MLA Has Been Exclusively Retained by The Smithsonian Institution to Find Its Next General Counsel

Hanover, MD (April 11, 2023) — Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA), the world's leading legal search firm, today announced that it has been retained by The Smithsonian Institution to recruit its next general counsel. Deborah Ben-Canaan, partner and senior practice leader, Stephanie Crosse, director, and Christopher Williams, director, all with MLA’s In-House Counsel Recruiting team, are conducting the search.

“We are honored and privileged to partner with The Smithsonian on this very important search for its next General Counsel,” said Deborah-Ben-Canaan. “Because of the stature and complexity of The Smithsonian, it will be vital to identify an exceptional leader and professional with a solid and broad-based understanding of matters related to large academic institutions, complex corporations, nonprofit institutions or the federal government. Experience serving in a prominent leadership role and working effectively with various constituencies, including the executive branch, Congress, and the nonprofit and business communities, will be a clear advantage.”

Founded in 1846 with funds from the Englishman James Smithson (1765–1829), The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums, multiple world-renowned scientific research institutes, and the National Zoo.  The Smithsonian shapes the future by preserving and explaining our cultural heritage, leading scientific discoveries in astrophysics, biodiversity, and zoology, and sharing its resources with the world.