Overview
In employment law, Sarah has distinguished herself by handling high-profile litigation for prominent institutions including universities, colleges, a national television and radio news outlet, medical practices, and automotive suppliers. Her storytelling approach to litigation—crafting compelling narratives and presenting complex situations with clarity—has proven particularly effective in employment discrimination matters, contract disputes, and sensitive workplace investigations. Drawing from her experience as a former Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, she excels at helping clients articulate their positions persuasively, especially in cases attracting media attention.
Sarah’s trade secret and non-compete practice uniquely spans both sides of disputes. She represents employers protecting intellectual assets, employees defending against claims, and new employers navigating alleged violations. This comprehensive perspective has made her a sought-after speaker at major institutions, including Michigan's Institute of Continuing Legal Education, where she educates Human Resources professionals, attorneys, and business leaders on evolving legal landscapes.
Sarah Nirenberg is a Shareholder based in Butzel’s Troy office. She earned her juris doctor, cum laude, from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, where she was a member of the National Moot Court Team and an Executive Articles Editor of the Jurisprudence Review. She received her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, where she was a student-athlete on the Varsity Women’s Golf Team.
Her rapid rise and innovative approaches have earned Sarah recognition from several prominent legal publications in the areas of Labor and Employment Law and Labor and Employment Litigation. She has been named to the lists of The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 "Ones to Watch," Michigan Super Lawyers 2023 Rising Stars, and Michigan Lawyers Weekly's 2022 Class of Up & Coming Lawyers.
Primary Practice Areas
All Related Practice Areas
Credentials
Education
Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, J.D., cum laude
Michigan State University, James Madison College and Honor’s College, B.A.
Admissions
- Michigan
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
Memberships
- State Bar of Michigan – Labor & Employment Law Section
- Oakland County Bar Association
Awards & Recognitions
Awards & Recognitions
The Best Lawyers in America® - Ones to Watch - Labor and Employment Law - Management Litigation; Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2023-2025
Michigan Lawyers Weekly – Go to Lawyers for Employment Law, 2024
Michigan Lawyers Weekly – Up & Coming Lawyers, 2022
Michigan Super Lawyers – Rising Stars, Employment & Labor, 2023
Experience
- Tried over 25 bench and jury trials in the Oakland County Circuit Court while serving as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office
- Obtained judgment overturning a jury verdict for a small medical practice in an age discrimination case
- Obtained summary judgment for a global supplier of automotive systems in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), age discrimination, and disability discrimination
- Obtained summary disposition in the Court of Claims for a public university in a lawsuit brought by a large private hospital for indemnification and contribution on a judgment over one million dollars
- Obtained summary judgment for a public university in a lawsuit alleging violations of national origin discrimination