The mission of the Office of the General Counsel (the “OGC”) is to advance the programs and operations of HHMI by providing thoughtful, practical, and creative advice, counsel, and other services on legal, policy, and operational matters applicable to HHMI’s programs, operations, and governance. The OGC has responsibility for assuring that HHMI receives the legal advice and guidance necessary to assure that its contractual arrangements are appropriate in light of the organization’s activities and objectives and to protect the organization from undue legal and other risk.
Most of the effort of the office is concentrated in two general areas: matters arising in connection with HHMI’s research and educational programs and those arising in connection with management of HHMI’s endowment. On the program side, the OGC works closely with HHMI’s Science and Educational Programs departments and Janelia Farm Research Campus to advise on the application of federal and state laws and HHMI policies to HHMI’s research and other program activities. OGC responsibilities include the review and negotiation of agreements to which HHMI is a party for transfers of research materials to and from HHMI laboratories and for research collaborations between our scientists and those at companies.
On the investment side, the OGC advises HHMI’s investment professionals on proposed and existing investments and investment management relationships and related matters such as custodial agreements, counterparty and brokerage arrangements, securities filings, and the like.
