Sarah Catalano is a Partner in the Madison and Chicago offices of Eimer Stahl. Her nationwide practice focuses on complex commercial disputes. Sarah has significant trial and deposition experience, including stand-up roles in jury and bench trials and international arbitration. She has represented clients in a range of industries, including health care, chemicals, food and agriculture, energy, and technology. Sarah maintains an active pro bono practice, representing clients in civil rights and criminal matters in state and federal courts. Outside of work, Sarah is a member of the American Constitution Society and volunteers on the Board of the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center.
Before joining Eimer Stahl, Sarah served as a staff law clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, where she assisted all judges on the court in drafting opinions and orders.
Sarah is admitted to practice in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Experience
Case Experience
Representing American Transmission Company in administrative proceedings before the Wisconsin Public Service Commission in connection with a large-scale transmission line and substation project serving southeastern Wisconsin.
Humana Inc., et al. v. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. et al.; Humana Inc., et al. v. Biogen Inc., et al.; Humana Inc. v. Lundbeck LLC, et al. – Representing Humana in cost recovery actions pending in state and federal courts against various pharmaceutical companies and specialty pharmacies to recover damages incurred because of their fraudulent kickback schemes.
Kraemer Brothers, LLC v. Nations Roof North, LLC, et al. (Dane County Circuit Court) – Representing Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC as a third-party defendant impleaded into a case brought by a general contractor against an architect and subcontractors for their negligent design and construction of a commercial hotel property.
In re Crop Inputs Antitrust Litigation (MDL U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit) – Defended Winfield Solutions, LLC, obtaining favorable transfer and early dismissal of federal antitrust class actions alleging a boycott conspiracy to block electronic platforms from entering and competing in a purported marketplace for crop inputs. Dismissal was affirmed on appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
First Impressions Salon, Inc. v. National Milk Producers Federation (U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois); Winn-Dixies Stores, Inc. v. National Milk Producers Federation (U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida) – Defended Land O’Lakes, Inc. in a federal antitrust class action and opt-out cases alleging that dairy farmers and cooperatives engaged in a conspiracy to limit the supply of milk.
In re Mallinckrodt plc, et al. (U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware) – Served as trial counsel with stand-up role for Humana and its successor-in-interest in a two-week bench trial before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on administrative claims alleging antitrust violations and fraud against a major pharmaceutical manufacturer.
Served as trial counsel with stand-up role for a Fortune 100 company in breach of contract dispute against major business partner before the International Chamber of Commerce.
Federal Trade Commission, et al. v. GTCR BC Holdings, LLC, et al. (U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois) – Represented a biotech startup in responding to third-party discovery in a FTC action seeking to enjoin the merger of two competing biotech firms.
Edgerton Hospital and Health Services v. Dean Health Systems and SSM Health Care of WI (Dane County Circuit Court) – Represented a leading non-profit Midwestern healthcare system in a breach-of-contract lawsuit brought by an affiliated hospital involving issues of corporate ownership and control.
Orthopedic and Spine Centers of WI v. Dean Health Systems (Dane County Circuit Court) – Represented a leading Midwestern healthcare system in litigation against former physicians challenging noncompete covenants in employment agreements.
Advised a global trade consulting firm in resolving potential claims against a former employee for theft of trade secrets.
Federal Trade Commission v. Qualcomm Inc. (U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California) – Represented and counseled LG Electronics regarding its role as a central third party to claims that Qualcomm monopolized certain mobile chipset markets.
Confidential Arbitration (American Arbitration Association) – Represented global ingredients company in arbitration over contract dispute with supplier.
Advised senior corporate executive in an action for judicial dissolution based on shareholder oppression.
Represented major insurance company in class action lawsuits related to health and long-term care insurance.
Represented major auto insurance company against tort and contract claims brought by auto body shops.
Recognitions
Honors & Recognitions
Benchmark Litigation 40 & Under (2024, 2025)
Super Lawyers: Wisconsin Rising Stars (2025)
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America (2026)