Sara L. Cunningham

Sara provides a wide range of legal services to the energy industry with deep experience in oil and gas. Sara’s practice regularly includes representing operators in regulatory matters before the Supervisor of Wells, along with oil and gas title work (drilling, division, and acquisition options), contract review, negotiation, transactional work, as well as significant litigation experience. Sara frequently represents companies in matters involving EGLE and the MDNR. Sara has also consulted on carbon sequestration projects for many years in Michigan. Sara also has experience representing mining companies, solar and wind energy developers, and alternative energy projects that are at the cusp of new energy.

Before her focus in energy, Sara worked with clients in construction law, labor and employment law, and business and commercial law matters, and continues this work today. Much of Sara's work involves real estate; ranging from the start of a development through to disputes that occur at any time in the life of a parcel.

Staying active in the community, Sara is a member and presenter of the Michigan Association of Professional Landmen (MAPL), having served on the Board from 2018-2024, as well as the Michigan Oil and Gas Association (MOGA), and the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL). She is also a frequent volunteer in the East Lansing Schools and sat on the District Parent Council for East Lansing Public Schools for several years.

Sara earned her Juris Doctorate at the Ohio State University College of Law and her bachelor's in law and social science With Honors from Michigan State University. Before joining Foster Swift, Sara previously practiced for over 20 years and was a shareholder and President of another Lansing-based law firm. 

Michigan Super Lawyers “Rising Star”, Energy & Natural Resources, General Litigation, Construction Litigation, 2013 – 2016

Leading Lawyers, 2019-2023

Legal Affiliations

• American Bar Association
  • Member
• State Bar of Michigan
  
  • Member
• Ingham County Bar Association
  • Member
• Ingham County Bar Foundation
  • Fellow
• US District Court, Western District of Michigan
  • Member
• US District Court, Northern District of Ohio
  • Member
• US District Court, Southern District of Ohio
  • Member

Community Affiliations

• District Parent Council, East Lansing Public Schools
  • Member, Appointed in 2019-2024
• East Lansing Human Relations Commission
  • Chair, 2004-2011
• East Lansing CDBG Advisory Committee
  • Chair, 2006 – 2009
• Athena Women's Interest Network (WIN)
  • Member
• Michigan Association of Professional Landmen (MAPL)
  • Member since 2010
  • Board Member, 2018-2024
• Michigan Oil and Gas Association (MOGA)
  • Member, Three Subcommittees 
• American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL)
  • Member