Marymount University has appointed Justin Perillo as its inaugural Vice President and General Counsel, a role in which he will serve as a key advisor on policies and strategies that will guide the institution on the best legal course to successfully execute the University’s mission. He will begin his duties on Monday, October 10.
Perillo brings nearly 20 years of experience providing strategic leadership on a broad range of issues in higher education that include intellectual property, commercial and transactional law, athletics, information systems, student matters and scientific research. Since 2014, he has served as American University’s Associate General Counsel, and held the positions of General Counsel Fellow, Staff Counsel, Senior Staff Counsel and Assistant General Counsel at the same institution during the 12 years prior. He started his career as a law clerk for the National Association of College & University Attorneys (NACUA) in Washington, D.C.
“Throughout the interview process, we were thoroughly impressed with Justin’s legal acumen and his broad and deep knowledge of a wide range of legal issues related to higher education,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University. “Over the years, he has proven himself as an indispensable expert who works collaboratively with leadership teams, deans and school directors across all organizational levels. I am confident that he will play a critical part in contributing to the success of Marymount for years to come.”
“I want to thank President Becerra and the search committee for their trust in me. I am incredibly honored and humbled by this opportunity,” Perillo said. “I look forward to working with President Becerra, joining the great leadership team she has assembled and partnering with the campus community as we continue to implement the University’s Strategic Plan.”
At Marymount, Perillo will offer legal counsel and advice to President Becerra, the Board of Trustees and the University administration through a highly strategic and collaborative approach to legal issues. He will communicate and support Marymount’s mission through legal strategy, have a tolerance for risk while supporting the University’s pursuit of research and teaching excellence, pursue innovation and development, and protect and guide Marymount towards its future goals.
“What initially drew me to Marymount was its mission-driven focus. Specifically, I was impressed with the University’s emphasis on student success, as well as its firm commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” Perillo explained. “As I met with members of the Marymount community, I was inspired by their unified passion and energy that is intensely focused on providing students with transformative experiences. I am truly excited to be a part of a collaborative community that is built on a well-defined mission and vision that guides every action.”
During his tenure at American, Perillo counseled and advised senior university officials on a regular basis while playing a critical role in the development of key strategic and policy initiatives such as the transformation of policies addressing Title IX, free expression and intellectual property. He also expanded the institution’s trademark portfolio by securing trademark protection for the university’s schools, programs and centers. In 2008, he was one of only six attorneys in higher education appointed to serve on the American Council on Education’s committee to provide comments to the U.S. Department of Education regarding a proposed FERPA amendment.
Perillo is an active member of NACUA and the Association of Corporate Counsel Washington Metropolitan Chapter. He holds J.D. and bachelor’s degrees from American University.
