Five Years Out: Courtney Sohn ’20
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, JPMorgan Chase
Describe your current position: What are the challenges? What do you like most about it?
I recently joined JPMorgan Chase as vice president and assistant general counsel, where I focus primarily on corporate governance and public company advisory work. It’s a role I’m excited about because it really brings together the different threads of my prior experience.
I started my career as a capital markets associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell, then pivoted into litigation during my third year to practice securities and shareholder litigation at Freshfields. My litigation experience gave me a deeper understanding of how governance and disclosure issues play out in high-stakes scenarios, and now, in-house, I get to take a more proactive role—helping advise on those same kinds of issues with an eye toward risk mitigation and limiting liability. The move has felt like a natural evolution, and I’m enjoying the shift in perspective that comes with being closer to the business.
What advice do you have for law students interested in both litigation and transactional work?
My advice for students interested in both litigation and transactional work would be to keep in mind that, while most big law firms often organize practice groups in a way that makes them feel like separate silos, the reality of legal practice is much more interconnected. In big law, your role as an associate can seem like it exists in a vacuum. However, litigation often may be the downstream effect of larger corporate issues, which means the work you do in one area can have far-reaching implications across the firm.
If you’re torn between these two areas, I’d encourage you to take advantage of your summer associate stint by getting exposure to as many different types of matters as possible in order to see the full spectrum of legal work. Also, take advantage of the incredibly vast and supportive alumni network by connecting with NYU Law grads who have navigated similar paths can give you valuable insights into how to merge your interests effectively.
Were there any especially pivotal moments during Law School that you remember?
One of the most pivotal moments during law school for me was my involvement in the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA). I moved across the country from California to New York, and everything about law school—and the city itself—was completely new and unfamiliar. APALSA quickly became a source of support, and the friends and mentors I met there helped me navigate not only the academic challenges but also the personal adjustment of living in a new place. They were the ones who got me through my first New York winter, both literally and figuratively, and I found a real sense of comfort in that community.
Serving as co-chair of APALSA with my best friend Grace Do ’20 was the highlight of my time at NYU Law. The role gave me a chance to lead, build lasting relationships, and advocate for the issues that were important to me and my peers. That experience was crucial in shaping my law school journey and in making me feel connected to a larger purpose and network, both at NYU and beyond.
If you could go back in time, what kind of advice would you give yourself?
If I could go back in time, I’d remind myself to always be curious. When I started my 1L summer internship at the Securities and Exchange Commission, I was relatively unfamiliar with securities law—and quite honestly didn’t even fully grasp what securities were at the time. But I approached the experience with an open mind, and that early exposure ultimately sparked my interest. Over time, that curiosity compounded, and it played a huge role in shaping my career trajectory.
The key lesson I learned is that you never really know how one job or one experience can set you on a path that leads to your next opportunity or help you become a better attorney. Wherever you begin your legal career, it’s important to stay open to learning and keep an eye on the bigger picture. Even if you’re not exactly sure how a particular experience fits into your long-term plan, it’s often more valuable than you think.
What do you most like to do outside of work?
On the weekends, I’m usually trying out cool restaurants with my husband, catching new Broadway shows, and taking long walks with our dog Maple!