Baker Donelson shareholder Sara M. Turner has been elected Second Vice President of DRI. With more than 16,000 members, DRI is the largest international membership organization of attorneys defending the interests of businesses and individuals in civil litigation.
DRI's national elections were held at the organization's annual meeting in Seattle, Washington, on October 16 – 18, 2024.
"We are extremely proud of Sara's election to this prestigious role," said Baker Donelson Chair and CEO Timothy M. Lupinacci. "This achievement is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the legal profession and her dedication to DRI. Sara has been an exceptional leader, and I am confident she will continue to serve the organization and its members with passion and excellence as Second Vice President."
A shareholder in Baker Donelson's Birmingham, Alabama, office, Ms. Turner is committed to advancing the interests of her clients through her experience and innovative legal solutions. Serving as the chair of the Firm's Hospitality Industry Service Team, she proactively connects with in-house counsel and other professionals to exchange insights and promote growth.
Ms. Turner said, "My dedication to the development and success of the civil defense bar has been a cornerstone of my career, and I look forward to continuing to serve DRI in my new role as Second Vice President."
Ms. Turner's extensive involvement with DRI has spanned many years, including successful tenures as DRI's Secretary-Treasurer, a member of DRI's Board of Directors, and chair of both DRI's Retail and Hospitality and Technology Committees. She has refined her skills in managing a wide array of litigation claims, including hospitality, franchise, timeshare, human trafficking, product liability, drug and medical device, class action, and commercial litigation. She also excels at coordinating nationwide defense strategies for her clients, and when alternative dispute resolution methods fail, she skillfully represents clients before arbitrators, judges, and juries, leveraging her considerable trial experience and deep industry knowledge.
Ms. Turner's legal achievements have garnered numerous recognitions. She is AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (2024, 2025) and Commercial Litigation (2025). Ms. Turner has also been named to Mid-South Super Lawyers and is recognized as one of the top 50 female attorneys by the publication. Additionally, she is listed in The International Who's Who of Product Liability Defence Lawyers and has been recognized by BTI Consulting Group as a Client Service All-Star for Law Firms.