Home > Legal

Legal & Compliance

WELCOME TO THE OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL AND COMPLIANCE

At Morehouse College, an institution celebrated for its tradition of fostering leadership, excellence, and moral integrity, the Office of General Counsel and Compliance is devoted to maintaining these values by offering guidance and expertise on legal, compliance and board-related issues. Our office serves as the primary source of legal counsel for the HBCU College, ensuring that Morehouse not only adheres to the highest standards of compliance and integrity but also fosters an environment where education and collegiality have room to flourish and grow.

About LEGAL & COMPLIANCE

Our Mission

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to provide comprehensive legal advice that supports the College’s goals of educating and empowering men who are committed to leadership, service, and the pursuit of excellence. We will be steadfast in our commitment in facilitating the College's mission by ensuring legal and ethical integrity in all its endeavors. By safeguarding the College against legal risks, promoting compliance, and offering proactive counsel, we will contribute to creating an environment conducive to academic and professional growth.
What We Do
What We Do

The Office of General Counsel and Compliance provides legal representation and advice to Morehouse College, its Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, and staff when acting within the scope of their employment. Our services encompass a wide range of areas, including but not limited to:
- Contract review and negotiation
- Compliance and risk management
- Employment and labor relations
- Policy development and review
- Governance and board affairs
- Intellectual property and technology transfers
- Litigation management
- Real estate and property management
- Student affairs and academic policies
- Training and Workshops
- Crisis Management
- Dispute Resolution and Litigation Avoidance
Our Commitment

OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AND INTEGRITY

Guided by the principles of integrity, excellence, and service, our office is committed to serving Morehouse College with the highest level of professionalism. We strive to be proactive, strategic partners within the College community, providing advice and counsel designed to advance Morehouse's mission while navigating the complex legal landscape of higher education.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to provide comprehensive legal advice that supports the College’s goals of educating and empowering men who are committed to leadership, service, and the pursuit of excellence. We will be steadfast in our commitment in facilitating the College's mission by ensuring legal and ethical integrity in all its endeavors. By safeguarding the College against legal risks, promoting compliance, and offering proactive counsel, we will contribute to creating an environment conducive to academic and professional growth.

What We Do

The Office of General Counsel and Compliance provides legal representation and advice to Morehouse College, its Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, and staff when acting within the scope of their employment. Our services encompass a wide range of areas, including but not limited to:

Contract review and negotiation
Compliance and risk management
Employment and labor relations
Policy development and review
Governance and board affairs
Intellectual property and technology transfers
Litigation management
Real estate and property management
Student affairs and academic policies
Training and Workshops
Crisis Management
Dispute Resolution and Litigation Avoidance

OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AND INTEGRITY

Guided by the principles of integrity, excellence, and service, our office is committed to serving Morehouse College with the highest level of professionalism. We strive to be proactive, strategic partners within the College community, providing advice and counsel designed to advance Morehouse's mission while navigating the complex legal landscape of higher education.

Additional Information

College Policies Learn More

Attorney-Client Priviledge Learn More

Notice of Nondiscrimination Learn More

Signature & Purchasing Authority Learn More

Outside Counsel Guidelines Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions Learn More

Clear Bag Policy Learn More

Meet Our General Counsel

Craig Burgess, Esq. is a seasoned litigator and trial attorney, boasting over thirty years of experience and over forty trials under his belt as first-chair counsel. He serves as General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer at Morehouse College.

Contact Information

We welcome the opportunity to assist and support the Morehouse College community in all matters of legal and compliance significance.

For legal inquiries or to learn more about the services we offer, please contact our office.

830 Westview Drive | Office of General Counsel and Compliance | Gloster Hall | Atlanta, GA 30314

Craig Burgess, Esq.

General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer craig.burgess@morehouse.edu

Deborah Lawson

Legal Operation Paralegal & Board Assistant

deborah.lawson@morehouse.edu

LaShanda Hardy

lashanda.hardy@morehouse.edu

Quick Links

This page is intended to serve as a resource to enhance understanding and compliance with the attorney-client privilege at Morehouse College. It is not a substitute for professional legal advice.

Admitted Students

Alumni

About Research

Calendars

News & Information

Marketing & Communications

Legal & Compliance

WELCOME TO THE OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL AND COMPLIANCE

About LEGAL & COMPLIANCE

OUR MISSION

What We Do

OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AND INTEGRITY

OUR MISSION

What We Do

OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AND INTEGRITY

Additional Information

Meet Our General Counsel

Contact Information

Quick Links