Office of University Counsel Broadens Capacity to Serve University Legal Needs

The Office of University Counsel, led by University General Counsel Daniel French, recently added two new attorneys to the office’s staff.

Abby Perer joined the office in November as associate general counsel for litigation and compliance. Jennifer Gavilondo joined this month as associate general counsel for international services.

The Office of University Counsel, located in Crouse-Hinds Hall, has been led by French since July 2014. In addition to Perer and Gavilondo, the office staff includes Gabe Nugent, deputy general counsel; Ellen Hemmerlein, associate general counsel for business affairs and real estate; Alison Waters, paralegal; and Souher Cosselman, administrative specialist.

The office provides legal advice and services to University leaders and the campus community on matters ranging from federal and state laws and regulations to strategic and public policy issues affecting the University. With its services, the office facilitates the efforts advancing the mission and goals of the University.

Perer comes to Syracuse from the global law firm DLA Piper LLP in New York City, where she focused on litigation and investigations relating to such areas as commercial contracts, international estate disputes, and regulatory and criminal investigations.

As associate general counsel for litigation and compliance, Perer is responsible for advising and supporting University clients on a variety of matters ranging from internal compliance to pending or threatened lawsuits. In addition, Perer serves as policy administrator for the University, providing guidance on the process of creating new or revising existing policies.

Gavilondo has worked at Syracuse University for nine years, serving most recently as an immigration support and assistance associate for the Office of Academic Affairs. Prior to that, she served in a similar capacity for the Slutzker Center for International Services. In that role, she focused on a broad range of issues relating to immigration and other international matters. She will continue that focus in the Office of University Counsel, providing advice and support to administrative and academic departments, faculty, and staff on issues relating to immigration, visa services, international hiring and foreign national employees.

Prior to joining the University, Gavilondo worked in private practice in Massachusetts and served as an assistant attorney general for the State of New Hampshire.