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Biography
Sujata Gibson is a veteran civil rights attorney and advocate. Outside her role as a dedicated member of the Cornell community, Gibson serves as the principal attorney at The Gibson Law Firm, PLLC, a boutique firm specializing in civil rights litigation, with an emphasis on First Amendment impact litigation and movement law.
With over a decade of experience litigating in state and federal courts, Gibson began her legal career as an Associate at the D.C. office of Crowell & Moring, LLP. There, she honed her expertise in fraud investigation, government contracts, and civil and criminal litigation. In 2011, driven by a desire to prioritize family and community, Gibson returned to her roots in Ithaca, New York, establishing a solo practice which later evolved into The Gibson Law Firm, PLLC. In the firm's inaugural year, it was honored with the title of "Best Law Firm in Ithaca."
Gibson served as lead counsel for the “We Are Seneca Lake” environmental protest movement from 2014 to 2017. During this time, she successfully defended over 650 protesters against charges of trespass and disorderly conduct. Since then, Gibson has continued to champion various movements and causes, representing thousands of protesters and activists and serving as a national resource for nonviolent movements.
Recognizing the importance of education and empowerment, Gibson founded and continues to teach the Cornell Protest Defense Practicum, one of the first law school clinical education programs in the nation dedicated to representing and defending protesters. Additionally, she has taught seminar classes at the law school and frequently engages in speaking engagements and panel discussions on civil rights litigation, constitutional law, and the indispensable role of nonviolent civil disobedience in fostering a robust democracy.
Beyond her legal endeavors, Gibson is deeply involved in numerous organizations dedicated to advancing justice and equality. She proudly serves on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Bar of the State of New York, where she co-chairs the Judiciary/Courts committee. Additionally, she is a valued member of the Board of Directors of Black Hands Universal and New York Teachers for Choice and serves as advisory counsel to numerous other organizations.
Prior to becoming an attorney, Gibson’s passion for social justice led her to serve as a lead organizer for the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees, where she spearheaded successful union campaigns across North America.
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