As Chapman continues its momentum, so too does the Office of General Counsel as it adds experienced legal leadership to support the university’s evolving needs.
Chapman is proud to welcome Keith Dobyns ’02, an accomplished higher education attorney and Chapman alumnus who began his role on April 27 as senior associate general counsel. Dobyns joins a team led by General Counsel Hima Vatti that provides expert legal guidance and strategic support on matters across the institution, from employment and policy development to research compliance, student and faculty affairs, and contracts.
Dobyns brings more than 18 years of experience in higher education and public sector law, including advising complex, multi-campus systems. His return to Chapman also marks a full-circle moment: he earned his bachelor’s degree in legal studies and minor in economics at the university before completing his juris doctor at the UCLA School of Law.
“We are thrilled to welcome Keith, who will be an incredible asset to the Chapman Family,” Vatti said. “During a national search for this role, Keith stood out because he understands the university not only as a legal professional, but also as an alumnus who has experienced Chapman firsthand. He brings both expertise and a strong sense of purpose to this role, which will benefit our community.”
Before joining Chapman, Dobyns served as general counsel for Riverside Community College District, where he supported a three-college system of more than 35,000 students. In that role, he advised the Board of Trustees and chancellor on governance, compliance, policy development, and employment matters, including leading Title IX, ADA, and FERPA compliance initiatives. Additionally, he has managed enterprise and policy alignment projects in multi-campus institutions.
Earlier in his career, Dobyns represented colleges, school districts, and municipalities at Woodruff, Spradlin & Smart and argued cases before the Ninth Circuit as a litigator at Lynberg & Watkins. He also worked at the California Court of Appeal Fourth District and interned in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Dobyns joins a skilled team that welcomed fellow Senior Associate General Counsel Meredith Grant to Chapman last summer. Grant is a seasoned attorney with more than a decade of experience advising organizations and higher education institutions, and she has been recognized by Best Lawyers as “One to Watch” for her work in employment litigation.
A New Home for the Team
The Office of General Counsel has relocated to a new office on campus. The team can be found at 304 N. Glassell starting on Monday, May 4.
Photos by Andrew Castro