Attorneys and Staff
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.
Contact Information
Phone: 214.768.1551
Fax: 214.768.1281
Email: srohnke@smu.edu
Assistant
Name: Diane Rives
Phone: 214.768.1903
Email: drives@smu.edu
Susan M. Howe - Attorney
Susan M. Howe joined SMU as Associate University Counsel in 2007. Prior to joining SMU, Ms. Howe served as in-house counsel for the University of Tulsa in the Office of the General Counsel, first as the Compliance Attorney and EEO/AA Officer, and subsequently as Assistant General Counsel. At the University of Tulsa College of Law, Ms. Howe completed the certificate program in Health Law and was the recipient of the CALI Award for Legal Excellence in Insurance Law.
Howe graduated from the University of Tulsa College of Law (J.D.) and the University of Tulsa (B.A.). Ms. Howe is an active member of the Texas, Oklahoma, and Dallas Bar Associations and is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA).
Contact Information
Phone: 214.768.1208
Fax: 214.768.1281
Email: showe@smu.edu
Assistant
Name: Alyssa Mooney
Phone: 214.768.1205
Email: amooney@smu.edu
Kelly J. Thurman - Attorney
Kelly J. Thurman joined SMU as Associate University Counsel in June 2015. Prior to joining SMU, Ms. Thurman served as in-house counsel for international law firm Locke Lord LLP, first as Employment Counsel and Director of Benefits and Compensation, and subsequently as Employment Counsel and Director of Compensation. Before taking on an in-house role, Ms. Thurman was in private practice with Locke Lord from 1998 through 2007 as an Associate, and from 2008 through August 2012 as a Partner. Ms. Thurman was named to D Magazine’s Best Women Lawyers in Dallas in 2010. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Thurman worked as a Real Estate Paralegal for Locke Purnell Rain Harrell.
Ms. Thurman graduated from the Texas Tech University School of Law (J.D., 1998 summa cum laude), and the University of Texas at Arlington (B.A. in Criminal Justice, 1992 cum laude). At the Texas Tech University School of Law, Ms. Thurman was appointed to the Order of the Coif and served as the President of Women in Law from 1996-1997. She is a member of the Texas Bar and is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA).
Contact Information
Phone: 214.768.1309
Fax: 214.768.1281
Email: kthurman@smu.edu
Assistant
Name: Alyssa Mooney
Phone: 214.768.1205
Email: amooney@smu.edu
Donna Morrow - Attorney
Donna Morrow joined SMU’s Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) as Associate University Counsel in 2022. Prior to joining SMU, Donna was corporate counsel for Avon Products, Inc. and Mary Kay Inc. She was also in-house counsel for the predecessor companies to Morrow Sodali Global. Earlier in her career, Donna worked with law firms in Dallas and New York City, including Thompson & Knight L.P. and Baker McKenzie.
Ms. Morrow graduated from SMU Dedman School of Law (J.D.) and St. Lawrence University (B.A.). She has been a member of the Association of Corporate Counsel and the New York State Bar. She is currently an active member of the State Bar of Texas and a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA).
Contact Information
Phone: 214.768.1204
Fax: 214.768.1281
Email: dmorrow@smu.edu
Assistant
Name: Mallory DiLeo
Phone: 214.768.3233
Email: mdileo@smu.edu
Administrative Staff
Diane Rives
Executive Assistant to the Vice President
Phone: 214.768.1903
Fax: 214.768.1281
Email: drives@smu.edu
Supports:
Paul J. Ward
Alyssa Mooney
Administrative Legal Specialist
Phone: 214.768.1205
Fax: 214.768.1281
Email: amooney@smu.edu
Supports:
Susan M. Howe
Kelly J. Thurman
Mallory DiLeo
Legal Assistant
Phone: 214.768.3233
Fax: 214.768.1281
Email: mdileo@smu.edu
Supports:
Donna Morrow