Sonette Magnus joins Thompson Coburn as a litigation partner
October 12, 2021
Thompson Coburn is pleased to announce that litigator Sonette Magnus has joined the Firm as a partner in our St. Louis office. Sonette was previously a partner in the St. Louis office of Lewis Rice.
Sonette is a highly experienced litigator and business advisor who counsels corporate clients in a wide variety of industries on all phases of commercial litigation in state and federal courts throughout the United States.
“We’re delighted to welcome Sonette to our national litigation practice,” said Chris Hohn, Chair of Thompson Coburn’s Litigation Department. “Sonette is a wonderful person and a smart, savvy litigator who has achieved an incredible depth of experience for this stage in her career. She has proved herself a leader and key business advisor to clients across a range of industries, and will be a fantastic addition to our client teams across the country.”
“I’m very happy to join Thompson Coburn and the outstanding attorneys and staff on their team,” said Sonette. “The Firm’s total commitment to client service, innovation and collaboration aligns with my values as a legal professional. I’m also impressed by their demonstrable achievements in diversity, equity, and inclusion and the Firm’s focus on developing the next generation of women leaders and leaders from diverse backgrounds. I share their passion and can’t wait to join Thompson Coburn in serving clients and supporting important diversity and inclusion initiatives.”
Sonette began her legal career by serving as the law clerk to the Chief Judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. She draws on that experience to effectively represent lenders in receiverships as well as Chapter 11 restructurings, liquidations in DIP Financing, and Plan negotiations.
In addition, Sonette represents clients in complex commercial disputes, providing the solution-oriented and pragmatic advice needed to navigate their day-to-day business needs. Sonette counsels clients on efficiently resolving contract issues, branding and labeling issues, and devising IP protection and infringement aversion strategies. She works closely with business units and in-house legal teams to devise successful road maps to mitigate risk of litigation, and zealously represent clients in all phases of litigation.
In March 2020, Sonette was appointed by the Government of Canada, and confirmed by the State Department of the U.S., to serve as Canada’s Honorary Consul for the greater St. Louis area. In this role, Sonette interacts with local businesses, chambers of commerce and government officials to identify opportunities for collaboration and trade between Canada and Missouri, particularly in the agriculture, biotech, energy and service sectors.
Sonette serves on the Board of Directors for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and as a Trustee of the Federal Practice Memorial Trust for the Eastern District of Missouri.
Sonette earned her J.D. from Emory University School of Law, where she also obtained a Certificate in Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization. Sonette earned a B.A. in Criminology and Political Science from the University of Toronto.