Sarah M. Bernstein

About Sarah

Sarah is a trusted strategic advisor to motor vehicle manufacturers, guiding them through the distribution of their products within the extensive state and federal regulatory landscape. Her significant business law & transactional background make her uniquely positioned to find creative solutions to solve complex business problems for her clients. Sarah is a co-chair of BFKN’s Motor Vehicle Group and leads the Group’s transactional practice. With over a decade of experience in the industry, she helps motor vehicle manufacturers manage the sale and distribution of their products, including through counseling on franchise and dealer network matters, commercial relationships and regulatory concerns, and brand launches in the U.S. market. She also advises clients on evolving areas of the law, such as manufacturer direct sales, electric vehicle sales, motor vehicle e-commerce, and emerging mobility platforms, assisting clients with structuring and rolling-out initiatives in these areas. Sarah’s practice also encompasses business planning, general corporate matters, and secured lending. She has extensive experience in structuring and documenting complex business arrangements for her clients, including in the areas of product distribution, supply chain management, and product sales and marketing. She also represents lenders in connection with secured transactions, with a focus on credit facilities secured by partnership and other investment interests, and has experience in motor vehicle consumer financing. Sarah is very involved in firm life at BFKN and is an active member of numerous firm committees, including being the former co-chair of BFKN’s Pro Bono Committee. Sarah has also served as the Vice President of the Board of Directors of the North Lawndale Employment Network for 13 years. In that role, she acts as pro bono general counsel and has become a trusted advisor to both the board and executive director, particularly when they are faced with complex legal challenges.

Practice Areas

Education

• Northwestern University, J.D., graduated 1991
• American University, B.A., graduated 1988

Bar Admissions

• Illinois, State of Illinois

Languages