Biography

Sara is a member of the firm's Real Estate and Finance and Corporate and M&A practice groups. Her practice involves business transactions, including entity formations, mergers and acquisitions, commercial finance, and general commercial law and contract issues. She provides across-the-board counseling for businesses, from start-up advice, capital raises, and debt financing to acquisition, growth, and sale of the company. 

Sara works with clients in the banking and health care industries, and advises clients in the business aspects of the rapidly evolving cannabis industry.  Her experience with complex and nuanced transactions has led to a focus on highly regulated industries and the distinct business challenges they face as they grow and change. Her clients appreciate her pragmatic guidance in navigating their regulatory challenges. Whether wrangling with new and unclear legal issues, or facing difficult and obstructive opposing counsel, Sara’s rational, patient approach defuses emotions and arrives at solutions.

Sara has extensive experience counseling financial institutions in connection with secured and unsecured lending.  She has developed particular insight and skill in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), and regularly advises clients and colleagues on security interests in personal property.  Sara is also adept at commercial mortgage lending. 

Prior to joining Preti Flaherty, Sara practiced at a law firm in Maine for nine years.

Sara lives in Cumberland with her family.

Professional Activities

  • Cumberland Bar Association, past president

Honors & Recognition

  • Super Lawyers New England Rising Star for seven consecutive years, including 2020

Civic and Charitable Activities

  • City of Portland Zoning Board of Appeals, past chair
  • Maine Community Foundation, Cumberland County Fund, past chair

Firm Highlights

Event

Legal Foundations Lunch and Learn Series: Understanding Indemnity Clauses

Our Legal Foundations Lunch and Learn Series features monthly 30-minute webinars that provide in-depth insights into recent updates, industry trends, and key issues impacting the construction industry. Preti Flaherty attorneys Kenneth Rubinstein and Nicholas...

Publication

Important Updates to American Arbitration Association Construction Industry Rules and Mediation Procedures

The American Arbitration Association (AAA) updated its Construction Industry Rules and Mediation procedures (AAA Rules), effective March 1, 2024, marking the first update since 2015. The updates are important because the AAA Rules are...

News

Attorney Jeffrey Thaler Named to 2024 Lawdragon Green 500: Leaders in Energy Law

Preti Flaherty’s attorney Jeffrey Thaler has been recognized by  Lawdragon  as one of the top 500 Leaders in Energy Law. This is Jeff’s third time named to this prestigious list since the first publication...

News

Preti Attorneys File Suit Against Al-Generated Robocalls in the 2024 NH Presidential Primary

Representing the League of Women Voters of New Hampshire, the League of Women Voters of the United States, and individual voters, Preti Flaherty, with co-counsel, filed a federal lawsuit against Steve Kramer, Lingo Telecom...

Event

Hire Education: Best Practices for Onboarding New Employees

As an HR professional, hiring the right talent, addressing employee needs, and managing terminations are just a few of the most challenging problems that arise. During this year's three-part Employment Breakfast Webinar Series, we'll...

Publication

Helping Employers Navigate the New Independent Contractor Rule and Compliance Challenges

On March 11 th , the United States Department of Labor’s (DOL) new Independent Contractor Rule goes into effect.  As your organization readies itself for compliance, it’s imperative to scrutinize your independent contractor classifications...

News

Benchmark Litigation Names Preti Flaherty 2024 “Maine Firm of the Year"

Benchmark Litigation has named Preti Flaherty as 2024 Litigation Firm of the Year in the State of Maine. Through extensive peer- and- client reviewed research, as well as analysis of casework; the Benchmark Awards...

Publication

USCIS Announces H-1B Registration Period for FY2025: New “Beneficiary Centric” Registration Process and Increased Fees

USCIS has recently announced a series of changes that will impact the FY2025 H-1B registration system and cap filing season. H-1B Registration Period and Organizational Accounts As in prior years, under this process, prospective petitioners...

Publication

Failure to Follow Your Contract's Notice Requirements Can be Costly

In Kinetic Systems, Inc. v. IPS-Integrated Projects Services, LLC et. al., No.: 20-cv-1125 (D.N.H. February 6, 2024), the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire granted summary judgment for a general contractor...

Event

Sigmund Schutz to moderate panel at 36th Annual Media and the Law Seminar: Under Attack! Existential Threats to Journalism and Free Speech

From unlawful searches and seizures of newsrooms and highly contentious litigation to physical harassment and calls for violence online, journalists and news organizations are under attack like never before. At the 36 th Annual...