Sarah Stovall brings a thoughtful, investigative mindset and extensive compliance experience to help institutions navigate their most sensitive and complex challenges with confidence and care.

Sarah Stovall is a member of the firm’s Higher Education Practice Group and works remotely from Virginia. She brings extensive experience in investigations, compliance, administrative proceedings, and matters involving sexual misconduct and harassment. Sarah advises institutions on complex compliance obligations, policy development, investigative processes, and disciplinary proceedings, drawing on years of experience handling sensitive, high-stakes matters.

Prior to joining the firm, Sarah served in a senior compliance role, where she oversaw hundreds of misconduct and performance matters, ensuring adherence to governing regulations, due process requirements, and investigative standards. She reviewed investigative findings and adjudicative records, provided legal analysis and recommendations to senior leadership, and advised on emerging legal and policy issues. Sarah also developed and delivered training programs for attorneys and investigators and served as a key resource on compliance and case management practices.

Earlier in her career, Sarah focused on investigating and prosecuting allegations of sexual misconduct and related offenses. She managed all phases of investigations and adjudicative proceedings, advised organizational leaders on evidentiary and procedural matters, and worked closely with victims, witnesses, investigators, and decision-makers. Her experience includes conducting trauma-informed witness preparation, supporting administrative hearings, and mentoring legal professionals and support staff.

Sarah's legal career has been shaped by years of service in the United States Marine Corps, where she held positions of increasing responsibility in both investigative and compliance-focused roles. Her military experience provided extensive exposure to leadership, decision-making under pressure, and the fair resolution of sensitive personnel matters—perspectives that continue to inform her work with educational institutions today.

Education

University of San Diego School of Law, JD (May 2017)

• International Law Journal
• Faculty Honor Scholarship

University of Portland, BA, Political Science and Spanish (May 2014)

• Magna Cum Laude
• Honors Program
• Four-Year Student Athlete, Women’s Soccer Team
• Academic and Athletic Scholarship

Professional Activities

• USMC Officer Candidates School, Distinguished Graduate (2017)
• USMC Officer Basic School, Distinguished Graduate (2019)
• Special Victim Investigator and Prosecutor Qualification (2021)
• Department of the Navy Child Abuse Training for Prosecutors (2022)
• USMC Expeditionary Warfare School Online Program, Distinguished Graduate (2025)

Speaking Engagements