Office of The General Counsel

Led by General Counsel Norma Leftwich, the office includes nine attorneys, four paralegals and 10 administrative personnel and oversees issues related to employment law, torts, contracts, estates, real property, federal procurements and grants, student and faculty issues, intellectual property, compliance investigations, health law, corporate governance and litigation members.

Leftwich provides counsel to Howard’s president and the Board of Trustees. She addresses all compliance issues, serving as the University’s Chief Compliance Officer with overall responsibility for Code of Conduct compliance by University officials and Board members.

Norma Leftwich, general counsel

 
“We are advisors to Howard University Hospital, its doctors, and University scientists doing research. [The General Counsel’s office] covers a variety of legal issues and that’s what makes it so exciting. You never see the same thing day-after-day,” says Leftwich.

As General Counsel, Leftwich is the first female to hold the position in Howard’s 140-year history. Leftwich earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh and her law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center. She joined the Howard University Community in 1995.

“I came to Howard University because it is the flagship HBCU in the nation. Its history and its mission are embedded in this country. It’s been such an important place for many, many generations of African Americans. And, it has been important globally as well. Howard is a very international university,” says Leftwich.

Odessa P. Jackson, deputy general counsel

The office includes nine attorneys covering different practice areas. Odessa P. Jackson, deputy general counsel, came to Howard University after working for several years as an assistant U.S. attorney. Jackson oversees litigation and handles different cases, including employment law matters. She also provides administrative oversight for the office.

Jackson, who has been at Howard since 2004, says, “Coming to Howard was the best thing that ever happened to me. I work in the premier HBCU. I love looking at people of color every day. It makes me happy to see the things we have accomplished. This is the best career move I could have made.”

John Gloster, associate general counsel

Associate General Counsel John Gloster has been at Howard for almost a year, after leaving the private sector. He joined the Office of the General Counsel because he says, “I’ve always wanted to contribute to uplifting our people and I want to be a part of helping to protect Howard’s reputation. I find working at Howard extremely rewarding.”

Gloster’s practice areas include contracts and business affairs. He also manages issues of intellectual property, which include patents, trademarks and copyrights. Gloster is also working to establish and protect Howard’s brand.

Leroy T. Jenkins, Jr. senior associate general counsel

Leroy T. Jenkins, Jr., senior associate general counsel, has been with Howard for more than 11 years. Jenkins handles legal issues related to employment and labor. He has collective bargaining power to negotiate with the University’s unions and to act as an arbitrator, and he also oversees legal issues that arise in the faculty and student populations.

“Howard has provided me with opportunities for growth and a broad variety of experiences,” says Jenkins.

In addition to its many talented attorneys and the incredible support staff who provide the administrative manpower, the office employs several School of Law students for internships and clerkships. “I think it’s important to provide those types of opportunities for our students,” says Leftwich.