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Chowdhury, Lora

Lora Chowdhury

Pro Bono Counsel
  • Commercial Litigation and Disputes

Biography

LORA CHOWDHURY leads initiatives to expand access to justice and protect the rights of vulnerable populations. She oversees and coordinates the firm’s pro bono program across its Texas and California offices, collaborating with attorneys, clients, and community partners to develop and sustain high-impact legal advocacy.

Lora maintains an active pro bono practice with a focus on human rights, representing children and families in complex, high-stakes matters, particularly in the immigration and juvenile justice contexts. She regularly partners with organizations such as Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) to advocate for unaccompanied immigrant children, securing Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and other forms of humanitarian relief. Lora's work often intersects with global human rights issues, including cross-border migration and international protection frameworks.

In addition to her casework, Lora works closely with firm leadership and external stakeholders to expand pro bono opportunities, strengthen partnerships with legal services organizations, and foster a culture of community service across offices. She also supports the development of pro bono initiatives that align with the firm’s global platform, helping connect U.S.-based efforts with international collaborations.

Lora's prior experience as a commercial litigation associate at Sidley equipped her with strong substantive legal and case management skills in critical, high-stakes matters, including bet-the-company litigation, and informs her ability to build strong relationships across practice groups and mobilize attorneys in support of pro bono efforts.

Before joining Sidley, Lora clerked for the Honorable David Hittner of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. She received her J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School, her LL.M. in human rights law from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and her B.A. in economics from the University of Texas at Austin.

Community Involvement

Membership & Activities

 

  • Dallas Women Lawyers Association
  • Dallas South Asian Bar Association
  • Dallas Young Lawyers Association
  • Dallas Muslim Bar Association
  • Higginbotham Inn of Court (2021–2022)

Credentials

Admissions & Certifications
  • U.S. District Court, E.D. of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, W.D. of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, N.D. of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, S.D. of Texas
  • Texas
Education
  • London School of Economics and Political Science, LL.M., 2024, Distinction
  • Vanderbilt University Law School, J.D., 2017, Dean’s List
  • University of Texas at Austin, B.A., 2014, University Honors
Clerkships
  • David Hittner, U.S. District Court, S.D. of Texas (2017-2019)

News & Insights

  • Co-author, “Alarm.com and the Open Questions Regarding Trade Secret Claims Related To Usurpation of Corporate Opportunities,” Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance, June 29, 2021.
  • Featured in, “Litigators of the Week,” Litigation Daily by The American Lawyer, December 11, 2020.