Nugent begins expanded role as Syracuse University general counsel

Gabe Nugent, formerly with Barclay Damon LLP, is now serving in the role. Nugent had been serving as the university’s deputy general counsel and succeeds Daniel French as general counsel. 

French is a Barclay Damon partner and co-chair of the firm’s white collar & government investigations practice area and the higher-education practice area, Barclay Damon said in a July 28 release. French has returned to practicing law full time at the Syracuse–based law firm. 

As general counsel, Nugent will lead the Syracuse University Office of University Counsel (OUC). The OUC represents the university on all legal matters, including the provision of legal services and advice to the board of trustees, the chancellor, and all units and duly authorized representatives of the university. 

Nugent joined the Syracuse University community in 2014 as deputy general counsel. In this role, he was responsible for managing several complex issues for the school, including NCAA compliance and enforcement, Title IX, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and others, Syracuse University said in a July 27 announcement.

“The issues facing universities and colleges have grown more and more complex over the years,” Nugent said. “The Office of University Counsel is staffed with individuals who have broad experience and capacities, necessary to manage the ever-changing compliance environment and the federal and state regulations that govern higher education institutions. I have been proud to work alongside them and am thrilled to take on this leadership position.”

During his 17-year tenure at Barclay Damon, Nugent made administrative contributions that include serving alongside French as the co-chair of the white collar & government investigations practice area since 2012, as the former managing director of the firm’s Syracuse office and a member of the management committee, and as leader of the commercial litigation practice group.

“It is with great pride and sincerest congratulations that we share that Gabe will be starting this new role,” Connie Cahill, Barclay Damon’s managing partner, said in the firm’s release. “We are so thankful to have worked alongside Gabe and wish him well in this next chapter of his career.”

In the Barclay Damon announcement, Nugent acknowledged French and his time at the law firm.

“I am honored and excited to step into this role, though I certainly have big shoes to fill in the wake of Dan’s distinguished service.” Nugent said. “Although it is with great nostalgia that I depart from Barclay Damon, I know that I’m leaving the firm’s robust Higher Education Team in a very strong position to continue providing outstanding legal service to an already distinguished and growing list of higher education clients.”