(Birmingham, AL / September 25, 2015) Baker Donelson has named Sara M. Turner as co-chair of the Firm's Franchise and Hospitality Industry Service Team. Ms. Turner, a shareholder in Baker Donelson's Birmingham office, joins current co-chairs Joel R. Buckberg and Eugene J. "Gene" Podesta Jr. in leading the multidisciplinary practice that serves franchisors and multi-unit franchisees as well as hotels and restaurants and their suppliers, vendors and service providers.
"Gene Podesta and I are delighted to welcome Sara Turner to the leadership of our Franchise and Hospitality Industry Service Team," said Mr. Buckberg. "Sara is a high energy litigator who is adept at managing complex litigation and at home in the court room. Her insights and ability to provide steady counsel to clients through the uncertainty of dispute resolution sets a great example for our practice. We look forward to working with Sara to develop and refine our industry representation."
Ms. Turner represents businesses in federal, state and administrative courts both in Alabama and Minnesota. Her trial work focuses on the litigation of product liability, drug and medical device, hospitality vicarious liability defense, timeshare, commercial and franchise claims. Her background also includes reinsurance and complex insurance coverage matters. Ms. Turner also has experience serving as outside general counsel and assisting in the coordination of her clients' defense of claims nationwide.
A graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Law, Ms. Turner has been recognized by Alabama Super Lawyers and is AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell. She is a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) and is actively involved in DRI, where she has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as chair of the Technology Committee and chair of DRI's Retail and Hospitality Seminar, and is a member of the DRI Products Liability and Data Management and Security Steering Committees.