Sonya counsels companies and organizations on various employee-related legal issues and needs that arise at all the stages of the employment relationship. She seamlessly navigates negotiation of employment agreements, restrictive covenants, policies and training, performance management, internal investigations and individual and group separations.

Sonya also represents employers in litigation; her experience includes the successful defense of numerous administrative charges, lawsuits and appellate proceedings at the state and federal levels. Clients value her ability to understand their needs and thoroughly assess their legal situations, often resulting in invaluable savings in time and resources.

A trusted advisor to scaling technology companies, financial institutions and professional services firms, Sonya is known for building enduring client relationships rooted in responsiveness, practicality, and strategic insight. Her counseling-oriented practice spans the full spectrum of employment law, with a focus on guiding CEOs, CLOs and HR leaders through complex workforce issues and transitions.

Sonya’s clients rely on her not only for legal advice but also for the connections she facilitates – introducing them to relevant professionals and resources that help drive their business forward. Her approach is deeply collaborative, often serving as a sounding board and strategic partner across departments and borders.

With a significant international dimension to her practice, Sonya works with European-based companies, to navigate their employment-related counseling and litigation needs in the US. She is particularly adept at crafting enforceable, multi-jurisdictional employment frameworks that minimize risk and ensure compliance across state and global lines.

Sonya’s global clientele is bolstered by her involvement in Interlaw Ltd., an international organization of law firms based in 150 cities that provides clients with cross-border legal advice. As global co-chair of Interlaw’s Employment Committee, she facilitates coherent cross-border legal support for clients through her practical understanding of their international employment needs and by coordinating strategic referrals and a strong support network across all jurisdictions.

The former president of the Chicago Chapter of the Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in Law, Sonya now serves on the organization’s Executive Committee and National Board. The Coalition is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting female attorneys in Chicago, New York and D.C.-area law firms and companies. She is also a member of the Chicago chapter of the International Women’s Forum, an international organization that supports global, national and local networks of women leaders in government, medicine, business, education, the arts and community service.

At NGE, she is the youngest member of the firm’s Executive Committee, as well as a member of the firm’s attorney Credit Allocation Committee, Women’s Network Leadership Team, Hiring Committee and Anti-Harassment Committee.  Sonya also serves as internal employment counsel for the firm.