Genova Burns LLC proudly announces that Christine Ann Soto, a nationally recognized education equity advocate and accomplished general counsel, has joined the firm as Of Counsel.

With more than two decades of experience across government, higher education, and private practice, Soto has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to boards, presidents, and senior leadership teams. Most recently, she served as General Counsel of Essex County College, where she resolved complex litigation, co-led labor negotiations, modernized Title IX compliance, and oversaw legal strategy for a $60 million capital project.

Her public service includes executive leadership at the New Jersey Department of Education, where she provided statewide legal guidance and served as Acting Director of the Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance. She has also counseled large urban school districts as a private practitioner, founded her own education law firm, and represented families in special education and guardianship matters.

“Christine brings a remarkable combination of public-sector insight, higher education experience, and unwavering commitment to equity in education,” said Angelo J. Genova, Esq., Chairman and co-founder of Genova Burns LLC. “Her depth of knowledge and proven leadership will be invaluable to our clients across the region.”

A frequent presenter on education law, employment compliance, and equity policy, Soto has been recognized on Insider NJ’s Annual Women’s Power List, named a ROI-NJ Influencer in Women in Business, and honored by the Essex County Bar Association and Executive Women of New Jersey. In 2023, she was also a finalist for appointment as an Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court.

Fluent in Spanish and deeply engaged in the community, Soto serves on the boards of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey and NJLEEP, and mentors emerging leaders through programs at the University of Pennsylvania and beyond.

“I am honored to join Genova Burns, a firm that reflects both excellence in the law and dedication to serving communities across New Jersey and the region,” Soto said. “I look forward to partnering with colleagues and clients to advance meaningful outcomes in education, employment, and governance.”

About Genova Burns LLC

Genova Burns is a full-service law firm with offices across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, known for its innovative, client-focused approach across labor, employment, bankruptcy, litigation, commercial real estate, education, and corporate law. For over 35 years, the firm has combined regional presence with national reach, serving businesses, institutions, and public entities throughout New Jersey and the Northeast.