Sarah K. Dunkley is an Australian litigation attorney based in Chicago. With extensive experience practicing in federal and state courts in both Australia and the United States, she has represented clients in a wide range of areas, including:
- Employment/restrictive covenant litigation
- Intellectual Property litigation
- Regulatory disputes
- Product liability
- Class actions (BIPA, professional liability, consumer fraud)
- Bankruptcy
- Complex commercial and contract disputes
- Business TROs and preliminary injunctions
Clients regularly turn to Sarah for her innovative and effective skills in handling matters of commercial litigation and domestic and international commercial arbitration. She is active in several practice groups and associations in both the United States and Australia.
Prior to joining GCT, Sarah was a litigation partner at Hahn Loeser & Parks and a senior associate at the Patterson Law Firm. Before relocating to the Midwest, she worked as a lawyer in Western Australia, spending three years as an associate with Squire Patton Boggs and two years as a litigation associate with Ashurst LLP. Sarah began her legal career as a judicial clerk to the Honorable Justice Michael Murray at the Supreme Court of Western Australia.
EDUCATION
Indiana University, Robert H. McKinney School of Law, L.L.M. in International and Comparative Law, 2014
Dean’s List
Research Assistant
Murdoch University, L.L.B. (Bachelor of Laws) and B.A. in Psychology, 2009
Editor, Murdoch Student Law Journal
Moot Court Bench
Student Council Member
BAR ADMISSIONS
Illinois, 2018
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Lawyers Assistance Program, volunteer
American Bar Association, member
Illinois State Bar Association, member
American-Indianapolis Inn of Court Alumni, group member
Robert H. McKinney School of Law Alumni Group, member
Illinois Search & Staffing Association, partner
COURT ADMISSIONS
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Northern District of Illinois Bankruptcy Court, 7th Court of Appeals
Central District of Illinois Bankruptcy Court
High Court of Australia
Federal Courts of Australia
Supreme Court of Western Australia
HONORS & AWARDS
Law Bulletin 40 Under 40 Recipient, 2024
Super Lawyers, 2026
LATEST NEWS & INSIGHTS FROM Sarah K. Dunkley
-
May 5, 2026 News
Generative artificial intelligence has exposed the growing gap in the legal protection of individuals. Presently, an artist’s likeness or voice characteristics can be used to create AI content for others that they did not approve. Publicity rights have traditionally been the mechanism by which celebrities could control the commercial use of their name, image, and likeness, but these rules vary state to state and in most cases are reactive rather than proactive. Currently, U.S. law does not protect a person’s voice so the distinction of copyrighting particular recordings can be a work around and one such celebrity attempting to do this is Taylor Swift. In registering short recognizable audio phrases, Swift is not looking to claim ownership of her voice but rather is attempting to secure exclusive rights in specific auditory signatures that might be associated with her brand. The outcome of efforts like this one will help define the contours of the evolution of the law.
Read More -
January 22, 2026 News
We are excited to announce that 14 of our talented attorneys have been selected as 2026 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars!
Read More -
June 12, 2025 News
As quantum computing and artificial intelligence push the boundaries of innovation, the legal landscape is evolving just as rapidly. From intellectual property protection to data privacy regulations, contract disputes, and service agreement considerations, businesses must navigate the legal complexities that come with these transformative technologies.
Read More -
April 23, 2025 News
The current administration has proposed exorbitant tariffs on countries that the U.S. has a trade relationship with. Attorneys Anthony Wenn and Sarah Dunkley explain how this can affect buyers and sellers and propose how to write contracts that leave you with the upper hand. This article is in reference to suppliers.
Read More -
April 23, 2025 News
The current administration has proposed exorbitant tariffs on countries that the U.S. has a trade relationship with. Attorneys Anthony Wenn and Sarah Dunkley explain how this can affect buyers and suppliers and propose how to write contracts that leave you with the upper hand. This article is in reference to buyers.
Read More - All News & Insights From Sarah K. Dunkley >>