Practice Focus
An experienced employment lawyer in both union and non-union settings, Pat Sabalis counsels management clients regarding every aspect of the employer-employee relationship to assist employers in establishing and maintaining good employee relations and in avoiding costly litigation. When there is a dispute, she seeks the most efficient and cost-effective resolution, including early mediation. In those instances when litigation is unavoidable, she proactively assesses risk and liability and represents the employer in state and federal court, before administrative agencies and in arbitration. Prior to joining DRM, Pat practiced labor and employment law with Bingham, Dana & Gould (Boston, now Bingham McCutchen) and was Labor Counsel to the General Foods Corporation, where she represented the company nationwide.
Significant Matters
Pat represented a financing company in an age discrimination case that was tried in federal court and resulted in a verdict for the employer. Pat represented a major national manufacturer in a sex harassment case. Following a two week trial in federal court, the jury returned a defendant’s verdict that was later upheld by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Pat also represented a major utility in an age discrimination case. After a one week trial, the jury returned a verdict for the employer.
Professional Activities
Pat is listed in the first tier of Labor & Employment lawyers in Vermont in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business. She also is listed in The Best Lawyers in America, and she received Martindale-Hubbell’s AV® peer rating, the highest rating attainable. Pat is an active member of the Vermont Bar Association’s (VBA) Employment Law Section and regularly presents at VBA seminars and meetings.
Community Involvement
Pat is a member of the Burlington YMCA board of directors and its human resources committee. Her love of the outdoors keeps her involved with her town's Conservation Commission, where she served for five years
Publications/Presentations
Pat regularly lectures on employment law and employee relations to human resources professionals as a member of the faculty of various programs around the state.
Reported Cases
Young v. General Foods Corp., 840 F.2d 825 (11th Cir. 1988) (age discrimination)
Perry v. Ethan Allen Manufacturing, 115 F.3d 143 (2d Cir. 1997) (sex harassment)
Potvin v. Champlain Cable Corp., 165 Vt. 504 (1996)
Wentworth v. Fletcher Allen Health Care, 171 Vt. 614 (2000)
Robertson v. Mylan Laboratories, Inc., 2004 VT 15, 176 Vt. 356 (2004)
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