Sarah Carlson

SARAH CARLSON is a highly regarded, repeatedly ranked Chambers Band 1 litigator who is lauded for her substantive experience in regulatory matters involving the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Sarah represents product manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers at all stages of a consumer product’s life cycle. She counsels clients relative to product testing, reporting requirements, effectuating and/or defending against product recalls, responding to civil penalty investigations, and developing and implementing robust safety compliance programs. Sarah also has significant experience with complex class action litigation involving consumer products, including, but not limited to, litigation following a recall.

“She is our go-to attorney and very knowledgeable about our products. She understands the business and regulatory issues we face.”
Chambers USA 2024

“Sarah is a pragmatic attorney with a wealth of experience in product advertising and consumer fraud issues. She is a dedicated and enthusiastic advocate.”
Chambers USA 2024

Sarah’s regulatory practice also includes representing clients before the National Advertising Division (NAD) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This experience translates seamlessly into Sarah’s ability to vigorously defend clients in competitor and consumer litigation alleging false advertising and/or unfair and deceptive trade practices. Sarah’s advertising work has covered many industries, including nutritional supplements, cosmetic, food and beverage, over-the-counter medications, and home appliance products, among many others.

Sarah’s background as a Chambers-ranked product liability: regulatory lawyer and her top-notch litigation skills allow her to deftly guide her clients both proactively and reactively. Her assistance may start at the product drawing board or even in the boardroom, but she stands prepared to zealously represent her clients before federal agencies, the NAD, and in state and federal courts. Sarah is known for her exceptional client service and her strong relationships across stakeholders and industries. She is also consistently praised for her outstanding legal skills, including persuasive writing, oral advocacy, and strategic thinking and judgment. Sarah is well-positioned to navigate the most complex consumer product-related issues across the globe.

Sarah’s strong passion for consumer product safety is highlighted by her active membership in the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO). As a thought leader in this space, she has been a featured speaker/moderator at the ICPHSO annual symposium on multiple occasions.

Sarah was named to the “Leaders of Influence in Law” list by the San Diego Business Journal (2025). In addition to her Band 1 ranking in Chambers USA for Nationwide Product Liability: Regulatory (2023–2025), Sarah was also named on the Commercial Litigation list by The Best Lawyers in America® (2023–2026), and has been listed as a “Recognized Lawyer” by Legal 500 United States (2023). Additionally, she was selected as a Diversity and Inclusion Awards honoree by Missouri Lawyers Media (2020).

A leader within the firm, Sarah is chair of SidleyWomen in San Diego.

• International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO)
• St. Louis Downtown Children’s Center - past president, board of directors (2015–2017)
• Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis - member, board of directors (2011–2015); previous member, Education Committee