Pamela J. Bernard

Vice President and General Counsel

Pamela J. Bernard is responsible for overseeing a variety of legal issues relating to student and employment matters, health law, research, taxation, insurance, athletics, corporate and transactional matters, governance, and liability issues for both Duke University and Duke University Health System. Bernard is a past President of the National Association of College & University Attorneys and was awarded NACUA’s Distinguished Service Award for her leadership and contributions to the field of higher education law practice.

Bernard serves or has served on numerous national committees or task forces over the past three decades, including the Association of American Governing Boards, the American Association of Research Universities, the American Bar Association, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. She is a frequent speaker on legal issues and has authored numerous papers and other publications relating to higher education law and policy.

Bernard received her Juris Doctorate and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Florida, where she became Vice President & General Counsel in 2001. She held that position until coming to Duke in 2006. Before becoming a lawyer, she was a private investment trustee.