About Us

The staff of the Office of the General Counsel is responsible for preparation and review of University contracts and agreements and policies, representing the University in legal proceedings, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, providing legal advice to the University, and providing general support consistent with the University mission.

Staff

Karen M. Hardwick, Esq., General Counsel
Smruti Radkar, Esq. – Associate General Counsel
Alonzo Chisolm, Esq. – Assistant General Counsel
Elizabeth Thompson- Staff Assistant

Karen M. Hardwick, Esq., General Counsel

Smruti Radkar, Esq. – Associate General Counsel

As Acting General Counsel, Ms. Radkar is responsible for managing the University’s litigation before federal and District of Columbia courts, federal and local administrative agencies, and arbitrators.  In addition, Ms. Radkar handles a wide range of labor and employment matters as well as discrimination matters pending against the University.  Ms. Radkar also provides counsel on matters related to risk management, sponsored programs, student affairs, real estate transactions, contracts, and University compliance.  Ms. Radkar currently serves as the University Ethics Officer, and actively participates on the University’s Threat Assessment Team.

Prior to her employment with the University, Ms. Radkar practiced law in the private sector in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.  Her areas of practice included labor and employment law, discrimination claims, contract law, insurance defense, and litigation. Ms. Radkar is admitted to practice in the State of Maryland and in the District of Columbia. She is an active member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA), as well as the District of Columbia Bar.

Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Tulane University
Juris Doctor, George Washington University Law School

Elizabeth Thompson- Staff Assistant