Atty. Sarah M. Bernstein
Sarah is a trusted strategic advisor to motor vehicle manufacturers, guiding them through the distribution of their products within the extensive state and federal regulatory landscape. Her significant business law & transactional background make her uniquely positioned to find creative solutions to solve complex business problems for her clients.
Profile Summary
About Sarah M. Bernstein at a glance
Sarah M. Bernstein is a business and franchise attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Barack Ferrazzano. Admitted to practice in Illinois, State of Illinois. Educated at Northwestern University (J.D., 1991) and American University (B.A., 1988). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Franchise Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Sarah is a trusted strategic advisor to motor vehicle manufacturers, guiding them through the distribution of their products within the extensive state and federal regulatory landscape
- Her significant business law & transactional background make her uniquely positioned to find creative solutions to solve complex business problems for her clients
- Sarah is a co-chair of Barack Ferrazzano’s Motor Vehicle Group and leads the Group’s transactional practice
- With over a decade of experience in the industry, she helps motor vehicle manufacturers manage the sale and distribution of their products, including through counseling on franchise and dealer network matters, commercial relationships and regulatory concerns, and brand launches in the U.S. market
- She also advises clients on evolving areas of the law, such as manufacturer direct sales, electric vehicle sales, motor vehicle e-commerce, and emerging mobility platforms, assisting clients with structuring and rolling-out initiatives in these areas
- Sarah’s practice also encompasses business planning, general corporate matters, and secured lending
- She has extensive experience in structuring and documenting complex business arrangements for her clients, including in the areas of product distribution, supply chain management, and product sales and marketing
- She also represents lenders in connection with secured transactions, with a focus on credit facilities secured by partnership and other investment interests, and has experience in motor vehicle consumer financing
- Sarah is very involved in firm life at Barack Ferrazzano and is an active member of numerous firm committees, including being the former co-chair of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee
- Sarah has also served as the Vice President of the Board of Directors of the North Lawndale Employment Network for 13 years
- In that role, she acts as pro bono general counsel and has become a trusted advisor to both the board and executive director, particularly when they are faced with complex legal challenges
Practice Areas Explained
Sarah M. Bernstein's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Sarah M. Bernstein handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Sarah M. Bernstein is one of 452,854 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Illinois →
Sarah M. Bernstein is one of 1,811 franchise attorneys indexed nationally. Browse franchise attorneys in Illinois →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Illinois
Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.
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