged in intellectual property law, with a fountain and the U.S. flag visible on the roof.
January 21, 2025 Labor & Employment Law Perspectives

President Trump’s “Rescission” Executive Order

Among the executive orders issued by President Trump on January 20, 2025, was one titled Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions
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January 21, 2025 Labor & Employment Law Perspectives

President Trump’s Inauguration Day Immigration Executive Orders

During President Trump’s first hours in the White House, he issued a sweeping series of executive orders, including several regarding immigration policy: Protecting the American People Against Invasion, Securing Our Borders, and Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship
November 26, 2024 In the News

Sara Abarbanel and Jacqueline Hayduk Assess Best Practices for Employee Assistance Programs

Employee assistance programs have become an extremely common benefit offered by U.S. employers.