Overview
She leverages her strong communication skills to distill intricate technical and scientific matters, empowering clients to overcome regulatory challenges and implement successful projects. Sonja represents clients in proceedings before FERC, state public utilities commissions, administrative agencies, and in state and federal court.
Prior to joining Dorsey, Sonja clerked for the Honorable Chief Judge Susan Segal at the Minnesota Court of Appeals, where she honed her legal research and analytical skills. Before entering the legal field, Sonja also worked as a natural resource manager. Her experience implementing and managing conservation projects equips her with a unique perspective that enhances her ability to provide guidance on environmental and energy regulatory compliance.
Sonja maintains an active pro bono practice, representing parents in ICWA proceedings and criminal defendants in state and federal court.
Education & Admissions
University of Minnesota (J.D., 2023), cum laude
University of Minnesota, Duluth (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Environmental Education, 2016), Fulbright Scholar (2014-15)
St. Olaf College (B.A., Political Science and Biology, 2014), magna cum laude
Admissions
- Minnesota
- U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
Languages
- German
Clerkships
- Minnesota Court of Appeals, Honorable Chief Judge Susan Segal, 2023-2024
- U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, Honorable Magistrate Judge Becky R. Thorson, 2022-2022
Experience
As part of her previous work as a natural resource manager and water planner in local government, Sonja has implemented projects with various state and federal entities, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, local government units, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. She is also a former certified wetland delineator.
During law school, Sonja gained valuable experience as a law clerk at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division, where she worked on MERA, MEPA, and NEPA matters. Sonja also served as an editor on the Minnesota Law Review and president of the Environment & Energy Law Society.
News & Resources
- Minnesota DNR’s Sept. 16, 2021 Line 3 Enforcement Action Demonstrates How Much Groundwater Permitting “Sucks”, Minnesota Law Review, December 6, 2021
Industries & Practices
Energy & Natural Resources
Explore This Practice View client achievements related to this practice View resources related to this practice- Appellate
- Commercial Litigation
- Electric Power
- Energy & Natural Resources
- Environmental
- Indian & Alaska Native
- Mining
- Real Estate & Land Use
