As senior vice president and deputy general counsel of Jacobs, a Fortune 250 company, Sarah Wariner looks for only the best legal counsel.
It just so happens, she said, that the strongest teams are also the most diverse.
“The best counsel, in my opinion, is the counsel that can come up with creative perspectives and view things from all angles and deliver the best solution,” Wariner said. “And I think you get that by having diverse minds, and that means diverse backgrounds.”
Before the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard — which led to increased scrutiny of and legal challenges to corporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and law firms’ demographic data collection — Wariner routinely pressed outside counsel on how they staffed cases and whether they valued diversity of perspective.
While law firms now don’t collect and disclose data the same way, that shift has not altered Wariner’s commitment to building diverse legal teams. Instead, she has become more personally engaged with her team and relationship partners, taking time to truly get to know the lawyers she works with.
That approach comes naturally to Wariner, who prioritizes strong interpersonal relationships both inside and outside the company.
She is a “master collaborator” who is “universally respected for her professionalism and ethical leadership,” said Chasity Henry, senior vice president and deputy general counsel for Jacobs. The company employs more than 45,000 people and provides professional services in more than 50 countries.
Wariner understands that a multimillion-dollar legal budget carries significant leverage with outside counsel, and her leadership inspires her peers to be as thoughtful and principled, said Cecy Garcia, senior communications coordinator for Vinson & Elkins, which has represented Jacobs.
“Through vision, action and unwavering dedication, Sarah Wariner has maintained a commitment to diversity of perspectives at a time when so many other institutions have abandoned this proven, tried and true business model,” Garcia said.
For that commitment, the Association of Corporate Counsel’s DFW Chapter and The Texas Lawbook are recognizing Wariner as one of two award recipients of the Achievement in Diversity and Inclusion. A ceremony will be held Jan. 29 at the George W. Bush Institute.
Going in-house was never part of Wariner’s original career plan. As a child, she was interested in criminal defense law, inspired by the TV drama Matlock, starring Andy Griffith, and by her own early exposure to the legal system when her father was arrested and jailed before she was a teenager. Her childhood sense that her father needed help motivated her to pursue law as a way to help others.
She developed confidence for public speaking from her church, where she led the choir, performed in holiday plays and delivered regular Bible recitals.
“All those moments were good practice for my future career as a litigator,” she said.
After earning a degree in business administration from Baylor University and a law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law, Wariner went to work at Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell. She later built her litigation practice at Benson Siebenhausen and then Clark Hill, where she spent nearly a decade and became a partner.
Wariner began considering an in-house role after several friends who moved into corporate counsel positions spoke enthusiastically about working more closely with their businesses. As outside counsel, she enjoyed learning her clients’ operations and drawing on her undergraduate studies in finance. When an opportunity arose at JPMorgan Chase & Co., she was drawn to the chance to work within one of the world’s largest financial institutions.
Premium Subscriber Q&A: Sarah Wariner discusses the traits she seeks in outside counsel, what outside counsel need to know when working with her and more.
The following year, her longtime friend Henry joined Jacobs and spoke highly of the company’s culture. Wariner became intrigued by the company’s business and the opportunity to take on a global role “with brilliant people delivering solutions to some of the world’s most complex problems.”
Now nearing four years at Jacobs, Wariner has “redefined how litigation serves as a business enabler through strategy, technology and people development,” Henry said.
Wariner manages global disputes requiring exceptional judgment, cross-border coordination and financial acumen, Henry said, advising senior executives and the board on litigation exposure, budget implications and enterprise risk. In 2025, Wariner led multiple high-stakes matters, including a case that resulted in an $11 million settlement in Jacobs’ favor, Henry said.
“Her negotiation and analytical skills consistently produce outcomes that protect both financial results and the company’s global reputation,” Henry said.
When faced with an unexpected adverse ruling, Wariner led a rapid and transparent response, briefing the CEO, CFO and board with clear analysis, mitigation options and financial modeling, Henry said.
“Her calm under pressure and clarity of communication turned a potential crisis into a moment of leadership trust and operational alignment,” Henry said.
Wariner has an “incredible talent for quickly dissecting complex problems and engaging teams to find solutions,” said Quentin L. Smith, partner at Vinson & Elkins who worked with her over the past year on a high-profile construction dispute in Houston.
“She not only understands difficult legal nuances, but also is mindful of the interpersonal human dynamics that affect legal outcomes,” Smith said.
She’s also a champion of technology and innovation, Henry said, shepherding the selection and implementation of a new enterprise-matter and document-management system and integrating artificial intelligence into the department’s operations.
But a hallmark of Wariner’s leadership is her commitment to developing people.
“By delegating meaningful authority and providing direct mentorship, she has built a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous learning,” Henry said.
“What distinguishes Sarah most is her integrity and authenticity,” Henry added. “She approaches every challenge with balance, humility and courage, always centering her decisions on fairness and the company’s best interests. Her judgment, composure, and credibility have made her one of Jacobs’ most trusted advisors at every level of the organization.”
Wariner oversees a team of 12 direct reports and three indirect reports, most of whom are women and all of whom come from different backgrounds. She said she has fostered an environment in which team members feel comfortable being their authentic selves and sharing their opinions.
“I want you to come to work with your ideas, with your values, all of those things that you believe in — whatever they are — and know that you’re welcome here,” she said.
Fun Facts: Sarah Wariner
- Favorite book: I read a lot of books — usually fantasy since I love creative adventures where I can just enjoy the story. As a child of the ‘80s who loved the Labrinth and Princess Bride, you can probably see why fantasy might appeal to me. However, there are a few books that stand out as having left an impression most recently: The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker, The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate and The Women by Kristin Hannah.
- Favorite music group: I’m currently enjoying Olivia Dean’s album, “The Art of Loving.”
- Favorite movie: I don’t have one now. As a kid, the NeverEnding Story was high on the list.
- Favorite beverage: Oat milk cappuccino
- Favorite vacation: Ireland. I drove around Ireland with my daughter, starting in Killarney and ending in Dublin. It was an incredible trip and a favorite.
- Hero in life: I don’t know that I have a hero, but I certainly admire several people like my mom, grandmother, and Beyonce.