Ravi Puri, ’99, graduated from Oregon State University with a B.S. in philosophy and a minor in business. Since then, he has earned his J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School and built a career at the intersection of business, technology and the law. He now serves as Senior Director and Assistant General Counsel at SanDisk, where he supports product development, marketing, sales and e‑commerce teams in launching innovative data‑storage products, with a focus on business law, product compliance, contracts and regulatory matters. In this Q&A, Ravi reflects on his path from the Honors College to Silicon Valley, shares what he’s reading and offers advice for students looking to translate curiosity into meaningful, adaptable careers.
Q: What are you reading lately?
The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom — Looking at ways to optimize Time, Social, Mental, Physical, and Financial Wealth with an emphasis on non-monetary wealth
Q: Can you share a little about what you’re doing now?
Since graduating from Honors College, I earned my JD at Lewis & Clark Law School and built a career in business and technology law. I started in private practice with an immigration law firm then moved into in-house legal roles with internet companies and then globally recognized consumer product brands. I also met my wife when I was at OSU and we have two young boys, ages 11 and 14 that are active in sports. We now live in Southern California and continue to attend OSU Beaver football games when they come down south.
Q: What drew you to your current path? Was there a defining moment or influence?
A defining moment for me is in third grade when my teacher had traffic court a day earlier and then wanted to illustrate a courtroom for us. So, he created a fake case for us to act out where I played an attorney defending someone that had stolen a bird. That brief intro to law spurred enough curiosity to stick with me throughout my education.
Q: Looking back, what are some of your favorite experiences from your time in the Honors College?
Some of the best experiences with the Honors College were through the various colloquial classes they offer that are typically small class sizes with very unique topics. One in particular was the Far Side Entomology class where you take turns teaching each other topics related to insects while incorporating the humor found typically in Far Side comics.
Q: How did the Honors College help prepare you for where you are now?
With small class sizes, there was more interaction amongst students and the professor to help gain a deeper understanding of a topic. This also provided an easy platform to ask questions and get direct answers. The innovative students, amazing staff and leadership in the Dean’s office enable you to develop personal relationships within the small college while having full access to a large university. Beyond a career, I grew lasting relationships that I still have today.
Q: What skills, habits, or perspectives from your honors experience do you still use today?
As in-house counsel, my team is structured similar to the Honors College as we develop relationships and expertise in our small group while being part of a larger legal department with other key subject matter experts. This allows us to build talent with sufficient support from our colleagues. These ultimately helps in aligning legal strategy with broader business goals.
Q: What advice would you give current Honors College students as they think about their futures?
Given my experience with the Honors College, I encourage students to: 1) Spend time with not only students, but also Honors College staff and professors. Beyond the classroom, they can provide valuable advice and help guide your academic and professional career. 2) Enjoy the colloquial classes as they may be the most unique classes you take at OSU. 3) Participate in Honors College events to meet new people, even if you're not part of the organizing team. 4) Enjoy your time at the university and grow your knowledge and friendships that you can take with you as you go on to your career and explore the world.
Q: What’s next for you? Any upcoming goals or projects you’re excited about?
With new advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, I continue to look for ways to enhance my legal skills with helpful tools while mentoring younger professionals. Accordingly, a goal for 2026 is to evaluate the various ways AI Tools can help me be more efficient while also taking the time to educate prospective and new attorneys on new legal opportunities.
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