Sara E. Hirshon

        Partner, E-Discovery Counsel

        Sara is a trusted advocate for institutions navigating sensitive misconduct allegations. As a key member of Verrill’s Institutional Response Group, Sara provides strategic counsel to healthcare organizations, educational institutions, private facilities, government-operated entities, and faith-based organizations. Her work includes conducting trauma-informed investigations, developing regulatory-compliant policies, and managing complex litigation to protect her clients’ reputations while ensuring operational priorities remain intact.

        Sara’s practice focuses on designing equitable resolution processes, overseeing settlement fund plans, and delivering comprehensive trial management services. She is committed to fostering open communication and crafting customized strategies that minimize risks and uphold fairness throughout investigations and disputes. Whether addressing allegations of harassment, abuse, or other misconduct, Sara brings a multi-disciplinary approach that combines compassionate counsel with practical guidance tailored to the complexities of each situation.

        In addition to her institutional response work, Sara also assists clients in protecting their brands through management and enforcement of their intellectual property rights. through the facilitation of licensing agreements, negotiation, and litigation.  As an experienced litigator, Sara has litigated claims for copyright, trademark, and trade dress infringement in federal courts in New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Maine and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, across a variety of industries including fashion and design, hospitality, food and beverage, manufacturing, and nutritional supplements.

        Sara also serves as Verrill’s e-discovery counsel, advising clients on electronic discovery and information governance. She works closely with clients and vendors to navigate modern litigation’s legal and technological complexities, ensuring compliance with evolving requirements and implementing practical, cost-effective solutions.

        Sara’s thoughtful approach reflects Verrill’s commitment to providing effective representation during challenging times—she ensures her clients feel supported throughout every step of the process, regardless of the subject matter.

         

        Services/Industries

        Education

        • Boston University School of Law (J.D.)
        • University of Michigan (B.A.)
          • Michigan Class Honors

        Public Service

        • Town of Cape Elizabeth, Thomas Memorial Library Committee Member
        • Through These Doors, Vice President and Governance Committee
        • Resources for Human Development, Human Rights Committee Member (2012-2015)
        • The Guidance Center, Inc., Board of Visitors (2010-2015)

        Bar Admissions

        • Maine
        • Massachusetts

        Court and Other Admissions

        • U.S. District Court for the District of Maine
        • U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
        • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
        • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
        • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
        • United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
        • United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

        Memberships

        • American Bar Association, Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section: Business Litigation Committee, Vice Chair (2013-present); Standing Committee on Membership Member (2009-2011); Task Force on Outreach to Law Students Member (2009-2011)
        • American Bar Association, Intellectual Property Committee, Vice Chair (2013-2014)
        • American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division: Commission on Women in the Profession (2010-2011)

        Honors

        • Selected for Benchmark Litigation‘s 2017 “Under 40 Hot List”
        • Katahdin Counsel Recognition for pro bono efforts

        Learn more about the third-party ratings, rankings, and selection processes used for inclusion.

        Firm Highlights

        Media Mentions

        Martha Gaythwaite Featured in Portland Press Herald Coverage of Sig Sauer Trial Victory

        Verrill attorney Martha Gaythwaite was highlighted in media coverage of a federal trial in Bangor involving firearm manufacturer Sig Sauer. As...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        SAFEs and Preferred Stock – Key Deal Terms Every Founder Should Know

        SAFEs Before negotiating a term sheet for preferred stock, many early-stage companies, particularly at the seed stage, first raise capital through...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Welcomes Business Restructuring and Insolvency Attorney Nimra Tariq

        BOSTON, Massachusetts – Verrill is pleased to announce that Nimra Tariq has joined the firm’s Business Restructuring and Insolvency Group as an...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Quoted in Law360 on First Brands Chapter 11 Plan

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was quoted in the Law360 article,"First Brands' Ch. 11 Plan Revives Angst Over Admin Claims," discussing First Brands...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Welcomes Construction Attorney Cassie Dufon

        PORTLAND, Maine – Verrill is pleased to welcome Cassie Dufon to the firm’s Construction Group as an Associate, resident in the firm’s Portland...
        Press Releases

        Verrill’s Wide-Ranging Private Wealth Law Practice Recognized in 2026 Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide

        BANGOR and PORTLAND, Maine and BOSTON, Mass. – Verrill attorneys Kenneth P. Brier, Anya F. Endsley, Kurt E. Klebe, Mary McQuillen, Nathaniel S....
        Blog

        Update on Status of Maine Packaging EPR

        In December 2024, Verrill published a blog post, Unwrapping Maine's Gift to the Environment: A New Packaging Stewardship Program Set to Launch in...
        Blog

        Voluntary Benefits Move into the ERISA Litigation Crosshairs

        Employee-paid accident, critical-illness, cancer, and hospital-indemnity insurance have long occupied a quiet corner of employee benefit plan...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        Maine’s New Employer Surveillance Law, 26 M.R.S. § 620-A

        Effective July 14, 2026 Maine employers that electronically monitor employees must comply with a new disclosure law effective July 14, 2026. Under...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Recognized by U.S. News as One of the Best Law Firms to Work for in 2026

        BOSTON, Mass., BANGOR and PORTLAND, Maine, GREENWICH and WESTPORT, Conn., – Verrill has been featured on U.S. News’ 2026 Best Companies to Work...
        Blog

        SECURE 2.0 Roth Catch-Up Rules and the 403(b) 15-Year Catch-Up: What Tax-Exempt Employers Need to Know

        Tax-exempt employers whose 403(b) plans offer catch-up contributions for participants age 50 and above should be well on their way to compliance with...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Quoted in Law360 on SIMAD Summer Camp Bankruptcy Sale

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was recently quoted in a Law360 article examining the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings involving SIMAD Holdings and...