Sarah E. Tobias

Senior Attorney Investigator, AWI-CH

Sarah E. Tobias is a Senior Attorney Investigator with Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation.  Her practice focuses on conducting workplace and Title IX campus investigations.

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Prior to joining Van Dermyden Makus, Sarah represented a wide range of public employee associations, and their members, in administrative hearings and various labor and employment settings. 

Sarah previously represented and guided employees in diverse occupations throughout the disciplinary process, with a focus on the complex and vital careers of public safety officers.  This included internal affairs investigations, Skelly hearings, and evidentiary administrative hearings, as well as the day-to-day issues arising on the job.  Sarah also served as an Assistant City Attorney, during which time she advised public employees on matters ranging from the California Public Records Act to the structure and contents of City Council and Board of Public Utilities Meetings. 

Sarah worked in Civil Litigation for several years prior to her work in employment law.  She represented various builders and businesses throughout the litigation process, always with a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for her clients.

Sarah graduated from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law with Distinction and with a concentration in business.  Sarah earned a Witkin Award in Sports Law along with appearing on the Dean’s Honor List.  Sarah also served as a Research Assistant during her time at McGeorge, for a second-year legal writing course. 

CA State Bar No. 290119


+ Professional Degrees, Certifications, Awards and Organizations

  • Juris Doctor, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, 2012
    • Graduated with Distinction
    • Witkin Award in Sports Law
    • Dean’s Honor List
    • Completed mediation course and received mediation certificate
  • Master of Arts, French Literature, New York University, 2006
    • Completed course work while studying abroad in Paris, France
  • Bachelor of Arts in French Literature and Philosophy, University of California, San Diego, 2004
    • Magna Cum Laude
    • Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
    • Published a paper in Intuitions, the Undergraduate Philosophy Journal; edited Intuitions the following year
  • Former Treasurer and Member, Women’s Section Board, Contra Costa County Bar Association
  • Former Member, Fresno County Bar Association
  • Member, State Bar of California
  • AWI Certificate Holder, AWI Training Institute (AWI-CH)