Michael E. Norton - General Counsel and Senior Advisor for Athletics - Staff Directory

Staff Directory

Michael E. Norton

Title:
General Counsel and Senior Advisor for Athletics
Email:
Phone:
515-294-1461

Michael Norton serves as General Counsel and Senior Advisor to the President and Athletics Director on intercollegiate athletics matters. Mike provides legal advice and guidance on all matters related to athletics, including compliance with NCAA rules, contracts, litigation, as well as strategic guidance, capital project development, managing risks and responsibilities and long-term planning for Cyclone Athletics.

Mike is part of the University’s executive leadership team and provides strategic legal advice and counsel to the President, University administrators, faculty, and staff. Mike’s practice areas include University and Strategic Leadership, First Amendment & Free Speech, Risk and Compliance, Threat Management, Public Records, Data Security, Trademarks and Licensing, as well as overseeing the provision of all legal services provided to the University. Mike leads a team of attorneys who provide legal counsel and representation on a wide range of matters affecting the university.

Additionally, Mike acts as Chief Risk Officer and is responsible for the management of Environmental Health and Safety and the Department of Public Safety, which includes the ISU Police, Parking and Risk Management units.

Before joining the University in 2016, Mike was a partner in the Kansas City law firm Husch Blackwell where he served for 12 years as a leader in the firm’s higher education practice group. Before joining Husch Blackwell, he served six years as a senior associate with Jones Day, Dallas. Mike has more than 25 years of experience representing clients regarding complex legal issues including labor and employment, risk management, litigation, regulatory compliance, and governance and has had a dedicated focus on advising and representing institutions of higher education.

Mike is an active member of the Sports Lawyers Association and the National Association of College and University Attorneys and is a frequent speaker at regional and national higher education and employment conferences. He has also served on the boards of various nonprofit organizations.

Mike received a bachelor's degree in political science (1992) from the University of Utah, Salt Lake City; and Doctor of Law degree (1995) from Drake University, Des Moines. He is admitted to practice law in Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Texas and is also admitted to practice before various federal courts in those jurisdictions.