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).
21 January 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.
21 January 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
21 January 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
26 November 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.
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).