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Sara Bennett Lerner

Associate

Sara Bennett Lerner’s journey to practicing employment law has been non-traditional, but one that has provided her with a wealth of life experience, vision, and practical knowledge.

Sara first built a career teaching high school and college English, where she learned the art of clear communication and the power of listening.

Eventually, she stepped away from the workforce to raise a family. While doing so, she became deeply involved in volunteering for her community, assuming multiple leadership and coaching roles within several local organizations. During these years, she further endeavored to develop her business and negotiation skills by engaging in a successful real estate business.

A decade after leaving teaching, Sara returned to the classroom and earned her Juris Doctor from The University of Akron School of Law, graduating summa cum laude, serving as an Academic Success Fellow, receiving multiple CALI Awards for excellence, and passing the bar with a score high enough to practice in any UBE jurisdiction.

Before joining K|W|W, Sara clerked with the firm and gained experience in labor and employment matters including discrimination and wage/hour compliance, disability law accommodation, labor negotiations, and emerging employment issues in artificial intelligence and workplace policy.

Sara brings to her practice the same patience, empathy and insight that made her an effective teacher and leader. She’s particularly adept at creative problem solving and is drawn to helping employers develop work environments that strive to be fair, compliant, and forward-thinking.

Other Personal Background Information and Interests

Sara lives in Hudson, Ohio, with her husband and their two children. Outside the office, she stays active in the community through volunteering, school and youth sports programs, and local mental health advocacy efforts. She enjoys traveling, attending live music and theater, running, exploring new cuisine, and spending time outdoors with her family.
Education
  • Ohio University, B.A., English Literature, 2003
  • North Carolina State University, Secondary Education, Teaching Licensure, 2006
  • The University of Akron, M.A., English Literature, 2009
  • The University of Akron School of Law, J.D., summa cum laude, 2025
Civic/Charitable Activities and Associations
  • Council Gardens
    • Board Member, Bylaws and Policies Committee, 2019-2021
    • Board Member, Nomination Committeee, 2019-2021
  • Girls on the Run
    • Coach, 2021-2022
  • Piper’s Key
    • Board Member, 2022-Present
  • State of Mind: Hudson
    • Board Member, 2025-Present