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NCAA selects Donald Remy as general counsel and vice president of legal affairs

Donald M. Remy has been selected NCAA general counsel and vice president of legal affairs, President Mark Emmert announced today. As the Association’s chief legal officer, Remy will be a member of the senior management group and direct the NCAA’s internal and external legal teams. He currently is a partner at the global law firm Latham & Watkins, LLP, where he specializes in litigation.

“Donald’s selection resulted from an extensive national search and I found his formidable legal talents, coupled with his longstanding commitment to amateur athletics, make him the ideal candidate for serving on my team and leading the NCAA’s legal department,” said Emmert. “Indeed, Donald has made a significant impact throughout his distinguished 20-year legal career, and I am confident that he will be a valuable asset to the NCAA and its members. We are excited he is joining us and look forward to the wealth of experience, leadership and energy he brings to the job.”

Remy will oversee all aspects of the NCAA’s legal program, including litigation response, contract negotiations, and counsel to membership on Association issues. He will join the NCAA on March 14 after transitioning from his law practice in Washington, D.C.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to provide the NCAA seasoned legal counsel and strategic advice to assist in the organization’s goal to enhance the environment in which student-athletes thrive both academically and athletically,” said Remy. “It’s an honor to be part of an organization that plays such a critical role in developing and preparing our future leaders.”
Remy said his first tasks will include assessing the NCAA’s immediate and long-term legal needs and making sure that the legal department is fully servicing and supporting student-athletes, the NCAA, and member institutions.

“I believe that practical solutions to difficult legal issues should be applied to protect the best interests of the student-athlete,” Remy said. “I look forward to working closely with the many professionals on the NCAA staff and in membership to advance the mission of the Association.”

In his current law practice, Remy represents individuals and corporate clients in sophisticated investigations and proceedings involving compliance with international business statutes, works on complex civil litigation, and assists companies in disputes involving contracts with the federal government. Remy serves as Latham & Watkins’ chair of the Aerospace, Defense, & Government Services Industry Group and is a member of the Global Recruiting Committee.

He previously held positions including deputy assistant attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice; assistant to the General Counsel of the Army; law clerk to the 6th Circuit United States Court of Appeals; and senior vice president, deputy general counsel and chief compliance officer at Fannie Mae.

The Louisiana native has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Louisiana State University and a juris doctorate from the Howard University School of Law. He currently resides in Virginia, where he has been an amateur athletic coach for a decade.

Emmert also recognized Scott Bearby for his service as interim general counsel. Bearby remains as associate general counsel and managing director of legal affairs. “Scott is an exceptional and valued member of our legal affairs team, and I am grateful for his guidance and leadership during this interim period,” Emmert said.