Sohini Chatterjee is an accomplished international attorney. From these high-impact roles in the U.S. federal government and in academia, she has made tremendous contributions to the field of international law. Chatterjee was previously a senior appointee under both Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Through that role, she had a major impact on foreign policy and shaped legal frameworks themselves. Her deep career experience underscores her commitment to advancing equity and justice at home and across the globe.
Chatterjee’s legal experience covers a wide range of international law, including human rights, international trade, and security. Her recent time in public service provided her access to help shape transformative policies that will combat the greatest challenges we face globally. She worked very well with the governor, lieutenant governor and top officials. Together, they crafted legal strategies that further real international cooperation and respect the rule of law.
In addition to her governmental work, Chatterjee has shared her expertise as a former adjunct professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. In this role, she taught would-be attorneys and policymakers about the challenges and intricacies of international law. Her passion compels her to prepare the next generation of innovators with skillsets and mindsets that will allow them to flourish in today’s ever-disruptive global economy.
Chatterjee’s academic and professional pursuits have lined her up as a national authority on her field. Her advice has shaped conversations around key problems like climate change, global security, and protections for human rights defenders. By combining practical experience with academic rigor, she has fostered a deeper understanding of how international law impacts various aspects of society.
Her career path serves as an example of how varied experiences can mold the next generation of talented and effective legal advocates. By entering high-level government positions and spending time in communities with students, Chatterjee has created a bridge between theory and practice. Her experience in both arenas empowers her to lobby for legal changes that play out on both the national and international fronts.