Sandra K. Sanders

Special Counsel

• ssanders@steptoe.com
• vCard
• Phoenix Office

Sandra K. Sanders is special counsel in the Phoenix office of the Washington, DC-based law firm of Steptoe & Johnson LLP.  A graduate of the University of Arizona College of Law, she practices in the areas of employment and labor counseling and litigation, American Indian law, media law and general commercial litigation.

Employment and Labor Law
For more than a decade, Ms. Sanders has been assisting employers with counseling and litigation defense in the areas of labor and employment law and commercial litigation. She regularly advises employers on compliance with federal and state employment laws and the avoidance of litigation and administrative actions where possible. In doing so, she assists employers in addressing issues related to employee leave, accommodation and compensation, employment policies, hiring and termination of employment and compliance with immigration laws. Her litigation practice includes defending employers and other business clients against allegations of unlawful discrimination, wrongful termination, wage and hour violations, breach of contract, and commercial torts.

American Indian Law
Ms. Sanders' American Indian law practice includes a wide range of matters affecting tribes. She has provided advice on matters of tribal governance, membership, taxation, employment, business relationships with private and governmental entities, and the adoption of tribal laws addressing numerous issues. She has negotiated intergovernmental agreements and appeared in tribal court in both criminal and civil matters.

Media Law
Ms. Sanders' media practice emphasizes First Amendment concerns such as privacy and defamation issues, challenges to subpoenas of reporters and newsgathering organizations, and access to government records and proceedings. Her work within the firm's media law practice is a natural outgrowth of her previous career as a newspaper reporter for the Nashville Banner.

Select News & Events

• Steptoe & Johnson LLP Honored as Community Partner of the Year
• 2005 Promotions
• Court Upholds Arizona's Immigration Law; Employers Face Tough Sanctions - Webinar, December 12, 2007, (A Steptoe-Sponsored Event)
• Arizona Employers: Newest Members of the Border Patrol, October 25, 2007, How to Monitor Employees’ Work Authorizations and Protect the Company Under New Federal and State Immigration Laws (A Steptoe-Sponsored Event)

Professional Affiliations

• American Bar Association, Communications Law Section, Litigation Section
• National Association of Women Lawyers