Sara W. Davey Counsel

Sara Whaley (Davey) helps clients navigate a diverse range of labor and employment law issues, from preventative counseling and policy development to defending clients at the federal, state, and administrative level.

Sara provides strategic advice to employers on workplace issues, such as employee discipline and termination, disability accommodation requirements, requests for leave, employment and severance agreements, and discrimination and harassment investigations. Her guidance to employers also encompasses implementation of wage and commission structures, hidden liabilities of temporary workers and independent contractors, and legal developments relating to cannabis laws. Sara counsels clients on developing employment policies and employee handbooks, including ones that cover multiple jurisdictions, that fit the culture of the client. She also provides labor and employment law support on diligence in mergers and acquisitions for public organizations and private companies.

As an experienced litigator, Sara has successfully defended all types of labor and employment claims. She has substantial experience in all phases of litigation, including several successful summary judgment motions relating to retaliatory discharge, Illinois Whistleblower Act, First Amendment retaliation, sexual harassment, and Title VII and Section 1981 discrimination claims, as well as jury trial experience relating to Americans with Disabilities Act and sexual harassment claims. Sara also regularly protects client interests before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity and other state workforce agencies.