A Groundbreaking Appointment in Higher Education
A Korean-American lawyer, Martha Kim (also known as Taeshin Kim), has been appointed as the new Chief Legal Officer (CLO) of Georgia State University (GSU). GSU announced her appointment on September 8 to succeed former CLO Kerry Hayward, who stepped down in February. The CLO oversees the university’s legal team, managing compliance, internal controls, and litigation support. University officials highlighted that her extensive experience in higher education and exceptional judgment will greatly contribute to GSU’s development and expanding social impact. Her official term begins on October 15.
Extensive Legal Background and Career
Martha Kim graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in political science and earned her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, subsequently practicing as a California attorney. Her university legal advisory career began at Rutgers University in New Jersey, followed by a tenure within the University of California system, before joining Stanford University as senior legal counsel in 2024. At Stanford, she advised on general employment law, faculty political activities, research misconduct, and visa issues. Her distinguished background also includes serving as a legal advisor for the Department of Defense, where she provided counsel on international law and national security.
Stepping Into a Legacy at Georgia State University
GSU’s previous CLO, Kerry Hayward, served for 25 years, playing a pivotal role in major institutional decisions such as the 2016 consolidation with Georgia Perimeter College and the acquisition of Turner Field, the former home of the Atlanta Braves. Following Hayward’s retirement announcement in February, the university’s legal team operated under an interim acting system. Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Kim stated that she was drawn to GSU’s profound impact and dedication to public education, noting that education provided her with life-changing opportunities. “I approach this role with a commitment to listening and learning,” she remarked.
