Sarah Negus Named Co-Head of MVA’s Employment & Labor Practice Group
Moore & Van Allen (MVA) proudly announces the appointment of Sarah H. Negus as Co-Head of the firm’s Employment & Labor Practice Group, joining Woody W. Lay in leading a practice that has seen significant growth in recent years. MVA now has more than fifteen attorneys addressing the employment and labor needs of its clients.
Sarah brings deep experience advising employers on compliance, litigation, and workforce strategies. In addition to advising clients on the full-range of employment and labor issues, she regularly conducts high-profile internal investigations for clients. She also routinely works with MVA’s transactional attorneys to address the employment issues arising in all types of transactions. Many of MVA’s largest clients rely on Sarah for her ability to offer well-grounded and practical resolutions to often complex issues, both locally and nationally.
Consistent with the broader practice’s approach Sarah not only advises clients on complex issues, but litigates them as well. She regularly represents companies in wage and hour and non-compete disputes, including prevailing in a contentious two-week jury trial in Mecklenburg County Superior Court.
She is also committed to leadership and community engagement, recently joining the CLT Alliance Young Professionals Board for a two-year term beginning January 2026.
Notable Recognitions:
- Best Lawyers in America, Litigation – Labor & Employment (2026); Labor & Employment Law – Management “Ones to Watch” (2021–2025)
- Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation (2024–2025)
- Business North Carolina Legal Elite, Employment (2025–2026)
Current head of the group, Woody W. Lay, welcomes Sarah as co-head. “Sarah is an exceptional attorney. Having her in a leadership position will further enhance the ability of the employment and labor group to deliver strategic, high impact solutions to our growing list of clients.”
The Employment & Labor Practice Group continues to counsel a diverse client base on labor relations, employment litigation, compliance, trade secrets, and diversity & inclusion initiatives. The team was recently recognized by Best Law Firms® 2025 as “second to none” for exceptional client service and expertise in employment law. It is also ranked in Chambers USA’s North Carolina guide.