They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40 - Sarah Neuman of Wilkinson Stekloff

Sarah Neuman

Age: 37

Law Firm: Wilkinson Stekloff

Practice Area: Litigation

Title: Partner

Location: Washington, DC

Law School: University of Chicago Law School

Please describe two of your most substantial, recent wins in practice.

I was part of the team that won the second-largest merger trial in American history, defeating the FTC’s attempt to enjoin Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. We had been preparing for a potential trial since the deal’s announcement, which positioned us to try the case just 10 days after the FTC filed its complaint and preliminary injunction motion in federal court.

We achieved the win by developing a simple, compelling narrative about how the deal would expand access to Activision’s video games like “Call of Duty.” The Ninth Circuit recently affirmed our trial win, and the FTC dropped its case.

I am equally proud of two recent wins in pro bono matters, where I led teams that secured asylum for our incredibly deserving clients, whose lives would have been at risk had they been forced to return to their home country. These wins change lives.

The representations also gave the teams of associates I supervised the opportunity to stand up in front of a judge and examine witnesses and deliver opening statements and closing arguments—skills they can put to use in any of our matters. I take tremendous pride in seeing my colleagues shine.

What is the most important lesson you learned as a first-year attorney and how does it inform your practice today?

The learning curve was steep coming out of law school to two clerkships. The most important lesson I learned was to take ownership of the cases and dockets to which I was assigned.

This meant learning the record cold and getting my arms around all relevant legal issues and doing independent research beyond what the parties had even raised. It also meant anticipating when my judge would need work product, rather than waiting for her to come to me.

This was important because I was responsible for just one section of the overall caseload—my judge was covering much more. That is equally true now in practice, where we dive deep into our matters, but those are just a subset of the myriad issues our clients are juggling. And to this day, I establish trust with clients by taking ownership, mastering the facts and the law, and anticipating issues to devise strategic solutions.

How do you define success in your practice?

In litigation, and in trial work in particular, wins are pretty clear-cut. There is no better feeling than delivering a favorable jury verdict for a client. Of course, how you win matters, and nobody wins alone.

I always want to walk out of a courtroom feeling like the team left nothing on the table. I try to foster an inclusive environment where everyone on our team feels empowered to share their views and participate in strategic decisions. I encourage teammates to take on new challenges and opportunities, and I try to give credit and show appreciation for that work.

I have been privileged to help build Wilkinson Stekloff’s reputation of excellence, and the way we comport ourselves in the courtroom is how we demonstrate that to others. Leaving favorable impressions on the judge, their staff, and opposing counsel requires professionalism and teamwork, and is as important to our firm’s reputation as our track record. In short, success does not stop at winning a case, it’s always putting our best foot forward together as a team.

What are you most proud of as a lawyer?

At a high level, I am proud of having earned my place within the Wilkinson Stekloff partnership. That was the culmination of more than seven years of hard work and consistently proving myself.

We are a small firm—a 40-lawyer boutique where I am only the 13th partner. Yet we handle our clients’ most significant cases, and I was able to demonstrate my value and strategic thinking in that environment.

As for specifics, I am most proud of my work over the past few years to obtain asylum for two pro bono clients (one from Cameroon, one from Colombia). I was spurred to do this work because, several generations ago, my family came to the United States and found refuge here.

My pro bono clients were subjected to heinous treatment and torture in their home countries. Both feared death if they were forced to return.

In both cases, we developed an overwhelming record supporting our client’s claim and drafted a persuasive brief explaining their entitlement to relief. I led the teams as we presented a clear and compelling narrative in evidentiary hearings, delivering life-changing victories for our very deserving clients.

Who is your greatest mentor in the law and what have they taught you?

Beth Wilkinson and Brian Stekloff founded Wilkinson Stekloff to train the next generation of trial lawyers, and I am proof of that mission borne out. Both Beth and Brian have taken it upon themselves—and imposed on others—to ensure I have opportunities to develop, grow, and get stand-up opportunities throughout my time at the firm.

Trying cases with them has taught me a lot: Develop a core set of themes and a simple, affirmative narrative (even when you’re playing defense). Hone those themes and that story as you learn the record and talk to witnesses. Orient your case around them at trial. Don’t be afraid to leave things on the cutting-room floor; jurors and judges want a streamlined presentation of evidence—not the kitchen sink.

If something goes wrong, take responsibility, fix it, and don’t do it again. And most important, your credibility and reputation are everything, so be an honest broker and a respectful advocate.

Tell us your two favorite songs on your summer music playlist.

My kids are in a committed Moana phase, so I’ve been listening to my fair share of “We Know the Way” from the “Moana” soundtrack. When the kids deign to let me pick a song, I find myself coming back to the new remake of “There She Goes,” by Cyril X MOONLIGHT x The La’s, which feels nostalgic and energizing.

Sarah Neuman and her three children during a break in their soccer practice.

Photo Illustration: Jonathan Hurtarte/Bloomberg Law; Photo courtesy of Sarah Neuman