Sarah Ferguson is a strong advocate, thoughtful strategist and skilled litigator specializing in employment law and complex commercial litigation. She collaborates closely with clients to ensure they are aware of the risks and rewards of a course of action, whether in the courtroom, at mediation or prior to an employment action. 

Capabilities

Biography

Sarah Ferguson is a shareholder in Parsons Behle & Latimer’s litigation, and employment law practice teams. Ms. Ferguson has represented clients in industries including mining, construction, hospitality, energy, financial services and pharmaceuticals in state and federal courts.

In the corporate litigation context, Ms. Ferguson has extensive experience handling all phases of litigation including litigation strategy, managing case teams and appearing in court. She has successfully helped clients navigate a variety of matters, including dissenters’ rights actions, law firm defense, breach of warranty and breach of contract.

As an employment advisor and advocate, Ms. Ferguson frequently assists clients with employment matters that range from day-to-day issues, like handbooks and record keeping, to highly sensitive issues, like terminations and internal investigations. She also regularly represents clients in employment litigation, both before regulatory agencies and state and federal courts.

Ms. Ferguson is committed to serving the Reno community and to that end, has an active pro bono practice, including direct services and community outreach.

A Reno native, Ms. Ferguson practiced in New York City, focusing on white collar defense and commercial litigation, before returning to Nevada.

Following graduation from New York Law School, she served as a law clerk for the Hon. Howard D. McKibben of the United States District Court for the District of Nevada.

Experience

Discrimination Claim Defense

Defended Nevada employer in EEOC discrimination action in U.S. federal court. 

Successful Trial Verdict

Achieved favorable verdict as first chair at trial on behalf of a corporation facing a dissenter’s rights action.

Employer Pre-litigation Counsel

Advise employers and management to resolve employment matters pre-litigation, including enforcement of non-competes, terminations, recordkeeping and hiring practices.

Accomplishments

Academic

J.D., New York Law School, cum laude, June 2012

B.A., Whitman College, cum laude, History with Honors, May 2006

Professional

Nevada Business Magazine “Legal Elite/Top Ranked Attorneys” (2022)

The Best Lawyers in America© – Commercial Litigation (since 2021)

Pro bono

Represent incarcerated individual in habeas proceedings before the Ninth Circuit

Represent Nevada children in dependency proceedings in family court

Represented more than 90 former tenants in New York lawsuit against landlord for property damage caused by a fire

Associations

Professional

Washoe Legal Services, Board Member

Washoe County Bar Association, Member

Community

Northern Nevada Legal Aide, Vice President of the Board

Lilley Museum, University of Nevada – Reno, Board Member

Insights

Articles

Presentations

Credentials

Licensed

Nevada
New York

Education

New York Law School