General Counsel

NEH is a grant-making agency of the government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities.

The General Counsel serves Counselor to the Chairman and senior policy advisor responsible for rendering advice to the Chairman, Senior Deputy Chairman, management and staff of NEH. The General Counsel interprets NEH's enabling legislation, conflicts of interests and ethics questions, constitutional issues, appropriations law, civil rights law, administrative law, contracts law, laws relating to grant-making and grant management, and other matters. Major duties include: Serve as the chief legal advisor to NEH leadership, shaping agency policy and strategy. Represent NEH at the highest levels in legal negotiations and external relations. Provide executive oversight of ethics, FOIA, and advisory committee programs. Direct the drafting, review, and approval of critical legal documents and agreements. Lead and develop the Office of General Counsel, managing attorneys and professional staff. Engage with senior federal and private sector stakeholders on complex legal and legislative matters.