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Sara M. Turner

Shareholder

Sara M. Turner is a shareholder in the Birmingham, Alabama, office and serves as chair of Baker Donelson's Hospitality Industry Service Team.

Featured Experience


Obtained summary judgment for a franchisor in a vicarious liability case the morning of trial, successfully avoiding a $4.5 million verdict which was awarded against the co-defendants.

Negotiated a favorable settlement for one of the nation's largest independently owned petroleum marketing companies in a complex commercial transaction involving biodiesel and other natural fuels.

Represented a large franchisor in a high-dollar hospitality-related franchise dispute.

Professional Biography


As a shareholder in Baker Donelson's Birmingham, Alabama office, Sara M. Turner is committed to advancing the interests of her clients through her experience and innovative legal solutions. Serving as the chair of the Firm's Hospitality Industry Service Team and Second Vice-President of DRI, Sara proactively connects with in-house counsel and other professionals to exchange insights and promote growth.

Sara's background includes successful tenures as the former Secretary-Treasurer of DRI, DRI Board Member, and Chair of DRI's Retail and Hospitality and Technology Committees. She has refined her skills in managing a wide array of litigation claims. These include hospitality, franchise, timeshare, human trafficking, product liability, drug and medical device, class action, and commercial litigation.

Sara not only has experience serving as outside general counsel but also excels at coordinating nationwide defense strategies for her clients. When alternative dispute resolution methods fail, Sara skillfully represents clients before arbitrators, judges, and juries, leveraging her considerable trial experience and deep industry knowledge.

Education

  • University of Minnesota School of Law, J.D., 2003, cum laude
  • Augustana College, B. A., Government/International Affairs, 1999, cum laude
  • University of Economics, Prague, Czech Republic, 1998

Admissions

  • Alabama, 2006
  • U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Alabama, 2006
  • Minnesota, 2003
  • U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 2004
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, 2014
  • Eighth Circuit, 2004

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