Sara Wolf: Alumni Spotlight

“Sara brought insight, a superb work ethic, and sound judgment to every matter she touched. She was a trusted member of the team and approached every matter with maturity beyond her years. It’s no surprise to see her thriving in-house.” 

– Ryan J. Barncastle, Partner, Private Equity Co-Chair

Her professional path — from nonprofit policy work on Capitol Hill to sophisticated venture and real estate transactions — has informed her disciplined, client-centered approach to navigating complex deals and high-pressure environments. Now thriving in an in-house leadership role, Sara brings a deep commitment to multifamily housing while balancing travel with family and weekends on the soccer field.

Read the full interview to explore Sara’s professional journey, lessons on growth and leadership, and reflections on the client relationship from both sides of the table.

Barnes & Thornburg (BT): What originally brought you to Barnes & Thornburg? How would you describe your experience?

Sara: I joined Barnes & Thornburg to work on venture and general corporate matters with Ryan Barncastle in the Los Angeles office, and it proved to be a formative chapter in my career. I worked closely with a fellow associate, and together we navigated challenging, high-profile transactions in a fast-paced environment. We still talk about the invaluable lessons we learned from exceptional mentors like Ryan, Lee Kolodny, and others — both in terms of legal craftsmanship and how to serve clients under pressure. 

Working through demanding matters together fostered both professional growth and lasting relationships. The depth of mentorship, strength of the community, and opportunities for meaningful responsibility made Barnes & Thornburg an outstanding place to practice, and it was not an easy decision to leave.

BT: How did your experience at the firm prepare you for your next steps?

Sara: My time at Barnes & Thornburg gave me a strong foundation in client management by allowing me to observe how seasoned partners handled complex personalities, tight timelines, and high-pressure situations with clarity and judgment. Those lessons became essential early in my career.

When I joined Goodwin, I resumed working with tech start-up clients. The foundations and perspectives I already gained directly prepared me to manage those relationships and set me up for the next level of growth and success throughout my career. 

Today, my career has come full circle, with my company now a client of Barnes & Thornburg. Having been on both sides of the relationship, I value the firm’s ability to anticipate needs, provide practical solutions, and execute seamlessly. It’s reassuring to work with outside counsel you trust completely and understand so well.

BT: What spurred your interest in becoming a lawyer?

Sara: While I studied political science and history, I didn’t immediately envision a career in law. That changed during my time on Capitol Hill and in the nonprofit sector, where I saw firsthand how lawyers often sit at the intersection of policy, strategy, and leadership. That experience showed me how a legal education can create opportunities to drive meaningful impact, which ultimately led me to pursue law school.

After relocating to California, I began working at a boutique firm representing early-stage companies on formations and financings. That experience introduced me to venture law and set the trajectory for my career, combining my interest in business, strategy, and developing client partnerships.

BT: Outside of work, what’s something you're passionate about or love to spend time doing?

Sara: I place a real value on cultivating strong communities that support both personal and professional growth. My local preschool community includes a number of accomplished working parents — among them lawyers and other professionals — who understand the realities of demanding careers. Those relationships have become an important part of my broader network and a source of perspective, support, and connection.

My family and I also prioritize time outdoors and travel. Hiking is a core part of our family life, and we enjoy exploring new places together whenever possible, with some of our favorite trips taking place in Japan and throughout the Scandinavian region. Life stays full with school and extracurricular activities, including weekends on the soccer field sidelines — a role I’ve embraced after being a competitive player myself for many years.

BT: What advice would you share with someone just starting out either at the firm or in the legal industry?

Sara: Early in your career, it is essential to proactively seek opportunities to build both skill and confidence. Working closely with senior attorneys provides invaluable exposure to client interactions, management styles, and strategic decision-making — lessons that can’t be taught in isolation.

As you progress, those early experiences pay dividends. The work becomes less overwhelming because you’ve built a strong foundation of judgment and perspective. For younger attorneys, my advice is to lean in, remain open to learning, and take advantage of opportunities to grow. It gets easier, and it’s worth the effort.