Sona De ’92 was one of four alumni to receive the 2026 Alumni Legacy Awards at the Chemistry & Biochemistry Departmental Awards Ceremony on June 9.

De is a nationally recognized trial lawyer and litigation partner at a major global law firm. Over the course of her accomplished career, she has helped shape some of the most influential intellectual property disputes in the life sciences. After earning her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, De worked in the pharmaceutical industry before receiving her J.D. from USC in 1997. She has secured victories in landmark cases that are widely reported in the press and received numerous recognitions, including The National Law Journal’s “Verdicts Hall of Fame,” The American Lawyer’s “Litigator of the Week” and three LMG patent “Impact Case of the Year” awards. She is a frequent invited speaker at legal conferences and has authored articles on significant developments in law.

In addition to her high-stakes litigation practice, De is deeply committed to pro bono advocacy. She has represented veterans and survivors of domestic violence and collaborated with nonprofit organizations to advance vital social causes. Most recently, she led a groundbreaking civil rights trial, securing a historic verdict that found senior New York state prison officials in violation of the U.S. Constitution’s Eighth Amendment for subjecting a prisoner to prolonged solitary confinement.

Her remarkable career reflects the lasting influence of her UCLA education, beautifully demonstrating how a foundation in biochemistry can drive innovation, leadership and meaningful impact across industries and communities.