Cynthia Randall

Assistant General Counsel, Microsoft

Class Year

1986

Professional Background

Litigation attorney; previous employers include Dechert LLP, Verizon, Cigna and Saul Ewing LLP

How has being an English graduate from Duke University help shape your professional success?

Winning in litigation depends on persuading others, often in writing, of the merit of my company's position. As an English major, I learned how to support a theory with evidence and to argue it clearly, concisely and compellingly, which skills I use every day. I also learned to respect diversity of opinion and to enjoy debate with other strong minds, because real debate leads to better analysis and writing. Studying great literature also made me more empathetic to the dilemmas of my fellow humans, which certainly helps in resolving disputes.

Cynthia Randall