Associate
Sarah represents employers in employment law and regulatory compliance matters, guiding clients through workplace counseling and litigation to help them navigate state and federal workplace requirements.
She handles a range of issues facing employers, including leave and accommodation, discrimination and harassment, occupational safety and health, wage and hour, and unemployment compensation. She represents clients in administrative agency proceedings and litigation, and advises them on compliance and risk-management strategies designed to avoid disputes before they arise. She also assists clients with day-to-day workplace management, including drafting employment policies and procedures and preparing employment and separation agreements.
Prior to joining McNees, Sarah spent ten years in public sector legal roles. Most recently, she served as a law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Before that, she clerked for the Court of Common Pleas of York County. In both roles, she drafted judicial opinions, managed caseloads, and prepared cases for conferences, hearings, and trials.
Explore recent thought leadership, news, and other updates.
by Sarah J. McGowan In case you missed it, at the end of 2025, Governor Shapiro signed House Bill 274 into law. This new legislation—now Act 55 of 2025—is a significant update to Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Compensation Law (“Law”). Among other things, Act 55 expands unemployment compensation benefit eligibility for claimants affected by domestic violence. Specifically, […]
At the 2025 Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP) Conference, attorneys Jennifer Will, Gregory Archibald, Sarah McGowen presented “HR Boot Camp”, a crash course for nonprofit leaders on best HR practices. Their discussion focused on strategies for building and maintaining a workforce for Pennsylvania’s nonprofits.
May 9, 2025 – In-Person Only We will offer topics including: Labor and Employment Law Updates Under Trump 2.0 Executive Orders, Agency Actions, and Expectations for Federal Developments in 2025 Employee Benefits Update Employment Litigation Update and Trends Managing Disability and Religious Accommodations Key Issues for Multistate Employers & Remote Work Wage and Hour […]
Counsels public and private employers on labor and employment matters. Advises healthcare entities on compliance, risk management, privacy, and HIPAA.
Defends discrimination claims, advises on labor relations, counsels on union matters, and assists with immigration issues, including DHS and ICE investigations.
Leads McNees as firm chair. Represents employers in union negotiations and labor arbitration. Advises on all workforce issues, focusing on manufacturing and education.
Represents employers in employment-related litigation before federal and state governmental agencies and state and federal courts. Advises on employment practices, employee relations and employment law compliance.
