Chief Counsel, Karen RomanoOffice of Chief Counsel
Chief Counsel

Karen M. Romano

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Karen Romano joined Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education as Chief Counsel in April 2024 bringing nearly 25 years of legal experience to the office. As Chief Counsel, Karen provides legal advice to the Office of the Chancellor and the Board of Governors while overseeing the Office of Chief Counsel and Offices of University Legal Counsel.

Prior to joining the State System, Karen served as Chief Deputy Attorney General for the Civil Litigation Section of the Office of Attorney General where she led a team of 27 trial attorneys tasked with representing the Commonwealth agencies and their employees. In this role she actively advised OAG leadership on civil litigation matters and coordinated with the Governor’s Office of General Counsel and the various Commonwealth agencies to facilitate the defense of civil actions, manage risk, and develop strategies to prevent litigation. During her 8 years with the OAG, she personally served as trial counsel for the Attorney General; the Governor; the Commonwealth; and various Commonwealth agencies, officials, and employees, often handling high-profile matters with statewide importance.  Prior to entering Commonwealth service, Karen practiced in the area of civil litigation at private law firms and for a global property and casualty insurer.

Karen is a graduate of Duquesne University where she earned a B.S. in Business Administration in 1998 and a J.D. in 2001. Throughout her career, Karen has litigated cases in the majority of Pennsylvania’s state, federal, and appellate courts. She is also admitted to practice law in Ohio and West Virginia.

Why did you pursue a career in higher education?

While some of my best memories (and friends) stem from my college and law school years, a career in higher education was never really on my radar. When I was in law school, I always envisioned my career path leading to a general counsel role but, upon graduating, I fell into litigation and, later, public service. The Chief Counsel role presented a unique and exciting opportunity to assume a general counsel role while continuing a career in public service. 

What first sparked your interest in LAW?

I wanted to be a lawyer before I even knew what that meant. My dad is a lawyer and retired judge so I have been around the law my entire life. I would often take time during school breaks to observe hearings in my dad’s courtroom and I have fond memories of my cousin and I playing in his courtroom – drawing pictures on the evidence chalkboard and holding custody hearings for our Cabbage Patch Kids – when court was not in session. While I pursued a business degree in college, I never considered a career outside the legal profession.

Years of work AS AN ATTORNEY later, what keeps you motivated?

My favorite part of being a litigator has always been helping my clients through a difficult time.  I love the challenge of assessing a problem and developing a strategy to solve it.  As I have moved into more administrative legal roles, I continue to be motivated by helping my clients solve problems. Moving from a single set of case facts to big-picture issues makes the puzzle more complex and allows for more creativity in developing a strategy to solve it.

What are your top priorities as CHIEF COUNSEL?

My top priority is to ensure that the Office of Chief Counsel and Offices of University Legal Counsel are providing the highest quality legal advice to the System and universities in the most efficient way possible.  The Office of Chief Counsel and Offices of University Legal Counsel are strategic partners who can actively assist the System and universities in meeting their goals.  

What are you passionate about outside of work?

My husband and son are my biggest passions in life. I love seeing the world through my son’s eyes and watching him navigate his way through life as he grows. In my spare time I enjoy reading, jigsaw puzzles, the beach, meandering through craft shows, and Pittsburgh sports.