Sonya Goykhman

Director at Starbucks | Advisory Board Member | Speaker

Seattle, Washington, United States

About

Strategic litigation and enterprise risk executive with 18+ years building and scaling high-performing legal functions for Fortune 200 companies. I’m known for sharp judgment, operational discipline, and turning complex risk into competitive advantage. I’ve led companies through high-stakes moments — rapid global expansion, crisis response, and the responsible deployment of AI at scale. Along the way, I’ve modernized litigation programs, rebuilt outside counsel ecosystems, and rewired legal operations to deliver better outcomes at lower cost. I operate as a true business partner, working closely with the C-suite, Risk, Finance, Engineering, QA, and Operations to ensure legal strategy advances enterprise priorities. But what I’m proudest of is the teams I’ve built. Developing talent, sharpening judgment under pressure, and giving people the confidence to lead in moments that matter — that’s the work that fills my cup (and a Starbucks brown sugar caramel latte).

Experience

  • Starbucks (Seattle, Washington, United States)
    • Director, Managing Corporate Counsel
      Feb 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 5 mos

      Lead global litigation strategy and manage risk for an iconic consumer brand.

    • Corporate Counsel
      May 2016 - Feb 2021 · 4 yrs 10 mos

      Managed nationwide litigation portfolio spanning commercial, consumer class action, product liability, discrimination, and tort disputes.

  • Member, Client Advisory Board at ALFA International - The Global Legal Network
    Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

  • Trial Attorney at Wilson Smith Cochran Dickerson
    Feb 2014 - May 2016 · 2 yrs 4 mos

  • Attorney at Gardner Trabolsi & Associates
    Jun 2011 - Feb 2014 · 2 yrs 9 mos

  • Deputy Prosecuting Attorney at King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
    Jul 2010 - Jun 2011 · 1 yr