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 commercial litigation, and employment and labor law practice teams. She also advises mining project proponents regarding federal Indian law and cultural resource and religious freedom laws and concerns. Ms. Ferguson has represented clients in industries including mining, energy, financial services, hospitality, aerospace, construction, and manufacturing in state and federal courts.
Having successfully represented clients at trial, including the award of attorneys’ fees, Ms. Ferguson has a deep understanding of how to manage risk and leverage her clients’ position from the outset of a case until resolution. Her extensive experience handling all phases of litigation informs her approach to crafting strategy, managing case teams, drafting and arguing motions and complex discovery issues. She has represented clients at the Nevada Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit.
Ms. Ferguson’s insights into the regulatory and legal complexities associated with cultural resource concerns also allow her to effectively assist clients proactively navigate these issues.
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, where she was editor-in-chief of the Law Review, she served as a law clerk for the Hon. Howard D. McKibben of the United States District Court for the District of Nevada.
Experience
Wage and Hour Defense
Defended various companies in wage and hour collective actions.
Discrimination Defense
Defended various employers in state and U.S. federal court against claims related to alleged Title VII, ADA, ADEA and FMLA discrimination.
Successful Trial Verdict
Achieved favorable verdict as first chair at trial on behalf of a corporation facing a dissenter’s rights action.
Accomplishments
Academic
J.D., New York Law School, cum laude, June 2012
- Editor in Chief, New York Law School Law Review
B.A., Whitman College, cum laude, History with Honors, May 2006
Professional
Best Lawyers in America 2026 "Lawyer of the Year," Litigation-Labor and Employment, Reno
The Best Lawyers in America© – Commercial Litigation (2021-2026)
The Best Lawyers in America© – Employment Law – Management (2021-2026)
The Best Lawyers in America© –Litigation – Labor and Employment (2021-2026)
Nevada Business Magazine “Legal Elite/Top Ranked Attorneys” (2022)
Associations
Professional
Member, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Washoe County Bar Association, Member
Community
University of Nevada - Reno Foundation Board of Trustees, Member since 2023
Northern Nevada Legal Aid
- President of the Board, 2023-2025
- Vice President of the Board, 2022-2023
Women’s Giving Circle – Member since 2023
Lilley Museum, University of Nevada – Reno, past Board Member
Insights
Parsons Behle & Latimer Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America:™ Sixty attorneys recognized as “Best Lawyer,” “Lawyer of the Year,” and “Ones to Watch in America”
Parsons Behle & Latimer Attorneys to Present at American Exploration & Mining Expo Annual Meeting
Employment Law Update, November 13, 2024
Parsons Behle & Latimer Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America

