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Christine Ann Soto is an accomplished leader and education attorney who makes an impact wherever she goes. With more than two decades of experience, Soto joined Essex County College (ECC) as the general counsel in 2021 after building a unique set of skills via stops in law firms, private businesses, government agencies, and her own private practice.
“I’ve been in this field for most of my career,” Soto says. “I love it because I have the opportunity every day to elevate people and communities who have traditionally been overlooked in education.”
On paper her duties as ECC’s general counsel may seem standard. Soto serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet and provides broad advice on various legal issues and leadership matters. She also leads the College’s compliance and risk management function, negotiates contracts, oversees its Title IX program, coordinates outside counsel, and provides reports to the Board of Trustees.
However, Soto’s educational vision exceeds that of a chief legal officer. She is a trusted advisor and strategic thought partner who is making her mark in higher education. When Soto joined ECC, she became the lead counsel on a $60 million infrastructure project that will help the College increase enrollment, provide additional academic opportunities, and improve student outcomes.
“I am patient with people, meet them where they are, and see each person as an individual.”
Christine Ann Soto
This year, the president of ECC tapped Soto and two of her colleagues to lead a new presidential initiative aimed at engaging, elevating and promoting the success of ECC’s Latino students. This is a key initiative for the College as ECC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with 27.1 percent of the school’s enrollment identifying as Latino.
Soto doesn’t just see herself as a community college administrator or an expert in education law. Although she certainly is both of those things, Soto is a passionate and driven advocate who is dedicated to speaking up for students, especially diverse and underrepresented students.
Soto’s life and career have put her in various places and positions. She was the executive legal affairs officer for the New Jersey Department of Education. She was also a partner and co-chair of a premier education law practice representing large urban school districts. Soto also worked in Madrid and lived in London and Chicago. Along the way, she’s navigated several personal and professional challenges.
Soto’s passion for education stems directly from these experiences. While living in England, her eldest child started experiencing developmental delays. When the family returned to the United States, they learned why—he was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome (now autism spectrum disorder.) Suddenly, Soto found herself needing to fight for him to access services in his public-school district. “I didn’t realize my desire to give a voice to people who don’t have one would start at home,” Soto says.
Soto says her parents’ story is also part of what keeps her motivated to advocate for equal access and equity in education. Her parents are from Puerto Rico and Cuba. Soto’s father wanted to earn a college degree. As a young man, Soto’s father even obtained a congressional appointment to United States Military Academy West Point. Unfortunately, he was not provided the opportunity to go. This was a hard reality for the family. “Education became the focus,” Soto says. “Your house and your money can go. However, what you know is yours. Nobody can take that from you.”
This approach to life is embedded in Soto’s advocacy and leadership style. The seasoned general counsel is fair and patient with those on her team because she often relied on the kindness of others when life events threatened to derail her own career.
“Different people need different things, and we all have very real commitments and demands outside of work,” she says. “I am patient with people, meet them where they are, and see each person as an individual.”
Soto’s unconventional career has had many twists and turns, but she’s made it work. Whenever an unexpected layoff or diagnosis came her way, Soto pivoted. She went part-time, started her own practice, stayed at home, consulted from her dining room table, and built and sold multifamily homes on the side. She would not have it any other way.
“I’ve been in this field for most of my career. I love it because I get the opportunity to elevate people and communities who have traditionally been overlooked in education.”
Christine Ann Soto
“I’ve been able to achieve many of my professional goals even if I did it later than some of my law school contemporaries,” Soto says. “That’s what I want other Latinas to know. Do whatever makes sense for you and your family. That’s what I did. It is possible. Sí, se puede”
Jackson Lewis combines local experience and national resources to deliver creative and strategic solutions for employers. Our goal is to help clients develop proactive strategies and business solutions that reduce workplace law risk. We are proud to partner with Christine and support her work at Essex County College by providing the highest level of client service and legal representation.
Walsh is a diverse team of forward-thinking attorneys providing sophisticated litigation, compliance, transactional, and alternative dispute resolution services to clients large and small. We congratulate Essex County College General Counsel, Christine A. Soto, on this well-deserved recognition. To learn more about Walsh, please visit walsh.law.
