In 2012, Florida Governor Rick Scott appointed Sonderling to serve as a Commissioner on the 4th District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission.

[11] As Deputy Administrator, Sonderling oversaw enforcement, outreach, regulatory work, strategic planning, performance management, communications, and stakeholder engagement.

[12][13] Sonderling oversaw the development and publication of large-scale deregulatory rules, authored numerous Opinion Letters,[14] Field Assistance Bulletins, and All Agency Memorandums.

[15] While serving as Acting Administrator, Sonderling issued an Opinion Letter regarding the Department's first-ever legal analysis of the gig economy.

[23] On June 3, 2020, the United States Senate Health Education Labor and Pension Committee, by unanimous consent, favorably reported his nomination.

[26] During his tenure at the EEOC, Commissioner Sonderling’s highest priority was ensuring that AI-informed employment technologies are designed and deployed in ways that comply with longstanding laws.

Commissioner Sonderling published numerous articles and speaks globally on the benefits and potential harms of using artificial intelligence-based technology in the workplace.