Sara Alexis Levine Abarbanel

Associate

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Sara Alexis Levine Abarbanel

Associate

San Diego 858.847.6742

Sectors

Practice Areas

Education

  • University of California, Berkeley (J.D., M.P.P., 2018)
    • Associate editor, Journal of Criminal Law
    • 1L Editor
    • Supervising Editor for Symposium Committee
  • University of Chicago (B.A., with honors, 2010)
    • International Studies

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).
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©.
29 June 2023 Deals and Wins

Foley Wins Dismissal of Lawsuit Against Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation

Foley & Lardner LLP is pleased to announce it has secured dismissal of a lawsuit against its client The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Inc.
23 February 2023 Article

What Employers Need To Know About New Breastfeeding Law

On Feb. 8, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that a Michigan auto plant will begin providing employees with more private space to nurse, determining that the car manufacturer made nursing mothers wait up to 20 minutes for lactation rooms.
10 October 2022 Labor & Employment Law Perspectives

California Extends Supplemental COVID Sick Leave—Again

A day before California’s 2022 COVID Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Law was set to expire, Governor Gavin Newsom extended the law through December 31, 2022.
20 May 2022 Press Releases

Foley Secures Second Victory for Menzies Aviation in Discrimination and Retaliation Lawsuit

Foley & Lardner LLP has secured a second victory for Menzies Aviation Inc. (Menzies) in a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit brought by former San Francisco fueling supervisor Renaldo Navarro.
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