Sonia Johnson
Bordentown,NJ
Summary
Dynamic and results driven attorney with proven track record of successfully representing clients in court. Well versed in the principles of family law, civil litigation, and criminal law. Adept at navagating legal systems, leveraging resources and communicating with clients. Thorough understanding of precedents, rules and regulations. Works independently and collaboratively as part f a team.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Sole Practitioner
Law Office Of Sonia Johnson
01.2016 - Current
- Strategically represent defendant parents in complex child abuse and termination of parental rights cases.
- Champion positive outcomes for clients through meticulous case analysis, trial advocacy, and effective negotiation skills
- Drive case practice reforms to address systemic inequities in prosecution of children-in-court matters.
- Special Education and Juvenile Justice Practice
- Successfully sued Trenton Board of Education and secured over $100,000 in compensatory education for disabled clients
- Fervently advocated for young adults and children with disabilities to secure appropriate educational services
- Represented juvenile clients in delinquency court and school disciplinary proceedings.
Legal Services Officer
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE
01.2003 - 01.2008
- Provided comprehensive legal services encompassing juvenile justice, health care, corrections, education, and employment actions
- Evaluated complaints, crafted strategic discovery responses, and prepared agency witness for court proceedings
- Spearheaded development of institutional and human resource policies, contributing to organizational excellence.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Mitigated potential risks by proactively identifying potential issues and implementing appropriate countermeasures or contingency plans as needed.
Assistant District Attorney
MIDDLESEX COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
01.1994 - 01.1998
- Secured successful convictions by meticulously reviewing case file, gathering relevant information, and effectively presenting evidence in organized, logical, and persuasive manner
- Increased trial efficiency by interviewing witnesses, conducting investigations, and collaborating with law enforcement agencies.
- Negotiated plea agreements that balanced offender accountability with fair sentencing practices, reducing overall caseloads.
- Collaborated with victim advocates to ensure victims were informed of their rights and supported throughout legal process.
Litigation Associate
BINGHAM, DANA & GOULD
01.1990 - 01.1994
- Provided litigation services to broad range of corporate clients.
- Achieved favorable case outcomes by conducting thorough research and drafting persuasive legal arguments.
- Attended depositions, pretrial conferences, and participated in settlement negotiations.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by effectively communicating case progress and providing timely updates.
Education
J.D. -
BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
Boston, MAB.A. in Political Science -
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Boston, MASkills
- Legal Advocacy
- Analyzing data
- Legal Writing
- Negotiation
- Collaboration
- Content Developer
Community Service
- New Jersey State Bar, Child Welfare Law Section, Co-Chair, 2019-01-01, Present
- New Jersey State Bar, Child Welfare Law Section Racial Equity Task Force, Co-Chair, 2020-01-01, Present
- New Jersey State Bar Legislative Committee, 2022-01-01, Present
- New Jersey Legal Services, Pro Bono Attorney, 2012-01-01, 2016-01-01
- Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, Pro Bono Attorney, 2012-01-01, 2016-01-01
Training
- Gain the Edge! Negotiating Strategies for Lawyers, New Jersey ICLE, New Brunswick, NJ, 04/2020
- Legal Malpractice, New Jersey ICLE, New Brunswick, NJ, 12/2018
- Ethic & Electronically Stored Information, New Jersey ICLE, New Brunswick, NJ, 12/2014
- Professionalism and Ethics Update, Georgia ICLE, Atlanta, GA, 02/2009
- Risk Management Workshop, Georgia Department of Administrative Services, Lake Lanier, GA, 10/2007
- Employment Law: Behind the Scenes, Georgia ICLE, Atlanta, GA, 09/2006
- 2nd Annual Labor & Employment Law, ICLE/The Seminar Group, Atlanta, GA, 10/2005
- America Bar Association National Conference on Parent Representation, 04/2022
- Facilitator, New Jersey Child Welfare Law Section’s Continuing Legal Education Series, Psychological Assessments and Race in Child Welfare, January 2022 – April 2022
- Presenter, Race Equity in Child Welfare Matters, Passaic County Bar Association, April 2022
Timeline
Sole Practitioner
Law Office Of Sonia Johnson
01.2016 - Current
Legal Services Officer
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE
01.2003 - 01.2008
Assistant District Attorney
MIDDLESEX COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
01.1994 - 01.1998
Litigation Associate
BINGHAM, DANA & GOULD
01.1990 - 01.1994
J.D. -
BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
B.A. in Political Science -
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
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