Pierson Ferdinand Appoints Leading Employment & Benefits Partner - Sarah Ivy - in Philadelphia
Renowned Am Law 100 attorney brings deep experience in ERISA regulations compliance, funding employee benefits, and M&A due diligence
Philadelphia, PA – May 21, 2025 – Pierson Ferdinand LLP (“PierFerd” or the “Firm”), one of the world’s fastest-growing law firms, announces Sarah K. Ivy; a recognized authority on employee benefits and executive compensation matters; has joined the Firm’s Employment, Labor, and Benefits Practice as a Partner in Philadelphia.
Sarah will counsel clients on qualified retirement, health and welfare benefits, all forms of compensation plans - including deferred compensation and equity-based incentive plans - and the use of employee ownership in succession planning. During her 20+ year career, she has acquired significant experience and knowledge on regulations covered by the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”).
Renowned for her client service and practical guidance, Sarah advises both for-profit and tax-exempt organizations on matters related to compensation planning and structure, qualified plan compliance, and investigations and audits by the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor.
She arrives at the Firm from Saxton & Stump, a premier Philadelphia law firm, where she was Chair of the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation team, having previously practiced at an Am Law 200 peer and at Am Law 100 law firm Fox Rothschild LLP. She started her career at Stevens & Lee P.C.
Joel M. Ferdinand, Co-Chairman of Pierson Ferdinand, commented:
“Having worked with Sarah extensively in the past, Michael and I are excited to welcome her to the PierFerd family. Not only is she superb with clients, her knowledge and experience are world-class. She will add great value to our U.S. clients - working closely with existing Partners in our Employment, Labor, and Benefits Practice. It is a pleasure to work with her again.”
Amy Epstein Gluck, Chair of Employment, Labor and Benefits at Pierson Ferdinand, said:
“Sarah will be a fantastic addition to PierFerd’s Employment, Labor, and Benefits Practice. Her knowledge of IRC and ERISA regulations and employee benefit matters is second-to-none, as is the quality of M&A-related due diligence she provides to clients. I am thrilled to collaborate and work with Sarah once again.”
Sarah K. Ivy, Partner at Pierson Ferdinand, added:
“The opportunity to join PierFerd – one of the fastest-growing, most innovative law firms in the sector – is hugely exciting. The collaborative, entrepreneurial culture created by its leadership is a considerable draw, as is its unparalleled technological offering – creating a compelling rationale for embracing its distributed model.”
Sarah is a supporter of the PAR ID/A Foundation (formerly the Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability) non-profit. Outside her legal career, Sarah enjoys her family (two-legged and four-legged), and any outdoor activities, particularly multi-day motorcycling adventures.
She holds a J.D. from Penn State Dickinson Law and a B.S. (Accounting) from Frostburg State University.
About PierFerd
Pierson Ferdinand LLP is an international law firm serving clients globally from 25+ markets. Its 220+ partners practice in 80+ areas of law, including corporate, M&A, securities, employment and executive compensation, intellectual property, litigation, private clients & estates, and tax. Its partners have a reputation for excellence and have significant experience practicing in preeminent law firms, corporate legal departments, and government.[1]
Media Contact
Ben Rothschild
pf@thoburns.com
+44 7564 584 439
[1] In London, the firm operates as Pierson Ferdinand UK LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales with registered number OC449880. It is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with registered number 8006801. Pierson Ferdinand UK is connected with its affiliate in the United States, Pierson Ferdinand LLP, although they are two separate legal entities.
The word “partner” denotes a member of Pierson Ferdinand UK or an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualifications.