Sophie Rohnke

Sophie Rohnke is vice president for Legal Affairs and Government Relations, general counsel, and secretary to the Board of Trustees at SMU. As the University’s chief legal officer, she serves as a strategic advisor to the president, Board of Trustees and senior leadership on a broad range of legal, governance, regulatory and public policy matters. She oversees the Office of Legal Affairs, advancing the University’s mission while supporting institutional priorities, managing legal risk and strengthening relationships with local, state and federal policymakers.

Prior to joining SMU, Rohnke was a partner in the Dallas office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, where she represented public and private organizations in complex litigation, investigations and regulatory matters. While at Gibson Dunn, she also served as outside counsel to SMU. She advised clients across a wide range of industries on high-stakes legal issues requiring sound judgment, thoughtful analysis and practical problem-solving.

Rohnke earned a Bachelor of Arts in jurisprudence from the University of Oxford and a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School. She is admitted to practice law in Texas, New York, and England and Wales.