MLA Has Been Exclusively Retained by the Museum of Modern Art to Find its Next General Counsel

Hanover, MD (April 28, 2020) — Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA), the world's leading legal search firm, today announced that it has been retained by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to recruit its new general counsel. Sheri Michaels, partner in New York, and Melba Hughes, partner & National In-House Diversity Practice Leader in Atlanta, both with MLA’s In-House Counsel Recruiting team, are leading the search.

MoMA’s general counsel will serve as the principal legal officer for the museum, with overall responsibility for the leadership of its legal function, overseeing the multi-faceted, diversified and complex legal affairs of the institution. Reporting to the director, the general counsel will provide legal advice and counsel to the director, the chief operating officer, the senior deputy directors, the chief curators, the board of trustees and other members of the MoMA community on a broad and diverse range of legal matters. The general counsel will be expected to passionately support the cultural components of the museum.

“We are honored and privileged to partner with the Museum of Modern Art on this strategic search for its next general counsel,” said Sheri Michaels. “Given the breadth of issues facing MoMA, a broad-based, generalist capacity and background will be vital to supporting the diversified legal issues facing the institution.”

“While technical legal skills are essential, the successful candidate’s personal fit is critical to the success of the role and MoMA,” added Melba Hughes. “Consistent with MLA’s commitment to diversity & inclusion, we are targeting diverse candidates who fit with our client’s hiring objectives.”