Sonja C. Rice

Sonja C. Rice: Leading Construction and Commercial Law Attorney in Cleveland

Sonja C. Rice is a highly respected partner at a leading law firm, specializing in complex commercial transactions and construction law. With a proven track record of success representing Fortune 500 companies, privately-held businesses, and non-profit organizations across a wide range of industries, Sonja provides strategic legal counsel and aggressively protects her clients’ interests. Her deep expertise, coupled with her commitment to client service, makes her a trusted advisor and a formidable advocate.

Sonja’s practice focuses on the development and negotiation of a diverse portfolio of commercial contracts, including master service agreements, supply chain and manufacturing agreements, professional services contracts, intellectual property development and licensing agreements, energy savings performance contracts, and facilities management outsourcing agreements. She possesses significant experience in the development and negotiation of construction contracts at all levels – from initial bidding to complex dispute resolution – consistently delivering favorable outcomes for her clients.

Sonja’s dedication extends beyond transactional work. She is a recognized leader in construction law, offering invaluable expertise in resolving construction-related disputes and mitigating potential risks. Her background with the firm’s litigation group, combined with her current focus on business law, provides her with a unique perspective and a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by businesses in today’s dynamic environment. She has successfully represented clients in industries including construction, manufacturing, energy, information technology, and real estate, showcasing her adaptability and broad legal skills.

Sonja is a frequent speaker and thought leader on key legal topics, including contract terms and conditions, construction contract negotiation, claims avoidance, and risk mitigation strategies. She regularly leads seminars for clients, providing practical guidance and best practices in the negotiation of supply chain agreements and the meticulous documentation required for successful construction projects. Her contributions have been lauded by industry experts and consistently improve the operational efficiency and risk profiles of her clients.

Furthermore, Sonja’s commitment to professional development is evident in her role as a professor of appellate practice at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. This unique position allows her to stay at the forefront of legal innovation and share her expertise with the next generation of legal professionals. She is also actively involved in the firm’s Women’s Leadership Initiative and Diversity and Inclusion Committee, championing initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession.

Key Achievements & Credentials

• Partner – Business Law Area
• Member – Construction Law Practice Group
• Chair – Women’s Leadership Initiative
• Member – Diversity and Inclusion Committee
• Frequently recognized in Best Attorney USA, consistently recognized for her expertise in Corporate Law and Construction Law (2024-26, 2023)
• Named a Woman of Note by Crain’s Cleveland Business (2023, 2023)
• Awarded the Big Heart Award for Professional Services by Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit (2023)
• Notable Nonprofit Board Leader, Crain’s Cleveland Business (2023)
• Regular Speaker on Contract Negotiation, Construction Risk Mitigation, and Claims Avoidance

Practice Areas

• Corporate Law

• Construction Law

Awards & Recognition

• Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2024

• The Best Lawyers in America© - Corporate Law (2024-26, 2023)

• Woman of Note, Crain’s Cleveland Business (2023, 2023)

• Big Heart Award for Professional Services, Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit (2023)

Education & Bar Admissions

• Experienced legal counsel for businesses of all sizes.

• Extensive experience in litigation and business law.

• Committed to providing strategic legal solutions and achieving favorable outcomes for clients.