She has handled the defense of complex product liability cases for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers as national, regional and local counsel in both state and federal courts throughout the United States, including class actions, coordinated proceedings and multi-district litigations.  Sonja's successes include summary judgments and obtaining dismissal of class allegations in a variety of litigation matters.  Her most recent trial ended with a defense judgment entered in favor of her medical device manufacturer client. 

Sonja was featured in the American Lawyer in January 2010 when Reed Smith was honored with the Product Liability Department of the Year Award.  Each year from 2003 through 2009, during which time she served as managing partner of Reed Smith's largest office in the Bay Area, Sonja was recognized by the San Francisco Business Times as one of the Bay Area's 100 Most Influential Women in Business.