Corr Confidence: Vice President and Robert K. Johnson General Counsel Marianne Corr Reflects on Her Unexpected Career at Notre Dame

In the world of higher education, there are few institutions as prestigious and revered as the University of Notre Dame. Known for its storied history, academic rigor, and strong athletic programs, Notre Dame is an institution that attracts talented individuals from all over the world. One of those individuals is Marianne Corr, who has become an integral part of the university’s leadership team. As the Vice President and Robert K. Johnson General Counsel, Corr’s journey at Notre Dame has been one filled with unexpected twists, significant accomplishments, and a commitment to the values of the institution.

Her career trajectory, while deeply rooted in law and leadership, also reflects her own unique path—a path that she herself could never have predicted. From a young woman considering law as a career to a seasoned executive in the highest ranks of the university, Marianne Corr’s journey is a testament to resilience, professional growth, and the power of mentorship. As she looks back on her time at Notre Dame, Corr reflects on how she found her calling and carved a space for herself in one of the most influential and prestigious universities in the world.

In this article, we take a closer look at the career of Marianne Corr, her role as Vice President and General Counsel, and how she has navigated the unexpected twists and turns that led her to become a trusted leader at Notre Dame.

The Early Years: An Unlikely Beginning

Marianne Corr’s story is not one of following a predetermined path. Instead, it is a narrative that evolved through a series of unexpected opportunities and moments of self-discovery. Growing up in a family where the law was not a prominent career choice, Corr was initially uncertain about what she wanted to do with her life. Her decision to pursue a legal career, however, was largely shaped by her desire to engage with critical thinking and problem-solving.

During her undergraduate years, Corr attended DePauw University, where she majored in English and History. While her studies were intellectually stimulating, she found herself drawn to the challenges of law and its ability to influence real-world change. As an undergraduate, she became involved in debates, discussions, and organizations that honed her analytical skills and reinforced her growing interest in the law. Little did she know that her undergraduate years would set the foundation for a career that would eventually lead her to the top echelons of Notre Dame’s administration.

After graduation, Corr went on to earn her J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School. It was at this point that her career took its first major turn. Although she had always had an interest in law, she hadn’t yet fully grasped how to apply that passion in the context of a higher education institution. After law school, Corr worked at prominent law firms, gaining valuable experience in corporate law and litigation. However, her journey toward higher education law was still in its early stages. Her move to Notre Dame, in many ways, was unexpected—she never envisioned working in a university setting, much less rising to a key administrative position at a school as prestigious as Notre Dame.

A Shift Toward Higher Education

Corr’s entry into higher education law was not something she had planned for. Her first job at Notre Dame came as a result of a fortuitous series of events that ultimately led her to the university. She had known a few people within the institution and was intrigued by the idea of working in a university setting. At the time, she was working in private legal practice, but she soon realized that she was yearning for a career with more personal and institutional impact. Her transition from private practice to academia would be the first of many surprises in her career.

In 2002, Notre Dame offered her a position as Associate General Counsel. The move marked a shift from corporate law to the unique complexities of legal matters in higher education. At that time, the university was facing many challenges, from addressing legal issues related to faculty and staff to managing legal risks that arose from the university’s involvement in numerous research projects, legal cases, and student affairs. The role required a diverse skill set—ranging from regulatory compliance to intellectual property—and provided Corr with an exciting opportunity to grow in new directions.

As Associate General Counsel, Corr quickly proved her abilities to handle complex legal issues and develop creative solutions. Her work spanned across various areas, but her ability to address the challenges of governance, risk management, and compliance made her an invaluable asset to the university. What began as a seemingly small opportunity would evolve into a career of significant leadership and influence.

Becoming Vice President and General Counsel

Over time, Corr’s contributions to the university did not go unnoticed. In 2014, she was named the Robert K. Johnson General Counsel, a role that elevated her to one of the highest positions at Notre Dame. In this capacity, she serves as the chief legal advisor to the university’s administration and board of trustees, and she plays a central role in shaping the institution’s legal and governance strategy. Her responsibilities extend far beyond just legal counsel—she is involved in strategic decision-making, risk management, and guiding Notre Dame through complex legal challenges in an ever-changing landscape of higher education law.

As General Counsel, Corr has overseen several high-profile legal matters at the university, including managing issues related to contracts, student rights, faculty disputes, and regulatory compliance. She has worked alongside university leaders to help navigate legal challenges, providing them with the tools and insights needed to make informed decisions that align with Notre Dame’s values and mission.

Her rise to this position has been accompanied by a deepening of her connection to the university and its mission. For Corr, Notre Dame is not just an employer—it is a community that shares her commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and faith. She has often spoken about how much she values the university’s Catholic identity and how this identity informs the way in which legal matters are handled at Notre Dame. Her ability to balance legal pragmatism with the university’s values has made her a trusted voice in institutional decision-making.

One of Corr’s notable contributions has been her role in managing and mitigating legal risks associated with Notre Dame’s complex research initiatives. As a research institution, Notre Dame regularly engages in collaborations with corporations, government agencies, and other universities. Each of these partnerships brings with it a unique set of legal challenges, and Corr has been instrumental in managing these partnerships while safeguarding the university’s interests. Her work in this area has helped ensure that Notre Dame remains a leader in academic research and a respected institution in higher education.

The Challenges of Being a Woman in Leadership

Corr’s journey to the top has not been without its challenges, and her success is especially noteworthy in the context of her position as a woman in a high-level leadership role. In the traditionally male-dominated world of university administration and higher education law, Corr has had to prove herself time and again. However, she is quick to credit the mentorship she has received over the years, as well as the strong support networks that have enabled her to thrive in an environment that can sometimes be difficult for women.

She has spoken openly about how she navigated the challenges of being one of the few women in senior leadership positions at Notre Dame and in the broader higher education landscape. For Corr, the key to overcoming these challenges has been developing a sense of self-confidence and leaning on the support of mentors who have helped her grow both personally and professionally. She also recognizes the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for future generations of female leaders.

Her position as the Vice President and General Counsel at Notre Dame serves as a beacon of possibility for other women in higher education and law. Through her leadership, Corr has been able to break down barriers and pave the way for others to follow in her footsteps. Her success story is one of resilience, hard work, and a commitment to both her personal and professional values.

The Role of Legal Counsel in Higher Education

As General Counsel, Corr plays a critical role in navigating the complex world of higher education law, where legal issues can touch on a wide range of topics, from student and faculty rights to regulatory compliance and institutional governance. Higher education law is an ever-evolving field, and institutions like Notre Dame must stay ahead of emerging legal issues, such as data privacy, Title IX compliance, and intellectual property.

For Corr, one of the most rewarding aspects of her work is the opportunity to shape and influence policies that have a direct impact on students, faculty, and staff. Her legal expertise extends beyond just the handling of litigation—it involves helping to create a supportive and legally sound framework in which the university can continue to thrive academically and ethically.

Looking to the Future

As Marianne Corr reflects on her unexpected career at Notre Dame, she remains committed to the mission of the university and to the values that have guided her throughout her life. With a clear vision of how legal counsel can support the university’s academic, administrative, and financial goals, Corr continues to be a vital leader at Notre Dame.

Her journey—from law school to becoming one of the most influential legal minds in higher education—serves as a reminder of the power of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of having mentors and a strong community. Looking to the future, Corr is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for both herself and the university. Her leadership will undoubtedly continue to guide Notre Dame through the ever-changing landscape of higher education, helping the university navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and continue its tradition of excellence.

As Notre Dame moves forward into the future, Marianne Corr’s legacy will be one of influence, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the values that make the university one of the most respected institutions in the world.