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Office of the General Counsel
  2. Attorneys
  3. Michelle Tellock

Michelle Tellock

Title: Deputy General Counsel

Michelle is a versatile attorney with strong experience supporting institutions of higher education. Before joining our team, Michelle worked in the education practice group at the international law firm Hogan Lovells, where she advised on high-profile transactional, complex litigation, government investigation, and regulatory compliance matters for universities and education-industry clients. Previously, while attending Yale Law School, Michelle served as an intern in the Yale University Office of General Counsel, where she was exposed to the depth and complexity of legal issues faced by leading research institutions and academic medical centers. Michelle is knowledgeable about the diverse legal issues facing universities, and she enjoys analyzing complex problems and working with others to develop creative solutions. She exercises strong judgment to deliver timely, clear, and concise advice to her campus partners.

Michelle currently provides strategic counsel to the university, helping navigate significant legal challenges. As part of the leadership team, Michelle supervises the management and distribution of legal work in the Office of the General Counsel- overseeing the collaborative relationships with outside counsel, and key partners across the university.

Michelle enjoys working with campus partners to anticipate and respond to complex issues that affect the university’s pursuit of excellence in scholarship, research, and service. She looks for opportunities to build upon our collective strengths, and she is committed to transparency and accountability through the provision of legal advice.

Michelle was drawn to the field of practicing law because the work encourages creative thinking and affords opportunities to help others in need. Michelle’s excitement to work alongside a team of talented lawyers is what brought her to Vanderbilt University, and she continues to be impressed by how well different groups and individuals on campus work together in service of the university community.

Awards and Professional Engagements:

  • Invited speaker at National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) compliance CLE workshop (2019).
  • Chosen to serve for several years as Assignment Coordinator for summer associates, Hogan Lovells US LLP.
  • Second Decade Society, The Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

Michelle received a Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science and Sociology, with honors, from The Johns Hopkins University and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Michelle received her Juris Doctor from Yale Law.

Michelle’s favorite spot on campus is the Steve & Judy Turner Recital Hall in the Blair School of Music, where she enjoys listening to recitals by talented students and faculty. Michelle speaks Spanish on a beginner-intermediate level, and her favorite animal is the adorable Quokka from Australia, whose smiling expression will lift your day.