Syracuse University appoints Barclay Damon attorney to serve as general counsel

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Barclay Damon LLP says Syracuse University has selected attorney Gabe Nugent for the role of senior VP and general counsel.

Nugent had been serving as the university’s deputy general counsel and succeeds Dan French in the role.

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, the firm said in a release. French has returned to practicing law full time at Barclay Damon.

In his new, expanded role at Syracuse University, Nugent will depart Barclay Damon, the firm noted.

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.

“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 release. “We are so thankful to have worked alongside Gabe and wish him well in this next chapter of his career.”

During his 17-year tenure at Barclay Damon, Nugent has 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.

“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.”